Job Reference Number: KIBU/KTP/001/2023
Job Purpose
The Africa Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Program (AAKTP) – Mechanical Engineer and Research Associate-Grade AD11 (KTP Associate) will work in collaboration with Carbon Footprint Ltd, Kibabii University and the University of Huddersfield as part of an exciting African Agricultural Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AAKTP), funded by Innovate UK, for a fixed-term of two years.
The aim of the partnership is to develop appropriate specifications, design, construction and testing of a dryer for sugar cane waste (bagasse). Bagasse disposal is a serious problem in many parts of the world where sugar cane is grown, as it comprises over a quarter of the original mass of the cane produced. The company takes fresh bagasse from the sugar factory and processes it to create fuel briquettes which are used in place of charcoal in the traditional cooking stoves prevalent in the area. The bagasse needs to be dried in order to process it into briquettes. Bagasse is currently dried by spreading it out in the sun, however use of the proposed dryer would allow much more throughput, as the drying process is both time and labour consuming, and weather dependent. Removal of this bottleneck will increase the consumption of bagasse thus easing the bagasse disposal problems for sugar manufacturers, and also expanding briquette production whilst maintaining the existing workforce. Such dryers should be designed for local manufacture, maintenance and repair setup, as well as being affordable to operate. These constraints preclude most commercially available dryers, and a specific solution, appropriate for the local conditions is sought.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Managing the KTP project, including maintenance of project plans, organisation of project-related meetings, and budget monitoring;
Liaising regularly with the academic and company staff, updating them on project progress and planning future direction;
Researching available bagasse dryers and provide suitable specifications for a system appropriate for use in the situation in Kenya;
Designing a bagasse dryer protocol to the required specification;
Building and testing a prototype bagasse dryer in both laboratory and field conditions;
Developing a bagasse dryer design for further / large scale manufacturing;
Preparing and producing research reports, project progress reports and other documentation (including assisting in preparing joint publications from the findings);
Participating in team meetings, committees and conferences, as may be appropriate from time to time;
Delivering guest lectures and participating in seminars for University teaching;
Proactively identifying personal and professional development needs and opportunities to enable effective project leadership and implementation; and
Undertaking other duties as may be assigned by the Academic and Industry Supervisors.
The Person
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
Qualifications/Training
A first Degree in Mechanical Engineering/Renewable Energy or a closely related technology discipline, or relevant industrial experience.
Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering/ Renewable Energy or any other similar subject with proven experience
Experience
Demonstrable ability to use an industry standard solid modelling package(s) to aid the design and analysis of mechanical components.
Experience of component / structural design
Industrial experience in a manufacturing environment
Knowledge
Knowledge of design methods
Understanding of thermodynamics and fluid flow
Knowledge of industrial drying methods
Knowledge of DFM (Design for Manufacturing) methods
Skills & Attributes
Ability to communicate concisely both verbally and in writing within a technical context
Experience in communicating with a range of staff at different levels within an organisation
Innovative and self-motivated
Able to work effectively both independently and within a group setting
A commitment to work collaboratively with the project Partners
A structured approach to problem-solving
Attention to detail
Time management skills
Inquiring mind and willingness to learn
Able to travel
Terms and Conditions
Hours of Work
The hours of work for this position are 40 per week.
Length of Appointment
Fixed term appointment for 24 months
Starting Salary
The salary for this post is KES 150,000.00-200,000 Consolidated per month (depending on qualifications and experience) plus approx. KES 365,000 per annum training allowance.
[CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday 18th August, 2023 5.00pm EAT]Each application shall be accompanied by detailed Curriculum Vitae, Copies of Relevant Academic and Professional Certificates, National Identity Card or Passport, Testimonials and other relevant supporting documents.All applications should be clearly marked with the referenced number of the advertised position and submitted as follows: Applications must be done Online and in Hard on or before 5.00pm EAT Friday 18th August, 2023 and be addressed to:The Vice Chancellor, Kibabii University,P.O. Box 1699 – 50200,Bungoma
Apply via :
recruitment@kibu.ac.ke
