July Jobs At SNV 2017

SNV Netherlands Development is a not-for-profit international development organization that has built a long-term local presence in 38 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin-America. SNV Ghana implements
projects to improve individual lives and contributes to solving global challenges in the areas of Agriculture, Energy, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene.

Job Description

Job Title: Technology And Product Development Manager

A Consortium made of Ashesi University College, SNV, Ernst & Young and UNU-INRA won a bid from the World Bank Group under its Climate Technology Programme to establish and operate the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), one of seven such centres globally.

The objective of the GCIC is to establish local institutional capacity to support Ghanaian entrepreneurs and new ventures involved in developing profitable and locally appropriate solutions to climate change
mitigation and adaptation.

The GCIC has been established to offer a full suite of financing and capacity-building services to Ghanaian technologists, entrepreneurs and new ventures that address challenges to starting and scaling their climate (clean) technology businesses in sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, climate-smart agriculture and water management and purification.

In addition to incubating promising start-ups, the GCIC will provide dedicated proof-of-concept and seed capital funding to entrepreneurs to bridge local funding gaps.

In parallel with investments, the GCIC also provides business advisory and training services, market development services, access to product testing
facilities and government engagement on policy.

This way, the GCIC will act as a national focal point, coordinating efforts in promoting the growth of locally relevant climate sectors and also providing a platform to create international business-to-business linkages, enhance knowledge sharing and facilitate trade.

The Technology and Product Development work stream is led by SNV. This is a set of CIC services to assist with the technical aspects of developing an
innovative good or service.

This will include linking with technology suppliers, research commercialisation, training on best practices for technology use,
access to R&D facilities (labs, equipment), prototype facilities (CAD, 3D Printing), testing and demonstration support, and initial product manufacturing support.

To support the execution of this work stream, SNV requires a Technology and Product Development Manager to support and manage the
implementation of the set of activities related to this component.

Job Summary:

The Technology and Product Development Manager position is for one (1) year and the position will be based at SNV and Ashesi University.

Job Responsibilities:

Business incubation/climate innovation technology services, including support to clean tech start-up ideation and supporting commercialisation.

Consult with GCIC clients on technical issues based on in-depth product and technical knowledge. Provide highly technical implementation support in client environment, including guidance on implementation feasibility of cross-product integrations

Provide highly technical implementation support in client environment, including guidance on implementation feasibility of cross-product integrations

Develop technical tools and documentation to expedite client implementation and improve product serviceability. Collaborate with clients to thoroughly

Collaborate with clients to thoroughly market-test all products and commercialize solutions.

Provide product solution improvement and scaling opportunities to clients based on customer feedback and develop support systems for prototyping solutions.

Ensure top level technical facilities are available to GCIC entrepreneurs, including prototyping and lean manufacturing machinery and software.

Design technical courses and provide training for entrepreneurs on the use of equipment, as well as other technical training related to the entrepreneurs’ focal areas.

This includes training in general manufacturing best practices to assist entrepreneurs in professionalizing their production.

Drive the Ghana CIC Commercialization programme for universities and research institutes involved in climate tech R&D.

This includes the facilitation of programmes, funding and other opportunities for collaborative research and technology development between climate entrepreneurs and Ghana’s universities and public research institutes.

Provide clients with the necessary training and tools related to protecting their intellectual property rights, as well as adhering to international and
national regulations relevant to their respective stages of business development.

This would include, among other services, obtaining patents for new
products and licensing of existing technologies.

Ensure adherence to product development plans/ pathways of GCIC clients.

Required Skills or Experience

Master’s degree in science and technology management, business administration or other relevant disciplines, preferably in specific sectors, such as solar energy, energy efficiency, waste management, climate smart agriculture and water management and purification etc.

5 years’ work experience, including 3 years of hands-on experience in development projects or working in business-related positions.

Expertise with commercialization, business incubation and technology incubation.

Knowledge of environment, energy, climate change and/or green growth sectors is a plus.

Previous experience working with entrepreneurs in a developing country context is highly preferred, in Ghana, a plus.

A team player with a positive attitude; excellent written and oral business communication and people skills are a must.

Computer skills and knowledge of relevant software

How to Apply

To apply eligible and interested candidates should send a motivation letter and a recent CV to [email protected] not later
than July 20, 2017

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted