DATE: 20TH - 24TH MAY 2024
VENUE: ICIPE CAMPUS, NAIROBI
The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES) is leading the way in the development and roll-out of affordable, sustainable, resilient, and equitable cooling and cold-chain solutions in the agri-food and health sectors as critical infrastructure for a functioning society. ACES is spearhead by the Governments of Rwanda and the United Kingdom; the United Nations Environment Programme; the UK's Centre for Sustainable Cooling bringing together a consortium of leading UK and international universities (Cranfield University, London South Bank University, Heriot-Watt University, University of Birmingham, VU Amsterdam, Wageningen University and Research), and the University of Rwanda and the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS).
The consortium brings extensive expertise in new product development, cold-chain, post-harvest management, renewable energy and energy storage, efficiency and carbon/energy reduction, design and performance of refrigeration equipment including off-grid in Low Medium Income Countries and related business models among others.
In collaboration with ACES, ACTS is developing the Specialized Outreach and Knowledge Establishment (SPOKE) model to showcase how solutions can be deployed in real-world applications and providing outreach learning, training and knowledge transfer and technical assistance to support local community uptake. The first SPOKE model in Africa is being developed in Kenya, implemented by ACTS in support from the ACES consortium.
In this context, ACTS is pleased to invite applications for its inaugural Foundation Training course scheduled to run from 20th to 24th May 2024. We invite dedicated individuals who are eager to enhance their knowledge and expertise in food and pharma cold chains. Prospective participants will be expected to demonstrate a firm commitment to the entirety of this Foundation course, including all scheduled activities.
2. Purpose
The aim of this course is to provide participants with a solid and comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts, skills, and knowledge within the food and pharma cold chains. The foundation course serves as a building block, preparing individuals for more advanced and specialized studies or practical applications. It will be delivered by academic and industry partner
Modules covered are
- Cold-Chains – what are they?
- Cold-Chains – why are they needed?
- Cold-Chains – environmental impacts and risks
- Cold-Chains and food/pharma – needs assessment
- Postharvest management: biology of fresh produce
- Postharvest management: pre-cooling
- Cold-chain and refrigeration techniques and refrigerant choices
- Industry training programmes
- Market connectivity: logistics including transport
- Telemetrics and data
- Measuring quality
- Cold chain requirements for the storage and transportation of vaccines
- Regulatory compliance and quality and safety control
- The business model imperative
- A site visit to showcase real-world scenarios is included in this course.
2.1 Participants
We are seeking dedicated participants from a range of stakeholders and actors including but not limited to; Government Agencies, County Governments, Farmer Cooperatives, Food production and processing industries, Manufacturers, Refrigeration Professionals, Transport Sector, Learning Institutions, Research Institutions, Policymakers, NGO and impact investors, as well as individuals interested in reducing post harvest losses and increasing the sustainability of cold chain.
3. Selection Criteria
The selection criteria for potential applicants consist of both essential and desirable qualifications as outlined below:
Essential:
- Strong proficiency and understanding of English.
- Proficiency in using computer applications, such as Word and Excel.
- Availability to actively participate in the entire training program, scheduled from 20th to 24th May 2024.
- Motivation to comprehend and establish cold-chains that contribute to both local and export markets.
- Highly valuable and desirable is the ability to identify challenges faced by smallholder farmers, traders, and all elements within the cold chain in Kenya, as well as the capability to develop practical solutions.
Desirable:
Experience in working with/supporting farmers or rural communities, demonstrated by previous connections with cooperatives and extension organizations.
4. Location and Duration of the training
The 5 day training will be held at ICIPE Campus in Kasarani, Nairobi from 20th to 24th May 2024.
5. Application Procedure
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/6P5EgFA6Dg on or before 29th April 2024, 1700Hrs EAT. For any enquiries about this call, kindly contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All data collected will be handled in line with Kenya’s Data protection Act.
ACES is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its operations. We strongly encourage women to apply.
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