Foundation In Cold-Chain

One week course

Background

In partnership with ACES, ACTS aims to spearhead the adoption of energy-efficient and climate- friendly integrated community cooling, cold-chain, and postharvest management technologies and strategies, using cold chains as the foundation to meet the social and development goals of rural communities including health cold-chains in Kenyan communities. ACTS targets to empower farmers to increase export revenues, enhance job creation, reduce malnutrition, and enhance food safety, with sustainable business models that attract investment, mitigate climate and environmental impacts, and foster low-carbon development. ACES is establishing Specialised Outreach and Knowledge Establishments (SPOKEs) in strategic locations, with expertise tailored to specific areas (e.g. value chain opportunities suited to local communities)with a goal to demonstrate how these solutions can be deployed practically across the continent. The first of these is in Kenya. The SPOKEs will exchange best practices and lessons learned through the ACES hub, creating a connected and cohesive network.

Purpose

ACES has developed a foundation course that aims to transfer knowledge of basic concepts in food and pharma cold chains. The aim of this course is to provide participants with a solid and comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts, skills, and knowledge required within the food and pharma cold chains. The foundation course serves as a building block, preparing individuals for more advanced and specialised studies or practical applications. It is delivered by academic and industry partners.

Topics to be 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 logging
• 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.

Terms of Reference

Participants

We are seeking dedicated participants from diverse sectors, such as county governments, community workers, leaders, policymakers, NGOs, and impact investors. Those with an interest in improving the sustainability of food and pharmaceutical supply chains, and reducing losses, are encouraged to apply. Participants should be committed to applying the knowledge gained to their current roles and responsibilities and must be available to fully engage in the entire course duration and its activities.

We encourage participants from diverse backgrounds, needs, interests and capacities to apply. We aim to consider gender differences, as well as differences based on your specific interests and current needs, which may vary depending on your age, education level, income, and current roles, etc. Additionally, we would like to know if there are training schedules and arrangements that better suit your current professional and personal responsibilities. We will make every effort to accommodate these differences to a possible extend.

Selection Criteria

The following are essential and desirable criteria for potential applicants.

Essential

1. Applicants should have a good understanding of English and proficiency with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
2. Capacity to use computer applications, such as Word and
3. Motivation to understand and develop cold-chains that contribute to local and export markets.
4. The ability to identify challenges faced by farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the cold chain in Kenya and to develop practical solutions is highly valuable and desirable.

Desirable

1. Experience working with farmers or rural communities, demonstrating previous connections with cooperatives and extension organisations.
2. Experience working with diverse communities from different sectors, including different genders, cultures, ages, classes, ethnicities, and education levels will be appreciated.

Location and Duration

The training will be held at Konza Technopolis and will last for 5 days from 7^th to 11^th April 2025.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online through this link on or before 14^th March 2025, 1700Hrs EAT. For further details, view the course timetable

For any enquiries about this call, kindly contact: jmusyoki@acts-net.org

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.

Key dates:

• The deadline for submission of the application is 14^th March 2025.
• Notification to the successful candidates 21^st March 2025.
• Confirmation to attend after notification 25^th   March 2025
• Training: 7^th to 11^th April 2025

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Download

• Call for Applications – CCN ACES ACTS Foundation in Cold-Chain