The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is seeking an outstanding, dynamic, and driven candidate for the position of Refrigeration Technician to work under the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security (AFNS) Program. ACTS is a pioneering development research think tank on harnessing applications of science, technology, and innovation policies for sustainable development in Africa.

The Refrigeration Technician will support implementation of community cooling hub/Specialized Outreach and Knowledge Establishments in Kenya that is part of the African Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES). ACES first-of-its-kind Centre dedicated to sustainable, smart cold-chain, cooling, and post-harvest management (PHM) through an integrated approach.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee the management of the refrigeration facilities and training at the Centre.
• Manage maintenance plans of all refrigeration equipment at the Centre. This includes maintaining records of work carried out and documenting all remedial/repair work.
• Service and maintain equipment, troubleshooting and repair all equipment at the Centre.
• Maintain and keep updated of the inventory of all refrigeration equipment/ spare parts/ supplies and consumables at the Centre.
• Manage refrigeration training and maintenance equipment at the Centre. This includes maintaining equipment, repair and source/purchase of replacement/new components and equipment.This will include developing technical specifications for new equipment and a good understanding of electro-mechanical drawings.
• Manage all refrigeration based health and safety on the Centre.
• Develop procedures and operating instructions for refrigeration based equipment to ensure correct operation, safety and management.
• Document all activities/incidents where refrigeration equipment is installed.
• Maintain orderliness in the facilities where equipment is installed.
• Support with administrative tasks such as planning, monitoring and evaluation of the refrigeration facilities/portfolio at the Centre.
• Support when requested, refrigeration facilities off site.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Experience of working with a range of refrigerants and the associated training certificates/qualifications (i.e. HFCs, HCs, R744, A2L refrigerants).
• Hold a driving licence.

Essential experience

• At least 5 years of experience in maintaining refrigeration systems. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate experience across a range of systems (industrial, commercial, transport and domestic).
• Have both theoretical and practical knowledge of refrigeration systems, their commissioning, operation and maintenance.
• Be able to understand and analyse relevant technical documents such as electrical schemes, fluid schemes, piping diagrams, psychometric diagrams, etc.
• Experience of working with a range of refrigerants and the associated training certificates/qualifications (i.e. HFCs, HCs, R744, A2L refrigerants).
• Demonstrate excellent working knowledge of national and international refrigeration safety requirements and standards (e.g. ISO, IEC or EN if appropriate).
• Have electrical and controls experience (preferably with supporting qualification) to be able to identify and rectify electrical and control issues.
• Competency with software such as MSWord, MSExcel and ability to develop and manage spreadsheets.

Preferred experience

• Preferably (in addition to the essential requirements) a formal degree qualification in electro-mechanical design, construction and maintenance.
• Experience of engineering software (design – particularly CAD, heat transfer programs, refrigeration design and optimisation programs) would be advantageous.
• Experience with design, operation and maintenance of off grid refrigeration systems.
• Experience of R717 refrigeration systems and an associated qualification.
• Experience in training

Skills/abilities/competencies:

• Have proven mechanical aptitude and sound engineering skills.
• Capable of working to tight deadlines whilst maintaining a high standard of work.
• Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills.
• Ability to work alone or collaboratively with colleagues/teams and train others with varied levels of skills in refrigeration.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use and operate IT equipment and software.
• Have a ‘can do’ attitude, self-motivation and be able to manage their time effectively. The candidate must have excellent organisation and communication skills. In particular must have a proven record of building strong relationships with customers and colleagues.

How to apply

The initial appointment is for one year 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 28^th December 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.