Operations Associate - KOMAZA KENYA

Wanted: Early-career (2-4+ years experience) business or non-profit professional with top qualifications in forestry, agriculture, or environmental backgrounds to assess, develop, and implement programs and systems to support the operations of a young, international social business working in the agroforestry field

Industry: Social Business/International Development/Start-Up/Non-profit
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Operations Associate
Commitment: 1 year minimum, 2+ years preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest, provides for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi, Kenya
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: As soon as available

Overview

KOMAZA is an award-winning non-profit social enterprise working to end rural poverty by developing economic opportunities for smallholder farmers living in Africa’s infertile and drought-prone regions.

Founded in 2006 and based in Kenya, our innovative grassroots model dramatically boosts household income for rural families by equipping them with resources, knowledge and market linkages to produce high-value climate-appropriate crops on their previously degraded land.

The Role

Collaborating closely with KOMAZA managers and field staff, the Operations Associate will be responsible for researching, designing, and implementing agro-forestry programs and systems that enable KOMAZA to grow and scale effectively. Operations Associates are given significant responsibility and must be able to deliver high quality projects in a demanding and sometimes challenging environment. Projects and responsibilities may vary depending on organizational needs and experience. Examples include:

Ongoing Support of Field Operations: Assisting with the planning and logistics of planting, maintenance, and harvest activities; assisting with the planning and logistics of field expansion plans
Operational Strategy: Researching short term crop production and native reforestation programs; developing tree growth models to inform strategic operational decisions
Operational Process Improvements
Logistics: Researching and identifying a cost effective and operationally appropriate water delivery system for planting
Tree Maintenance: Implementing an effective Integrated Pest Management Program to be used by field staff to minimize pesticide use (and costs) without affecting tree health
Tree Nursery Research and Development: Researching nursery production and consulting with industry experts to develop an operational nursery on our experimental farm
Monitoring and Evaluation: Building on existing operational monitoring and evaluation systems, assist in creating a best-in-class and scalable operational tracking model
Value Chain Enhancement: Building out networks and buyer/supply channels in the coastal wood market; initiating a mobile wood processing program to build organizational capacity
Training: Developing additional content in an operational manual for field staff that can be used as a reference document during training and work in the field

Field Component: This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, may have a hands-on field component that can be challenging. The work may involve: long, dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), hours spent outside in the equatorial sun and heat.

Qualifications

Education and Relevant Work Experience:
2-4+ years experience in operational systems development that involved project management and developing operational tools to streamline logistics and operational monitoring;
Top performing academic background with a bachelor of science in forestry, agriculture, or similar; or solid non-profit/business management background (MBA preferred)
Evidence of the ability to excel in a position focused on process improvement and system development from design through implementation

Independent Manager: Self-managing; managing multiple projects and deadlines; taking ownership over independent projects; developing work plan, goals, and deadlines; understanding of overall project management process
Analytical Rigor: Excellent problem-solving skills and business judgment; ability to think “big picture” (e.g. milestone setting to plant with 10,000 farmers) as well as dig into details (e.g. how to quickly get 100 barrels to farmers with no vehicles and poor road infrastructure)
Execution with Strong Attention to Detail and Flexibility: Executing projects/tasks and implementing recommendations with strong attention to detail; ability to create backup plans and be flexible in sometimes logistically challenging environments
Strong and Proactive Communicator: Personable yet persistent; contributing to important organization-wide decisions through building consensus and influencing decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
Patience and a Sense of Humor: Please see the FAQs on the KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria

Preferred:
Experience in non-profit operations and international organizations
Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
Kiswahili
Serious desire to commit to living and working overseas

More / LessHow to apply

Please apply online at www.komaza.org/recruiting/