Tupande Biochar Production and Electrical Engineer (Fixed-Term) at One Acre Fund

About the Role


Seeking an exceptional Production Coordinator and Electrical Engineer with 2-4 years experience to plan biochar production across pyrolysis lines and lead the electrical maintenance programme.


Responsibilities

Production Coordination


Manage production schedules across pyrolysis lines, forecasting inputs and designing production cycles to meet output targets
Coordinate with avocado oil and macadamia value chains to ensure consistent feedstock supply quality, volume, and delivery timing
Plan production around the weekly maintenance window and any planned shutdowns
Revise production schedules in response to staff absence, equipment downtime, or feedstock supply shortfalls
Liaise with utility providers (electricity, water, diesel) to ensure uninterrupted facility operation; track utility usage and resolve outages
Coordinate with the maintenance staff on preventative maintenance execution, breakdown response, and shift coverage
Partner with the lab on quality control and non-conformance management
Coordinate with the Logistics & MRV Coordinator on outbound dispatch scheduling and delivery readiness
Work with the Administration Supervisor on casual labour / independent contractor scheduling, procurement requisitions, and resource needs
Coordinate with HSSE staff on safety incident response, HACCP implementation, and environmental compliance
Manage Production Supervisors, ensuring they have the resources, information, and authority needed to deliver shift performance; conduct performance reviews, and development planning for direct reports
Track and report production KPIs (output, yield, downtime, quality), budget performance, and MRV completeness as required
Implement and continuously improve standard operating procedures across both production lines


Electrical Engineering Leadership


Develop and own the facility's preventive electrical maintenance plan, aligned to the 48-hour run / 12-hour maintenance cycle
Lead or supervise all electrical and instrumentation work during planned maintenance windows
Supervise and mentor on-shift Maintenance Technicians on electrical tasks and safety procedures
Diagnose and resolve electrical faults, control system errors, and instrumentation issues during production
Maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control panel documentation, and PLC/SCADA configurations
Ensure all electrical work complies with Kenyan electrical regulations and site safety standards
Manage and calibrate sensors, instrumentation, and control systems across both production lines
Liaise with utility providers, equipment vendors, and external electrical contractors as needed


Qualifications

Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for. For this role specifically, you will have:


Degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering or a related field
2+ years of experience in electrical maintenance in an industrial or manufacturing environment
Experience with control systems, PLCs, SCADA, or industrial instrumentation strongly preferred
Valid electrical competency certification (Kenya Power or equivalent) preferred
Strong diagnostic and fault-finding skills under operational pressure


Knowledge


Ability to forecast inputs, design production cycles, and manage production data from source to final storage
Experience coordinating with maintenance, quality, and external supplier teams in a multi-shift environment
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Google Sheets / Excel for production planning, KPI tracking, and MRV documentation
Knowledge of preventive, corrective, and condition-based maintenance principles, including developing and implementing preventative maintenance programmes
Familiarity with lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, electrical safety standards, and Kenyan electrical regulations (EPRA)


Other


Willingness to be on-call for electrical emergencies outside of standard hours


Preferred Start Date


As soon as possible


Benefits


Health insurance, paid time off


Contract Duration


1 Year


Eligibility


This role is only open to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya.