Engineering Lead at Ikore International Development Limited

Ikore is an international development organization proffering innovative solutions to drive sustainable social and enterprise development. Working in economically deprived places and vulnerable communities torn apart by instability across Nigeria and providing solutions that support inefficient markets and communities is implementing an agricultural mechanization service intervention aimed at enhancing access of smallholder farmers to affordable and sustainable mechanization services in Nigeria.

The project aims to create work opportunities for mechanization service providers, tractor operators, and others in the mechanization value chain. The project’s primary target is young men and women in peri-urban and rural communities, providing bundled mechanization services. Ultimately, the project focuses on capacity-building, affordable last-mile services, financial inclusion, technology integration, and policy enhancement.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Engineering Lead

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Contract

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• The Engineering Lead will be responsible for providing expert guidance and support in line with the project’s goals and objectives. He will support the project’s engineering activities, ensuring that the best engineering methods are implemented.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and expertise to project team members involved in any stage of the project.
• Supervise the planning, design, and implementation of engineering activities within the scope of the project, and ensure they are executed efficiently and effectively.
• Collaborate and manage strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as government agencies, manufacturers, suppliers, and farmer cooperatives, to foster partnerships and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Collaborating with multiple teams to identify engineering needs and develop innovative solutions.
• Conducting regular assessments and evaluations of evaluations of engineering activities to identify areas for improvement.
• Training and Capacity-building: Identify capacity gaps and work with members of the project team to develop and deliver training programs and materials for farmers, operators, and maintenance personnel to enhance their knowledge and skills in the use and maintenance of agricultural machinery.
• Research and Development: Stayed informed about emerging technologies, innovations, and best practices in agricultural engineering. Conduct research and explore potential technologies that can be integrated into the project to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance of all engineering activities to health and safety regulations and standards. Develop and implement appropriate safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks and ensure the well-being of project personnel and beneficiaries.
• Maintain accurate documentation of engineering activities, including technical plans, progress reports, equipment specifications, and project-related data.
• Identify and assess potential engineering risks and develop a mitigation strategy. Monitor and address any engineering-related issues or challenges that may arise during project implementation.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering (a focus in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred). Additional certifications or specialized training in relevant areas would be an advantage.
• At least four years of experience leading engineering projects, preferably in agriculture and mechanization. Ideally, the candidate should have a track record of successfully managing engineering projects, particularly in the context of agricultural mechanization interventions.
• The candidate should have in-depth knowledge of agricultural mechanization technologies, equipment, and machinery.
• In-depth knowledge of engineering principles, methodologies, as well as relevant industry and regulatory standards.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and address technical challenges.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks/projects within defined timelines and budgets.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of stakeholders, including engineers, project managers, and other professionals.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to communicate complex engineering concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience working with smallholder or rural farmers would be beneficial.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and apply new technologies and innovations in agricultural mechanization.

Application Closing Date
29th February, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter as one document (PDF or Word) with complete contact details to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note: Applications will be reviewed, and online interviews will be conducted with shortlisted candidates before finalists are invited for on-site interviews.