Technology Associate

KOMAZA is an award-winning non-profit social enterprise working to end rural poverty by developing economic opportunities for smallholder farmers living in Africa’s infertile and drought-prone regions.

Founded in 2006 and based in Kenya, our innovative grassroots model dramatically boosts household income for rural families by equipping them with resources, knowledge and market linkages to produce high-value climate-appropriate crops on their previously degraded land.

WE ARE HIRING: an early-mid career professional to lead our technology strategy in 2011.

Industry: Social Business / International Development / Start-Up / Non-profit
Function: Technology
Commitment: 1 year, more preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Compensation/Benefits: Associate-level (see below)
Application Deadline: 1 November 2010
Start Date: 1 January 2011

THE ROLE
As a Technology Associate, you will be responsible for leading technology strategy for KOMAZA. You will partner with other functional teams to drive KOMAZA operations forward using technology solutions. This is a dynamic position that requires a creative mind combined with a proven ability to get projects up and running. Technology Associate responsibilities will include:

• Identifying technology trends and opportunities and turning them into impactful projects for all aspects of KOMAZA operations
• Creating and developing mobile tools and applications for use by our field staff
• Developing KOMAZA's GIS system to widen our base points and build mission-impactful applications on top of our geographic data
• Managing and improving internal and external communications media including website, blog, wiki and social media channels
• Developing KOMAZA farmer database to impact operations and monitoring and evaluation
• Managing and optimizing technology infrastructure including computer hardware, data storage, networking, communications and GIS equipment

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess:
• Education:
A top performing undergraduate and/or graduate background in Computer Science, Engineering or related fields
• Relevant work experience:
1+ years of relevant experience in technology with some project management
• Computer skills:
At least one programming language, experience with a major Relational Data Management System
• Analytical thinking – at a high and granular- level:
Excellent problem-solving skills and business judgment; ability to think “big picture” and dig into details.
• Strong organizational skills:
Ability to balance multiple priorities, execute tasks with great accuracy and attention to detail, and take ownership of projects to achieve targets in a highly independent capacity
• Strong communication skills:
Ability to influence decision-making, build consensus, and be personable yet persistent; sensitivity to different cultural norms and communication styles.
• Patience and sense of humor:
Please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
• Preferred:
- Kiswahili
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Associates:
In their first year, Associates receive a monthly stipend AND the following benefits:
• Food and housing
• Travel stipend covering arrival and departure flights and visa costs (or equivalent compensation for East Africans)
• Comprehensive international health insurance (or equivalent compensation for East Africans) including immunizations

The starting package provides for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi, Kenya. For Associates who work for more than one year, compensation and benefits will increase significantly. This is a career-track role in international development and social business, offering significant opportunities for advancement as KOMAZA continues to grow.

Analysts:
Analysts receive a food and housing stipend that provides for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi, Kenya. Travel, health and personal expenses are not covered, though costs are generally low (e.g, a one hour bus ride from Kilifi to Mombasa costs 100 KSH/1.25 USD). Analysts who perform well may be eligible for Associate compensation and benefits (see Associate job description on komaza.org/recruiting for details).

Please apply directly through our website at www.komaza.org/recruiting.

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