Impact Hub Network is seeking an experienced Innovation Lead to drive the innovation agenda outlined in its 2026–2030 strategic roadmap. The role focuses on transforming successful local innovations from across the Impact Hub ecosystem into scalable, revenue-generating solutions that can be replicated globally.
This position sits within the Business Innovation Lab and reports directly to the Global Innovation & Impact Director. The Innovation Lead will collaborate with multiple teams including Business Development, Brand & Communications, and Impact Hubs across the global network.
Position Summary
The Innovation Lead will design and operationalise a structured methodology to identify, validate, codify, and replicate high-performing innovations developed within local Impact Hubs.
These innovations may include:
Products
Services
Programmatic models
Business solutions
The role is positioned as a senior systems-building and portfolio leadership position, focused on converting local success stories into scalable network-wide assets capable of generating revenue and social impact.
Vision for Innovation
Historically, innovation within the Impact Hub Network has emerged organically through entrepreneurial experimentation at local hubs. While this has resulted in many successful initiatives, replication across the network has often been inconsistent and informal.
Under the new strategic roadmap, the organisation aims to shift innovation towards a systematic, scalable, and financially sustainable model.
Key strategic shifts include:
From isolated pilots to structured replication
From local excellence to network-wide productisation
From experimentation to scalable business models
From one-off innovation to global business engines
The Innovation Lead will help build the governance systems, incentive structures, and operational frameworks required to scale successful innovations across regions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Innovation Portfolio Identification
The Innovation Lead will identify and curate high-potential innovations emerging from Impact Hubs across the network.
Responsibilities include:
Identifying products, services, and programmatic models with strong replication potential
Developing selection criteria, including:
Impact performance
Financial viability
Transferability across markets
Building and managing a portfolio of scalable solutions
Collaborating with originating hubs to define:
Intellectual property frameworks
Incentive mechanisms
Scaling strategies
2. Codification and Methodology Design
A core responsibility is to develop a structured scaling methodology that allows innovations to be replicated effectively across the network.
This includes designing:
Replication principles
Governance frameworks
Licensing or revenue-sharing models
Quality assurance standards
Incentive structures for both originating and adopting hubs
The Innovation Lead will also develop practical replication resources such as:
Playbooks
Pricing models
Delivery manuals
Training materials
These resources must ensure consistent quality across markets while allowing contextual adaptation.
3. Revenue and Business Model Development
The Innovation Lead will support the design of sustainable business models for scaling innovations.
Key responsibilities include:
Designing revenue-generating business models
Developing pricing strategies and margin structures
Aligning financial incentives between:
Originating hubs
Adopting hubs
The global network
The aim is to ensure that replicated innovations contribute meaningfully to the financial sustainability of the network.
4. Network Enablement and Governance
The role requires strong stakeholder engagement across the global Impact Hub ecosystem.
Responsibilities include:
Co-designing governance systems for innovation ownership and replication rights
Facilitating agreements between hubs
Developing communication strategies to promote network-wide adoption
Creating peer-learning mechanisms
Establishing performance monitoring and quality assurance processes
5. Impact Measurement and Learning
The Innovation Lead will collaborate with the impact measurement team to track the outcomes of replicated innovations.
This includes:
Defining impact indicators for scaled solutions
Integrating impact and revenue metrics into portfolio management
Refining the scaling methodology using evidence and lessons learned
6. Program Management
The role also includes oversight of program implementation and delivery.
Key tasks include:
Leading program design and setup
Managing capacity planning and onboarding processes
Monitoring program milestones, budgets, and financial performance
Addressing risks and operational challenges
Overseeing reporting and compliance requirements
Coordinating with account managers to ensure alignment between partnerships and delivery
Success Indicators
Within the first three years, the Global Innovation Portfolio aims to achieve:
EUR 2 million in revenue generated through replicated solutions
Three to four innovations successfully replicated across multiple regions
Adoption of a codified scaling methodology across the network
Increased revenue diversification for the network
Demonstrable impact growth linked to replicated innovations
Candidate Profile
The organisation is seeking a strategic systems thinker who understands both entrepreneurship and network governance.
Ideal candidates should be comfortable with:
Turning successful pilots into scalable business models
Designing governance and incentive frameworks
Balancing decentralised innovation with quality standards
Driving adoption across diverse cultural and regional contexts
Aligning revenue generation with social impact goals
Candidates should combine commercial acumen with a strong commitment to social impact.
Key Skills and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
8–10+ years of experience in innovation scaling, venture building, productisation, or program replication
Experience designing scalable business models
Strong knowledge of revenue modelling and financial performance tracking
Experience working in global or multicultural environments
Ability to design governance and incentive structures
Familiarity with design thinking, participatory methods, or user-centred design
Strong stakeholder facilitation and engagement skills
Analytical ability to use data for strategic decision-making
Fluency in English
Preferred qualifications include:
Experience working within venture builders or startup ecosystems
Entrepreneurial experience
Background in social innovation ecosystems or co-working networks
Employment Details
Key terms of the position include:
Position Level: Lead
Engagement: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Contract Type:
Independent contractor (outside Austria)
Employment contract (if based in Austria)
Location: Global (within GMT ±3 hours preferred)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Remuneration:
EUR 3,800 – 5,100 per month (cost to company as contractor), adjusted based on country of residence and experience.
Additional benefits include:
25 days of annual leave
Local public holidays
Monthly equipment allowance
Impact Hub membership and workspace access
Coverage of work-related expenses where applicable
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter by 19 March 2026.
Applications can be submitted:
Through the official application link, or
Via email to:
The recruitment process may include:
Two interview rounds
A short practical assessment related to the role
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
About the Organisation
Impact Hub Network is a global community of 120+ Impact Hubs operating in more than 65 countries. The network connects over 500,000 impact makers working to create inclusive and sustainable solutions through entrepreneurship.
Through collaboration with innovators, investors, corporations, and public institutions, Impact Hub supports initiatives that build businesses that benefit both people and the planet.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization seeking an Innovation Lead. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
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