Agricultural Engineer (Mechanical) , Arusha, Tanzania

Global Cycle Solutions is a social enterprise that brings quality affordable technology to the rural poor. We currently market bicycle, hand, and solar powered devices designed to increase villagers' productivity and access to technology. Our current product line includes maize shellers and solar lights. We have plans to develop grinders, pumps, and other tools in the near future. For more information, visit ourwebsite.

GCS is undertaking a project dedicated to conceptualizing, designing, and producing a prototype multi-crop threshing machine (human powered) that is suitable for the Tanzanian and East African context. This project will involve an interactive assessment of the assets and needs of the Tanzanian rural communities (around the Arusha area). It will also bring a multi-disciplinary design team together to achieve an effective, reliable, and commercially viable product.

The Multi-Crop Thresher (MCT) is an easy-to-use machine that allows smallholder farmers to thresh the variety of crops produced locally in a fast, modular and affordable way. Compared to traditional methods of threshing that are arduous and time-intensive, the MCT is highly efficient, allowing smallholder farmers to significantly reduce post-harvest loss.

Responsibilities:

This position is required to perform the critical role of being the central person in the design and modeling phase, and key in the phases of prototype fabrication and design-for-manufacturing. Responsibilities include:

• Being the main consultant in design and fabrication processes
• Providing reliable information on existing productivity and previous experiences of similar machines (rice threshers, maize shellers, etc.)
• Helping troubleshoot any challenges with design functionalities

Requirements:

The ideal candidate is an experienced agricultural engineer, with strong familiarity with appropriate technology models and design methods. S/he is comfortable leading a design team, building 3D CAD models, and communicating design drawings to fabrication technician(s). S/he will also be strongly informed about productivity and functionality of human, pedal powered agricultural machines (threshers, shellers, etc.). This job is offered on a contract basis, for 6 months to one year. The requirements for this position are:

• University-level degree in agricultural or mechanical engineering.
• Minimum 3 years proven experience in agricultural appropriate technology design in developing regions.
• Strong technical communication, to translate design decisions into prototype models, and to write the technical parts of the project report.
• Fluency in English.

Desired Skills:

• Specific experience with rice threshers and maize shellers.
• Good knowledge of agricultural conditions and demands of small-scale farmers in Tanzania and East Africa.
• Fluency in Kiswahili, or being a native of Tanzania or East Africa, is an asset.
• Familiarity with the Human-Centered Design toolkit.
• Genuine commitment to the principles of sustainable technology development.

How to apply

Please send your CV or resume, with a cover letter that highlights your qualifications, experience, and why think you are a good fit for this position. All submissions have to be through the following link:

http://www.jobscore.com/jobs/globalcyclesolutions/agricultural-engineer-mechanical/bRm5TuRz4r4OGreJe4iefn