Winrock is seeking an Ethiopian-based Assistant Engineer to lead the implementation of a solar-powered grain mill project in Oromia, Ethiopia. The Assistant Engineer will oversee the technical and administrative aspects of the project, including the selection of pilot communities, engagement of local solar suppliers, and management of mill distribution and installation.
Requirements
- Select three pilot communities to carry out the solar milling pilots and lead the rapid assessment of their milling needs.
- Based on their size and grains milled determine the combination of mills, by sizes/types, that would be suitable for the respective communities.
- Oversee the engagement of one or more local solar suppliers to import six mills.
- Conduct an Expression of Interest to assess and select six interested women entrepreneurs for the solar mill trial.
- Negotiate agreements with each of the entrepreneurs to operate the mills for six months and decide at the end of that period whether they would purchase their mill at a discounted price or return it.
- Manage the distribution and installation of the solar mills and ensure entrepreneurs are keeping accurate revenue records.
- Compile and document mill operator revenues over the six months and conduct a return on investment analysis to determine payback period for mill investment.
- Compile and document customer demand for flour quality, grain type, and speed of service. Determine feasible business models, comparing dedicated flour grinding vs. multiple functions including flour grinding, grating, expelling, etc.
- Visit each of the three communities at least twice a month to check on the status of operation of the mills and review the records kept by the entrepreneurs
- Lead discussions with mill owners to document their experience in implementing the pilot.
- Produce a feasibility study report with recommendations for a follow-on scale up phase.
- Work closely with the Winrock Home Office to plan work and regularly monitor project progress and results.
- Identify any problems with project design, partnerships, or other implementation challenges, and recommend to Winrock Home Office changes needed to resolve them.
- Assist with collecting qualitative and quantitative data from private solar developers and pilot communities to inform project monitoring and evaluation.
- Coordinate closely with Home Office via emails and Teams-based meetings as necessary. Meetings may be scheduled during the evening time in Ethiopia.
- Independently manage and track their own technical work.
- Represent the project’s activities to the client and Government agencies as necessary.
- Other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Health Insurance
