TECHNOLOGY KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER SPECIALIST

Job specifications
a) At least an MSc degree with a background in; Agriculture or Mechanical and/or Design
Engineering with expertise in mathematical modelling and simulation techniques with particular
emphasis on energy systems and supply. PhD degree holders, will have an added advantage
b) Agricultural machinery and technological knowledge with emphasis on irrigation systems design.
Significant relevant industrial experience is essential, together with a high level of technical
expertise and experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
a) Manage the project;
b) Intellectually and commercially develop a technical solution, which is effective and financially viable;
c) Design and install a workable irrigation system;
d) Design of the hybrid energy system;
e) Design and implementation of the automated control systems;
f) Lead the development, working collaboratively with the Technical Team to build and embed
knowledge and expertise;
g) Ensure all design/development steps are recorded, create technical reports and standard operating
procedures (SOPs) to ensure successful embedding of the knowledge;
h) With the Supervisors / Professors assist in writing and publishing papers in the assorted journals on
the knowledge transfer project;
i) Organize the workshops and assist in setting agendas of the workshops and
j) Report any development to knowledge transfer supervisors and document the same.
Key skills/ experience required include:
a) Engineering Design;
b) SolidWorks or similar CAD Software;
c) MATLAB or similar modelling software;
d) SIMULINK or equivalent simulation software;
e) Knowledge of Wind Turbines and Photovoltaic Electricity generation;
f) Control Systems and Sensors;
g) Knowledge of irrigation systems design, installation and maintenance and
h) Knowledge on agricultural machinery operations.
In addition, it would be desirable that the specialist have understanding of:
a) Local agriculture and the impact of irrigation;
b) Sustainable energy systems and renewable power generation;
c) Programming in high level languages e.g., Python;
d) CROPWAT software (open-source software to calculate water requirements for crops) and
e) Understanding of Microsoft Office or other office productivity software.
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The Specialist should also have:
a) Some project Management skills to ensure the AAKTP progresses in a timely and efficient manner
and that key performance indicators are achieved, however training and mentoring will be provided;
b) Good communication and interpersonal skills to be able to transfer knowledge to the company and
work closely with supervisors, colleagues and farmers to ensure project objectives are achieved;
c) Capability to prepare accurate reports and financial expenditure justifications and
d) The ability to communicate complex technical knowledge in a way that can be understandable to
smallholders so they can see the benefits of the proposed Smart Irrigation System.
Personal attributes:
a) Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
b) Work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders in a multidisciplinary project team;
c) Strong organisational skills to take project ownership, co-ordinate work-streams and achieve agreed
objectives;
d) Work independently on own initiative as and when required;
e) Credibility to ask questions and constructively challenge and
f) Self-motivated, confident with good persuasion and negotiation skills.
Terms of appointment
The appointment is on fixed term contract based on performance and mutual agreement.
Tenure
The Project duration is for a period of fifiteen (15) months.
Salary and benefits
The position offers an attractive salary in addition to professional and personal development for the
duration of the project.