African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate

The Source plus through the African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) grant in partnership with Cranfield University, UK and the University of Nairobi (https://www.uonbi.ac.ke/), Kenya is offering an opportunity to work as an African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate. We invite applications from talented professionals who are eager to make a meaningful impact and contribute their expertise to cutting-edge projects aimed at transforming the agricultural sector for a more sustainable future and a healthy ecosystem.

The project will focus on embedding knowledge and expertise to support development of a traceability system for pesticide contamination in honey products, through an integrated contaminant monitoring and reporting system, leveraging big-data analytics and novel Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) technology.

About the Role

The role of the KTP associate will be to lead the development and integration of advanced contaminants monitoring technology into The Source Plus's operations, thereby improving product quality, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and expanding market access for smallholder honey and bee products. See Job Description and Person Specification document for a detail job description.

About You

The KTP associate should hold at least a master certificate in chemistry, biochemistry, food chemistry, biological sciences or related disciplines and have experience of management research and laboratory analysis using various equipment such as HPLC, LC-MS, Raman spectrometer, etc. Further, should have excellent interpersonal skills with expertise in social network analysis, excellent adaptability and flexibility in dynamic environments and the ability to work in both industrial and academic setting. Knowledge on work Health & Safety in a work environment will be an added advantage.

This role requires knowledge on food safety assurance principles and an understanding of recent research developments in contaminant testing tools and their application. Practical knowledge of the agriculture industry would also be desirable in this role.

About Us

The Source Plus works closely with small-scale farmers in rural regions of Kenya. We source sustainably produced honey and ensure transparency across the value chain through use of a blockchain traceability system. TSP offers two main products: honey itself and a traceability service for honey. To learn more about The Source Plus kindly visit our website: https://thesourceplus.org/.

Our Mission: Harmonize nature, bees, and technology for a sustainable tomorrow.

You will be based at Nairobi in both administrative and Operational Offices, with occasional local field visits to Kitui, Baringo, Kajiado and Embu and international travels to Europe, and will work closely with Research, Innovation and Development Director at The Source Plus and a team of academics at the Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences Centre at Cranfield University and The University of Nairobi.

Our Values and Commitments

Our mission is to nurture a world where agroforestry, beekeeping, and technology coalesce to create a sustainable, harmonious future. We are driven by values that prioritize ethical practices, environmental stewardship, and transparency. Through apiculture, we restore landscapes and support biodiversity, while our beekeeping efforts honor the essential role of pollinators. With every jar of honey, we reaffirm our values and invite you to be part of a collective effort to make a positive impact. Our commitment to sustainability runs deep within our core. Through apiculture, we transform barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems, enhancing soil health, and sequestering carbon. Our beekeeping practices support pollinators and safeguard their crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. With every spoon of honey, we celebrate the balance between human and environmental well-being, offering you the tools to make conscious, informed choices that resonate with the principles of ethical sourcing and responsible production & consumption.

Working Arrangements

As an AAKTP Associate, you will mainly be based at The Source Plus at Nairobi, with occasional local field visits to Kitui, Baringo, Kajiado and Embu, and have access to necessary resources and support. Regular weekly meetings with stakeholders will be held to discuss project progress, and the Associate will receive training and ongoing assistance from experienced team members. Working hours will be Monday – Friday from 0800hrs to 1700hrs (Minus Bank holidays). During travels, there will flexibility in working hours ensures optimal productivity, and 31 days holiday per annum, enabling the Associate to work effectively.

Eligibility

An individual currently or previously employed or affiliated with the current employees (direct family member) by The Source Plus, would not be eligible for the KTP Associate role. Individuals who have already been a KTP Associate would not be considered an ideal candidate.

How to apply                                   

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Eilleen Mburu, Programme Director on Email: aaktp@thesourceplus.org  Please quote “RID/PJ10101724-01/24” as the email title.

Apply online now. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on Email: cecilia.onyango@uonbi.ac.ke altermative partners emails). Please quote reference number RID/PJ10101724-01/24.

Closing date for receipt of applications:   30^th, March 2024 at 12:00 A.M (East Africa Time)

Interviews to be held: 30^th, April 2024 – 2^nd, May 2024 (if confirmed)

This partnership received financial support from the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme. KTP aims to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. This successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership project, funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK, is part of the government’s Industrial Strategy