R&D Program Developer Internship at Sanergy in Nairobi, Kenya

Company Description

Sanergy is a social venture building a sustainable sanitation network throughout Nairobi's slums. A dense system of clean, comfortable, and secure “Fresh Life” sanitation centers are run by local entrepreneurs.  Sanergy collects, aggregates and processes the waste daily creating valuable bi-products.  To date, Sanergy has launched 115 Fresh Life Toilets to 61 entrepreneurs, created 122 jobs, removed 200 metric tons of waste from the community, and served over 1 million customers with hygienic sanitation.  Sanergy is growing rapidly and is looking for talented and dedicated team members to grow along with the company.

Role & Responsibilities:

Sanergy will be releasing the “Fresh Life v2“ sanitation center in mid-2013.  The new toilet design will require new manufacturing processes and employee capacity building internally.  We are in the process of creating a R&D facility to handle new construction processes, development of new products, as well as to serve external partners with special projects.  The shop will act both as a working production shop and training center for our employees. 

The R&D Facility Development Associate is a short-term position ranging from 4-6 months.  The position will focus largely on the layout, set-up, and implementation of the facility while also developing a curriculum for systematically training Sanergy employees on tool use, safety procedures, shop maintenance and general shop protocols.  In addition the curriculum will aim to teach design principles, problem-solving techniques, and craft oriented skill sets.

Key Accountabilities:

·       Work with Product Development Manager to plan and construct the R&D Facility

·       Develop a plan of attack for the R&D Facility including budget, pilot plan, 5S implementation, and M+E operations

·       Develop a training curriculum and execute initial training modules

·       Work with shop technicians to enforce and transfer shop maintenance and best practices

Key Requirements:

·       2+ years of experience in a production shop environment (previous shop technician experience is a plus)

·       Experience with many material processes (metal, wood, modeling, etc.) and demonstrated craftsmanship and attention to detail

·       Ability to synthesize problem

·       Ability to manage projects, direct activities, and delegate tasks appropriately

·       Experience with curriculum development is a plus

Leadership / Personality Qualities

·       Ability to communicate effectively and lead others through change and new strategic initiatives

·       Determination to seize opportunities and take initiative as appropriate

·       Ability to teach hands-on skills and techniques to individuals with a wide range of experience

·       Relationship building and rapport skills

·       Strong influencing and networking skills

·       Ability to communicate effectively at all levels

Other Requirements

·       Minimum 2+ years of technical/fabrication/manufacturing experience

·       Teaching experience is a plus

·       Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work effectively within time constraints

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office.  CAD and graphic design skills a plus

·       Strong desire to add value to a fast growing start-up enterprise and physically shape how the R&D Dept. will operate in the future.

What’s in it for you?

·       Experience working in a fast growing social venture

·       Chance to have lasting impact on a new and important program

·       Exposure to product development in the development and WASH sectors

·       Valuable connections to a wide range of experts and partners around the world

·       Chance to live and work in Nairobi, Kenya! (Airfare, accommodation, and lunch included)