GVEP International Biofuels Company Manager Job Vacancy

GVEP International (Global Village Energy Partnership) is an international non profit organisation seeking to reduce poverty through accelerated access to modern energy services. GVEP International does this through business-led solutions.

GVEP International supports and nurtures medium small and micro enterprises in the energy economy, and helps connect them with funders and investors.

One such enterprise is an innovative producer and marketer of consumer goods from biomass.

The company’s major product is biodiesel made from Croton seed and sold to owners of diesel engines in the neighbourhood of the processing plant in Central Kenya.

In addition, the company which has been operating profitably for the last 2 years,
manufactures edible oils, oil for cosmetics, and Glycerine.

GVEP International seeks to support the company in its growth and therefore invites applications from highly qualified professional managers able to help transform this company from the entrepreneurial phase into a sustainable business.

The Role

The successful candidate will focus on the following areas:

Establishing an optimal governance and human resource structure;Maximizing the use of the existing production capacity so as to increase the return on assets;Rationalizing the supply chain by matching seed intake with production and sales and addressing the weaknesses in that supply chain, including optimizing storage capacity for seed and finished product;Developing a reliable marketing scheme that targets specific customers, a reliable distribution channel, an appropriate pricing strategy that provides a good return, and promotional activities that emphasize the ‘green’ nature of the products;Developing a financing scheme that enables the business to have adequate working capital and is able to raise investment for growth;Rationalizing the product range so as to achieve maximum financial, social and environmental value of the enterprise;Identify other business opportunities including but not limited to the current production system;Establishing working procedures for accounting, procurement, human resources and production, among others;Implement ISO and productivity improvement programmes;Scaling up the research programme by attracting grants and cooperation with academic and research organizations;Work closely with existing and other partners in strengthening the oil value chain;Developing a 5 year strategy;
Specific targets around these broad objectives will be agreed with the successful candidate prior to engagement.

Skills and experience required:

The successful candidate will be a professional having a proven capacity for innovative thinking and will have had experience in the following core competences:-

Experience of a manufacturing environment for fast moving goods where high productivity, hygiene, safety, environmental sustainability and quality are paramount;Experience in business strategy formulation and implementation;Knowledge of supply chain management;Innovative, creative and entrepreneurship skills;Knowledge of business development and marketing;Proven ability to manage human resources, assets and budgets;Academic qualifications (at least University degree level) in business, the sciences or a technical field;High integrity and motivation to work without close supervision;A passion for renewable energy and environmental sustainability;Reporting and Capacity Building

The Manager will report to the company’s directors, and periodically to the shareholders.

The successful candidate must have the capacity and skill for training and effectively imparting knowledge to other staff and should have an understanding and experience of financial management in profit making organization.

A strong multi-cultural sensitivity is necessary given that GVEP International is a global organization and the Manager will interact with staff and stakeholders from many nations. She or he will require demonstrable clarity in writing. Oral and written fluency in English and a working knowledge of other language(s) will be considered as an
advantage.

Location: The successful candidate must be able and willing to be located in the rural area of Naromoru, and work from there on a daily basis, with occasional travel to Nairobi and to the field where raw material suppliers and customers are located.

Contract: Initially for an 18 month term, with the possibility of extension. Interested candidates should submit written applications with CV, copies of certificates, references and salary expectations to:

The Regional Manger – Africa
GVEP International
1st Floor Kiganjo House
Rose Avenue, Kilimani
P O Box 76580 – 00508
Nairobi.

Or by Email: East.Africa@GVEPinternational.org

To reach us not later than 5p.m. on Friday the 29th October 2010.

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