General Expertise:	Project operation and EHS management and quality assurance for pack houses, agri-logistics, farmer training
Category:	Project management and operations
Position type	Full time (contract)
Reporting to	Kenya Team lead

Purpose of the position

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).  ACES is a first-of-kind Centre dedicated to accelerating the uptake of sustainable cooling and cold-chain solutions in the agriculture and health sectors in Africa, improving livelihoods, health, food, and nutritional security of rural communities, thereby bringing environmental, social, and economic development. ACES is based at Rubirizi Campus in Kigali with Specialized Outreach and Knowledge Establishments (SPOKEs) being rolled out throughout Africa; the first of these is in Kenya and is to be a reference site for replication in other markets. The programme has been developed, the UK's Centre for Sustainable Cooling, and a consortium of leading UK universities and UNEP with more than $25 M of seed investment committed by Governments and industry

The partnership is currently undertaking a project that seeks to develop the first Specialized Outreach and Knowledge Establishment (SPOKE) in Kenya to demonstrate financeable and 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.

We are looking to recruit a new key member as the Operations Manager-of the Kenya SPOKE and roll-out into next markets. The Operations Manager leads the execution of the project, ensuring that all activities align with project objectives, EHS expectations timelines, and budgetary constraints. And are properly documented to support reference and replication.  The role involves high-level coordination with internal teams, especially working closely with the ACES Senior Quality Management Specialist and external stakeholders, to optimize resources, drive team accountability and compliance across all phases. The Operations Manager will be expected to undertake the following:

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Strategy

• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and ensure alignment with programme goals.
• Develop a comprehensive project plan, setting clear objectives, deliverables, timelines, and milestones
• Enxure all team members know their expectations
• Lead the planning, initiation, and execution of the project.
• Support the team in developing detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Generate project technical and financial reports in collaboration with the team lead.

Project Delivery Coordination:

• Oversee daily project activities, assign tasks to team members, and conduct weekly check-ins and report to team lead.
• Encourage collaboration, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance to keep the team aligned with project goals.
• Ensure project tasks are undertaken in line with developed processes and procedures and compliance with regulations.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including logistics, supply chain, IT, and technical teams to ensure project milestones are achieved.
• Oversee the development of the engagement and training plan and tools for the farmer community and farmers
• Manage third-party vendors, suppliers, and contractors involved in the cold chain setup and operation.
•  Ensure team members are adequately trained in cold chain management best practices and procedures, safety, and compliance requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Ensure active communication and engagement with internal and external stakeholders including team members, c vendors, clients), including NGOs, community representatives, suppliers, and government bodies.
• Prepare reports on project progress, and challenges to senior management and stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with all project stakeholders to manage expectations, provide updates, and resolve concerns.

Resource Management and Budget Oversight:

• Coordinate with the team lead, finance team, to monitor expenditures.
• Work with the Kenya team lead and the international project management team to adjust resource allocations when necessary, and ensure all financial activities comply with donor requirements.

Risk Management and Problem Solving:

• Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and monitor implementation in close coordination with the ACES Senior Quality Management Specialist and other team members.
• Address project challenges proactively to minimize delays or resource waste.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Coordinate the development of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) policy, Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other quality assurance frameworks for the SPOKE.
• Ensure all project activities adhere to the standards and protocols outlined in Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) policies, SOPs, and regulatory requirements, working in close coordination with the ACES Senior Quality Management Specialist and other team members.
• Conduct regular audits to uphold quality standards in the implementation of the project.

Reference and Replication

Ensure all documents are properly managed including version control to create a complete “playbook” to support replication

Key Competencies

Qualifications and Experience 

• 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 industry experience in operations management/supervisory levels with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget and ensuring fully documented processes, ideally to include experience of setting-up a project or new facility from the ground-up
• Strong understanding of sustainable cold chain technologies, systems, and regulatory requirements and its role in the supply chain especially in value chains such as horticulture,
• Experience in temperature sensitive horticultural agribusiness or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) is an added advantage
• Good understanding of business process and management, requirements and dynamics, especially for complex projects or systems
• Good understanding of H&S
• Experience working with smallholder farmers, especially through cooperatives or farmer group structures.
• Have demonstrable experience in training / mentoring in relation to processes in cold chain and food businesses processes
• Experience with budgeting, financial modelling, tracking and management, business development and related duties

Nice to have

• 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.

Key Competencies and Attributes

• 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.
• Able to work independently and be a self-starter, and to work under pressure and adapt to changing conditions.
• Innovative mindset and can come up with creative solutions and implement new ideas, make sound decisions to responsibly manage business operations.
• A proactive, hands-on approach to anticipate, and troubleshoot and manage operational challenges.
• Is a “people-persons”, have excellent interpersonal skills and a good understanding of customer/supplier relationship management.
• Commitment to gender and social equality and knowledge of gender mainstreaming principles and approaches.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send their applications and CV along with the names of three referees by Monday 6^th January 2025 at 17:00Hrs to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.