The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a pioneering development research think tank that focuses on harnessing applications of science, technology and innovation policies for sustainable development in Africa. ACTS is a partner of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES). The partnership is currently undertaking a project that seeks to develop the first Specialized Outreach and Knowledge Establishment (SPOKE) in Kenya to demonstrate sustainable cold chain solutions and “Community Cooling Hubs” (CCH) and provide technical assistance to rural communities, with the potential to scale up and create a template for roll-out into other markets throughout Africa.

The SPOKE will be established at Konza Technopolis, to provide a platform for demonstrating sustainable cooling and cold chain technology and related business models as well as training/mentoring and technical assistance. Embedded as part of the SPOKE will be community cooling hubs which will be established in collaboration with identified farmers cooperatives.

ACTS is seeking an outstanding, dynamic, and self-driven candidate for the position of SPOKE Manager who will work under the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security (AFNS) Program - one of ACTS five Programs that it is currently implementing. The SPOKE Manager will be responsible for co-developing and managing the SPOKE operations, provides leadership in strategic and operational planning and management as well as delivering on an outreach and on-site training and mentoring. The manager will be in charge of the overall performance, maintenance, organizing, coordinating of the SPOKE business operations and programmes to obtain maximum efficiency, quality, service and profitability, and deliver equitable, resilient and sustainable cold-chain solutions to rural communities in Kenya.

Key responsibilities

The SPOKE Manager will be part of a larger international team that will work collaboratively to deliver on operationalizing the vision for the SPOKE. The manager will be responsible for a broad range of tasks that include:

• Be involved in developing the overall organizational and technical structure and business model of the SPOKE.
• Assist in the development and preparation of the strategy related to the technical (i.e. the cooling and cold chain systems) and business aspects of the Centre.
• Assist in the tailoring and delivery of the training, technical assistance and mentoring outreach and on-site programmes.
• Manage, direct and monitor the overall performance of the SPOKE ensuring high quality business activities with maximum quality, service and profitability.
• Involved in hiring, and responsible in supervision of various key staff in the SPOKE.
• Overall responsible for ensuring SPOKE operates in compliance with related legal/statutory, regulations, professional duties, and obligations.
• Prepares periodic reports, work plans, financial statements and records/budgets on Center activities, progress, status or other special reports for management or outside agencies.
• Evaluate Center activities for effectiveness to develop improved methods and implements; analyzes results and recommends and/or takes appropriate action.
• Drive development of systems, processes, operations and risk management procedures for the SPOKE including those related to the cooling and cold chain systems.
• Develop and lead plans for the Centre’s programmes and initiatives progress, growth and development.
• Meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) targets of the centre set by the management.
• Serves as a key liaison of the Centre with external stakeholders, able to interact and cooperate with suppliers and customers.
• Maintain and improve mechanisms for Centre activities, including surveying and measuring the operations, process, outcomes and profitability and disseminate feedback to the appropriate internal entities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Able to work independently and be a self-starter.
• Master’s degree with a combination of two of the following fields: – Mechanical/Agricultural/ Electrical Engineering/HVAC and business/finance.
• A Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with exceptional experience may be considered.
• Have a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrable work experience in management/supervisory levels.
• Experience in a temperature sensitive horticultural agribusiness or fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) firm is an added advantage (Pharma/vaccines as well would be an advantage)
• Have a working experience in cold chain sector and refrigeration systems.
• Have excellent leadership, project management, sharp analytical, and communication (writing and spoken) skills, with a drive to meet business goals and a strong understanding of customer service.
• Innovative mindset; able to come up with creative solutions and implement new ideas, make sound decisions to responsibly manage business operations.
• Is a “people-persons”, have excellent interpersonal skills and a good understanding of customer/supplier relationship management.
• Experience with budgeting, financial modelling, tracking and management, business development and related duties.
• Good understanding of business process and management, requirements and dynamics.
• Experience with value chain analysis and development, post-harvest management, and marketing systems development especially for high value agriproducts in relation to cooling and cold chain systems.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers, especially through cooperatives or farmer group structures.
• Have demonstrable experience in training / mentoring in relation to food businesses including community outreach.
• Demonstrated understanding of cold chain and cooling technologies and the opportunities for integrated and sustainable approaches to deploying them in agrifood and other interlinked sectors and the link with and supply chain development especially in value chains such as horticulture, milk, fish among others and pharma.
• Knowledge of the latest developments in advancing best practices in temperature controlled agrifood value chain and market systems development for both export and domestic markets.
• Demonstratable experience preparing and presenting detailed business/financial models in agriculture.
• Having private sector experience in the agrifood sector is a pre-requisite.
• Commitment to gender and social equality and knowledge of gender mainstreaming principles and approaches.

How to apply

The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility for renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Interested candidates should send their applications and CV along with the names of three referees by 15th July 2023 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.