Project Manager at Global Cycle Solutions in Arusha, Tanzania

Global Cycle Solutions is a social enterprise that strives to bring quality affordable technology to communities in Tanzania and other East African countries. We currently market bicycle, hand, and solar powered devices designed to increase productivity, improve quality of life, and/or generate income. For more information, visit our website . 

Position Overview:

GCS is currently developing a human-powered multi-crop threshing machine that is suitable for the Tanzanian and East African context. The Multi-Crop Thresher (MCT) is envisioned as a single, easy-to-use machine that will allow smallholder farmers to thresh the major grain crops produced locally in a fast, modular, and affordable way. Compared to traditional methods of threshing, the MCT should be significantly more productive (in output per unit of time), less arduous (i.e., less labor quantity and less physical energy exerted), and ergonomically superior (more comfortable to work with, especially for women). When compared to motorized threshing devices, the MCT will have a lower throughput (though still significantly more efficient than traditional methods), but will be a fraction of the cost. GCS is seeking a Project Manager for this project.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Project Manager will be responsible for managing a 3-5 person team that will include engineers, technicians, and researchers. Activities will include: extensive market research; engineering design in active consultation with users in rural communities; product performance testing; creation and implementation of a project timeline and budget; aligning required tasks with the strengths of existing personnel and determining when additional skills are needed; budget management, record keeping, and grant reporting.  In addition, the incumbent will need to facilitate significant coordination between the GCS team in Arusha, and a collaborating team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. A minimum one-year commitment to the project is required, and the position is based in Arusha.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day activities of the project and coordinate the work of all team members to ensure steady progress towards clearly identified goals
• Coordinate the successful achievement of critical project deliverables (market research, product design, field testing, market testing) and the documentation (internal reporting and grant reporting) of all work
• Report progress and challenges to the CEO on a regular basis

Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate is an experienced, self-motivated and team-oriented person who can thrive in professional contexts that require high levels of both technical and people skills. An ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in innovation, in finding solutions, and in positively contributing to the livelihoods of rural communities in Tanzania and East Africa.

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of related project management experience at an engineering or product design firm. Candidate must have some work experience in a technology related setting.
• University-level education, or equivalent experience, in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, agricultural engineering, systems engineering, international development, business management or a related field.
• Demonstrated skills in technical communication, report writing, and grants management.
• Positive team-work attitude, and respect for both local cultures and diverse teams.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili
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Desired Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead a diverse team
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate customers in markets akin to rural East Africa
• Demonstrated ability to navigate the product development process
• Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical product design and engineering
• CAD modeling proficiency
• Machine shop proficiency
• Ability to drive an automobile (must have a clean driving record)

To Apply:

• Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement, a current resume/CV, and a list of 3 professional references to Jobscore. Only candidates invited for an interview will receive a response. Please submit via jobscore.  For further questions, please contact info@globalcycesolutions.com.
  
  
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