Director, Coffee Technology Centre

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

Position: Director, Coffee Technology Centre 

Ref: DeKUT/37/04/13
 

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) is situated in a major coffee growing zone in the Mt Kenya region. 

Its mandate is to train and undertake research and extend the technology for national development.

One of its main areas of interest is to promote coffee technology through value-addition. 

The University owns a coffee plantation and a well equipped coffee cupping laboratory.

In line with its mission, DeKUT is in the process of establishing a Model Coffee Technology Centre within the Institute of Food Bioresources Technology with the objective of addressing value addition for the entire coffee-value chain through training, research and technology transfer. 

The Centre aims to increase the economic value of coffee through improved agronomic practices, processing, milling, roasting, cupping, packaging and marketing among others. Coffee farmers, co-operative societies, processors, millers and other stake holders will be trained on value-addition through demonstration of best international practices. 

In addition, the Centre will facilitate administration of tailor made programs to enhance entrepreneurial capacity. 

It will serve as a reference point to the Kenyan coffee sector making it visible internationally through research, training and technology transfer.
 

Duties of the Director
 

The Director, Coffee Technology Center will;

• Have the overall responsibility of the direction, organization and administration of the Centre
• Promote and coordinate training, research, innovation and technology transfer to the stakeholders in the coffee industry
• Develop and implement programs in training and research that will ensure profitability of the coffee sector
• Mobilize and solicit financial support for the Centre’s research, innovation and extension agenda
• Offer specialized courses and supervise graduate students
• Establish linkages with local and international Universities and Research institutions.

Requirements
 

An applicant must

• Be a holder of PhD in Food Science or related field.
• Be knowledgeable in coffee-value chain
• Have skills, capacity and determination to initiate and promote research, innovations and creativity among the stakeholders
• Have demonstrated ability in networking, fund-raising and management of research funds;
• Have excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Be of the highest ethical standards, integrity and professionalism

Terms & Conditions of Service

• The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package.
• The appointment will be at the position of senior lecturer, associate or full professor depending on the qualifications
• The appointment will be on contract or permanent terms

Qualified candidates should submit three (3) applications and curriculum vitae giving details of their academic and professional qualifications, research, publications, working experience, present post and salary, telephone contact, names and addresses of three referees plus copies of certified certificates to:
 

The Vice Chancellor,
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology,
Nyeri-Mweiga Road,
P.O. Box 657-10100,
Nyeri-Kenya
 

Applications and referees’ confidential reports on the applicant’s suitability for the post should be sent to the undersigned to be received on or before 8th May, 2013.