careers
KOMAZA is a not-for-profit social enterprise working to permanently and sustainably end rural poverty by developing economic opportunities for smallholder farmers living in Africa’s infertile and drought-prone regions.
Founded in 2006 and based in Kenya, the organization’s innovative grassroots model dramatically boosts household income for rural families by equipping them with resources, knowledge and market linkages to produce high-value climate-appropriate crops on their previously degraded land.
We are constantly seeking talented individuals who are interested in working with KOMAZA.
Openings
KOMAZA is a not-for-profit social enterprise working to permanently and sustainably end rural poverty by developing economic opportunities for smallholder farmers living in Africa’s infertile and drought-prone regions.
Founded in 2006 and based in Kenya, the organization’s innovative grassroots model dramatically boosts household income for rural families by equipping them with resources, knowledge and market linkages to produce high-value climate-appropriate crops on their previously degraded land.
We are constantly seeking talented individuals who are interested in working with KOMAZA.
Select a KOMAZA functional area below to read more about it and to view opportunites in that area:
Though KOMAZA’s field operations are located in Kenya, we are a 501(c)3 organization with US-based operational requirements that are critical to KOMAZA’s performance. KOMAZA now requires further organizational development to support and safeguard its tremendous growth and its high-quality program delivery to serve farmers. These important support functions include: legal, finance, international recruiting, and administration. Further, this team collaborates with the founder as he fundraises and manages external relations within the US.
Wanted: Early-career (2-3 years experience), business professional to manage US operations of a young, international NGO
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: US Organizational Development Manager
Function: Corporate - USA
Commitment: Part-time, 1 year minimum, 2+ years preferred
Location: San Francisco Bay area, work from home
Comp/Benefits: Unpaid
Start Date: Flexible
You will manage US-based supporting functions – all the while liaising and coordinating with Kenyan staff. You will also supervise a summer analyst, who will support you to achieve these goals. This is a career-track role, with special attention paid to long-term career commitment and leadership development. Your role will comprise the following, all in collaboration with the US Development Director, Kenyan staff or the Founder:
- Finance: managing US-Kenya banking and currency transactions; book-keeping; paying bills; making interest payments; putting together audits and reports at quarter and year end (with Kenyan staff)
- International recruiting: facilitating recruitment of North American employees, by conducting preliminary CV screens and first-round interviews (forwarding second round candidates to Kenyan staff)
- Legal: completing annual US taxes, supporting application for trademarks, legal status, etc (with Kenyan staff), liaising with pro-bono lawyers as necessary
- External relations: managing relations with NGO Board (in support of Founder)
- Donor management: managing relations with existing donors, responding to donor questions
- Fundraising: coordinating logistics during US fundraising trips (in support of Founder)
- Education: top-performing academic background
- Relevant experience: several years professional experience in a high-performing organization; specific prior work experience is not required
- Financial competence: experience working with financial tools including budgets and reports; comfort with numbers
- Independent manager: self-managing; managing multiple projects and deadlines; taking ownership over independent projects; budgeting; developing work plan, goals, and deadlines
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and impeccable business judgment; ability to think “big picture” and dig into details
- Strong and proactive communicator: personable yet persistent: building consensus and influencing Director decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred:
- Non-profit accounting, Quickbooks (or similar) software experience, strong Excel skills
Crop Production is where it all begins – without trees, we have no products and no revenue for our farmers. The Crop Production team’s goal is to grow as many high-quality trees as possible with tens of thousands of poor farmer families, and to do so cost-effectively. In KOMAZA's first two years we have planted with ~500 farmers. Within the next year the number of farmers will triple, and in the following years will grow exponentially. With that comes a huge logistical and planning challenge. Joining the team now means that you will drive the design of this business for years – decades – to come.
The Crop Production team's objectives are to:
- Grow operations: Coordinate all planning to plant with 1,000 farmers in 2010 and prepare for 2,500 new farmers in 2011, and continued aggressive growth thereafter (including sourcing and procurement, staff recruitment, logistics planning)
- Complete build-out of first Rural Cell: A "Rural Cell" is essentially an area of operations that can be replicated in other parts of Kenya and within greater East Africa. This includes everything: infrastructure (e.g. new operations office), systems, tools, and processes
- Refine profitability: Review and recommend planting and maintenance practices to achieve best cost/benefit tradeoff for optimal product development
- Pursue diversification: Research other crops that fit in with KOMAZA’s mission, business model, environmental commitments and core competencies and markets; these can diversify revenue streams and significantly contribute to farmer income
- Enable field staff: Develop staff training and development curricula, workshops and comprehensive testing to increase effectiveness and efficiency of field staff
- Conduct operations in an environmentally sound manner: Continue promoting KOMAZA's commitment to sustainable forestry management
Openings within this area:
Wanted: Early-career (0-3 years experience) professional to support team efforts to aggressively scale field operations
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position:Operations Analyst
Function: Crop Production
Commitment: 3 months minimum, 6-12 months preferred
Location:Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Unpaid
Start Date: Flexible
As an Operations Analyst, you will support associates in the design and implementation of systems tools and processes to enable KOMAZA to continue growing incredibly fast. You will be flexible and contribute to various projects, as KOMAZA is a young start-up with quickly evolving needs. For example, you could help your supervisor:
- Collaborate closely with field staff to capture “on-the-ground” needs and best practices: consulting with field staff to understand field challenges and bottlenecks to build out effective and efficient systems
- Design systems and processes to enable KOMAZA operations: designing and rolling out procedures and processes that will ensure a smooth-running field extension system that is efficient and adaptable as KOMAZA scales
- Design operational tools to support overall operational goals: creating easy-to-follow project, logistics, and human capital management documents and checklists to build an operational model that can be transferred to local staff ownership
- Capture lessons learned for optimal operational “blueprint” for future rural cells, ensuring your work is embedded within the organization for years to come: creating supporting documents (written content, photos, diagrams) that will train and empower an operations director to build out operations in a new rural cell (this is a mission-critical and complex long-term project)
- Directly manage field staff: troubleshooting day-to-day operational challenges and in some cases, directly overseeing a field project to ensure high-quality execution
This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, will have a field component – which can be challenging but highly rewarding. This work will involve: long, dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), hours spent outside in the equatorial sun and heat. KOMAZA will soon commence construction on its first dedicated field operations office in Ganze, which will facilitate any field work.
- Education: top-performing undergraduate background
- Multi-tasker extraordinaire: working across all aspects of operations (because KOMAZA is a start-up); juggling multiple projects/tasks at once
- Independent manager: ability to work effectively in a highly independent capacity – self-managing, taking ownership of goals, developing work plan, and setting self-deadlines
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong and proactive communicator: being personable yet persistent; synthesizing and communicating findings to supervisor to improve operations – by developing detailed and high-quality written materials; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles given close collaboration with local staff
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail, when – for example - conducting research, or creating and editing Microsoft Word/Excel documents
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred:
- Relevant work experience in field based operations, research, scientific, environmental, or agricultural field
- Kiswahili
- Knowledge of forestry, plant production
Analysts – who work a minimum of 3 months but less than a year – do not, as a general rule of thumb, receive compensation or benefits. However, applicants with prior full-time work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending upon prior work experience and length of stay. Analysts who perform well and are keen to continue working for KOMAZA are eligible for an Associate position, with Associate compensation and benefits (please refer to an Associate job description for details).
As such, Analysts are generally responsible for the costs of flights, insurance, housing, and low day-to-day costs. KOMAZA will do its utmost to facilitate the Analyst’s arrangements – such as organizing affordable local housing, transportation from Mombasa to Kilifi upon arrival, and organizing meals such that Analysts can join high-quality dinner meals with the group at a very low cost (~$3/meal).
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance, as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply NowWanted: Early-career (2-3 years experience), business professional with operational experience to help aggressively scale field operations
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer:KOMAZA
Position: Operations Associate
Function: Crop Production
Commitment: 1 year minimum, 2 years preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest, ensures comfortable living
standard
Start Date: Immediately, March 2010 latest
As an Operations Associate, you will design and implement systems tools and processes to enable KOMAZA to continue growing incredibly fast. You will:
- Collaborate closely with field staff to capture “on-the-ground” needs and best practices: consulting with field staff to understand field challenges and bottlenecks to build out effective and efficient systems
- Design systems and processes to enable KOMAZA operations: designing and rolling out procedures and processes that will ensure a smooth-running field extension system that is efficient and adaptable as KOMAZA scales
- Design operational tools to support overall operational goals: creating easy-to-follow project, logistics, and human capital management documents and checklists to build an operational model that can be transferred to local staff ownership
- Capture lessons learned for optimal operational “blueprint” for future rural cells, ensuring your work is embedded within the organization for years to come: creating supporting documents (written content, photos, diagrams) that will train staff and empower an operations director to build out operations in a new rural cell (this is a mission-critical and complex long-term project)
- Directly manage field staff: troubleshooting day-to-day operational challenges and in some cases, directly overseeing a field project to ensure high-quality execution
This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, will have a field component – which can be challenging but highly rewarding. This work will involve: long, dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), hours spent outside in the equatorial sun and heat. KOMAZA will soon commence construction on its first dedicated field operations office in Ganze, which will facilitate any field work.
- Education: top performer with a bachelor of science in a relevant field (natural resource management, forestry, biology, plant science, agriculture, or similar)
- Relevant work experience:
- 2+ years experience in research, scientific, environmental, or agricultural field (e.g. conservation biology/ecology)
- Work experience in a role that involved significant field-based, operational component: significant project management or other leadership in an operational role, staff management
- Multi-tasker extraordinaire: working across all aspects of operations (because KOMAZA is a start-up); juggling multiple projects/tasks at once
- Operational strength: evidence of ability to excel in role with focus on field-based operations, ability to recognize when something needs doing and to get it done
- Independent manager: self-managing, taking ownership over important independent projects; budgeting, developing work plan, goals, and self-deadlines
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and impeccable business judgment; ability to think “big picture” (e.g. milestone setting to plant with 1,000 farmers) and dig into details (e.g. how to quickly get 100 barrels to farmers with no vehicle, poor road infrastructure)
- Strong and proactive communicator: being personable yet persistent; building consensus and influencing Director decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles given close collaboration with local staff; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred:
- Kiswahili
- Work experience in a role that involved: significant project management or other leadership in an operational role, staff management
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
- Experience with agriculture/forestry and knowledge of plant production and agro-ecology
KOMAZA Associates – who have 1+ year contracts – receive modest compensation and benefits for their pioneering work. For associates, KOMAZA provides a modest stipend, as well as a housing and food stipend, which allows for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi.
International applicants:
To facilitate your arrival and departure, one round-trip airfare per year is covered (including visas). Comprehensive international health insurance and basic immunizations are also covered. International applicants should note that while the compensation package provides for comfortable living in Kilifi, it does not easily facilitate saving or making loan payments in foreign currency.
Kenyan applicants:
Compensation and benefits will be adjusted such that the total value of the package remains the same even if certain benefits are not required (such as return airfare or international health insurance).
For applicants applying through a fellowship or third party grant, compensation and benefits are arranged directly with the organization. Together, the fellowship and KOMAZA ensure that the above are covered.
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply NowWanted: Experienced professional with research background to lead major research and developement projects for a young, international NGO
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position:Research and Development Associate
Function: Crop Production
Commitment:1yr minimum, 2+yrs much preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest, ensures comfortable living standard
Start Date: Flexible; by mid-August 2010 ideal
As the Associate for Research and Development you will contribute to our work by leading major R&D projects in three key areas: identifying cost-effective agricultural best-practices, applying appropriate technologies to boost agricultural yields, and designing value capture systems that maximize the profitability of small-scale farmers’ crops. You will:
Assist in Setting R&D Priorities: Work with KOMAZA strategic leadership to assess short- and long-term research and development needs and goals. This will involve the prioritization of R&D activities as well as the development of high-level projects, the R&D budget, and a strategy for achieving R&D objectives.
Review Literature: Review and write summaries of existing literature that can better inform KOMAZA’s practices and form a basis for our own field research. This will involve developing a good understanding of agronomy, relevant appropriate technologies (e.g. low-cost rainwater harvesting), and decentralized crop value capture.
Consult with Experts: Identify and consult with relevant experts in order to build KOMAZA’s technical knowledge base. In some cases, this role may require hiring specialized consultants in specific fields for short-term engagements in the areas where we operate.
Experiment: Based on the knowledge and advice gained through existing literature and expert consultation, design and implement field experiments to fill in gaps in existing knowledge. For agricultural and appropriate technology R&D, this will involve leasing rural farm land; hiring, training, and managing staff for KOMAZA-run experimental plots; and partnering with individual farmers interested in participating in pilot projects. For value capture R&D, this will involvbe field-testing tools, methods and systems related to crop value capture—harvesting, processing, and marketing crop yields. For all experimental activities, the Associate will be responsible for handling all of the logistics, training, and management functions associated with such activities.
Manage Ongoing Experiments: Take ownership over existing field experiments and experimental farms, including the management of staff in experiment maintenance and measurement.
This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, will have a field component – which can be challenging but highly rewarding. This work will involve: long, dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), hours spent outside in the equatorial sun and heat. KOMAZA will soon commence construction on its first dedicated field operations office in Ganze, which will facilitate any field work.
- Education: top performer with a bachelor of science in a relevant field (natural resource management, forestry, biology, plant science, agriculture, or similar)
- Relevant work experience: 2+ years experience in research in a scientific, environmental, or agricultural field (e.g. conservation biology/ecology)
- Work experience in a role that involved significant field-based, operational component: significant project management or other leadership in an operational role, staff management
- Strong scientific mindset: extremely detail-oriented, willing to learn, very experimental in a structured, goal-oriented way
- Multi-tasker extraordinaire: working across all aspects of operations (because KOMAZA is a start-up); juggling multiple projects/tasks at once
- Operational strength: evidence of ability to excel in role with focus on field-based operations, ability to recognize when something needs doing and to get it done
- Independent manager: self-managing, taking ownership over important independent projects; budgeting, developing work plan, goals, and self-deadlines
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong and proactive communicator: being personable yet persistent; building consensus and influencing Director decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles given close collaboration with local staff; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail
- Preferred but not required:
- Kiswahili
- Work experience in a role that involved: significant project management or other leadership in an operational role, staff management
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
- Experience with agriculture/forestry and knowledge of plant production and agro-ecology
KOMAZA Associates – who have 1+ year contracts – receive modest compensation and benefits for their pioneering work. For associates, KOMAZA provides a modest stipend, as well as a housing and food stipend, which allows for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi.
International applicants:
To facilitate your arrival and departure, one round-trip airfare per year is covered (including visas). Comprehensive international health insurance and basic immunizations are also covered. International applicants should note that while the compensation package provides for comfortable living in Kilifi, it does not easily facilitate saving or making loan payments in foreign currency.
Kenyan applicants:
Compensation and benefits will be adjusted such that the total value of the package remains the same even if certain benefits are not required (such as return airfare or international health insurance).
For applicants applying through a fellowship or third party grant, compensation and benefits are arranged directly with the organization. Together, the fellowship and KOMAZA ensure that the above are covered.
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply NowWanted: Experienced, business professional with operational experience to lead field staff
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer:KOMAZA
Position: Field Director
Function:Crop Production
Commitment: 2 year minimum, more preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Commensurate with experience
Start Date: As soon as is available
As Field Director, you will be responsible for the management and development of field operations.
- Manage all levels of field staff: coordinate and supervise all aspects of our field operations from social marketing to planting and maintenance with a current staff of 60. Troubleshoot day-to-day operational challenges.
- Design systems to enable KOMAZA operations: work closely with both headquarters and field staff to design and implement procedures, processes and tools that will ensure smooth-running operations that can grow.
- Capture “on-the-ground” needs and best practices: understand field challenges and bottlenecks and communicate those needs to headquarters in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our field systems.
This role will be based out of the Kilifi town office, but will be relocated to Ganze toward the end of 2011 (1 hour from Kilifi town). This position will require significant amounts of field work (2-5 days per week) under difficult conditions and will require spending several nights per week in Ganze. While there will be some office and desk work, this role will only be suitable for people with experience and who enjoy the outdoors.
- Fluent in Kiswahili and English: complete verbal and written mastery of both languages
- Education: top performer with a degree in forestry, agriculture, natural resource management or related areas
- Relevant work experience: work experience in the forestry or agriculture industries is strongly preferred. Experience in a field operations capacity is also looked upon favorably (utilities, construction, community mobilization, etc.) --
- Management experience: must have a minimum of 3 years (5+ preferred) managing staff in an operational capacity. Should have experience managing teams and setting clear expectations for performance and deadlines. Experience managing multiple levels of staff strongly preferred.
- Independent manager: self-managing - taking ownership over important, independent projects; capable of budgeting, prioritzing work loads, developing work plans, goals and self-deadlines
- Excellent and proactive communicator: personable yet persistent, building consensus and hearing all sides. Equal ability to communicate effectively with highly-educated international staff and minimally-educated local farmers and field staff.
- Extremely organized: clear ability to track personal responsibilities as well as ensure that all field staff is on track and have the resources they need for success.
- Fast-paced and energizing: experience getting groups of people to work hard, but most importantly to work smart, efficiently, and with a sense of purpose and accomplishment
- Patience and sense of humor: ability to adapt to changing situations and cope with the difficulty of working in remote, impoverished areas and the ability to laugh about it when things don’t work out as intended.
- Problem-solver: excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; ability to balance farmer and field staff concerns with sound business judgment. Ability to think “big picture” (e.g. how to meet milestones for planting with 1,000+ farmers) and dig into details (e.g. how to quickly get 100 barrels to farmers with no vehicles, poor road infrastructure)
- High-quality execution: proven experience executing projects/tasks and implementing recommendations with accuracy and great attention to detail.
- Preferred but not required:
- Competency in a Mijikenda language
- Driver’s license (automobile and motorcycle; willingness to obtain one and spend significant time driving is required)
- Work/living experience on Kenyan coast or in rural hardship areas
Compensation is dependent on experience and qualifications.
Apply NowThe External Relations team manages all external relations and outreach activities to attract funding critical to KOMAZA’s success and to raise awareness of our unique, transformational business model. As a “triple bottom line” social enterprise, KOMAZA’s vision fits into many diverse funding opportunities. The goal of the team is to gain as much visibility and support as possible to ensure the expansion of our operations and the execution of our mission and impact.
The External Relations team’s objectives are to:
- Develop and implement innovative and creative fundraising strategies and programs that support KOMAZA’s ambitious growth plans
- Create traditional and online communications strategies designed to reach diverse audiences who are critical to the success of our organization
- Track funding opportunities, deadlines and application requirements
- Draft and edit proposals, reports, program case studies and other donor-focused correspondences
- Develop and manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including: institutional donors, high-net worth individuals, government agencies, multilateral organizations, media, the private sector and NGOs
- Monitor issues relevant to global development, agriculture and sustainable forestry
Openings within this area:
Wanted: Highly skilled student or young professional with significant experience in film production and photography to create several, short documentary videos and photo content for a young international NGO.
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Multimedia Associate
Function: External Relations
Commitment: 1 year minimum, 2+ years preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest; ensure comfortable living standard
Start Date:Rolling
As the Multimedia Associate, you will create compelling video and photo content that captures all aspects of our operations and highlights relevant social and environmental issues on-location in Coastal Kenya. You will:
- Produce and editing short documentary videos for use in our organization’s web site as well as in live presentations
- Shoot professional quality photographs of all aspects of our operation for use in external communications and promotional materials
- Support the external relations team in integrating final photo and video products into our communications strategy, media and materials (via KOMAZA website, Vimeo, Twitter, Facebook, video blogging, presentations, etc.)
- Contribute to the design process of the website and various communications materials, including e-newsletters, photo booklets, etc.
- (Preferred but not required) Create animation videos that document KOMAZA’s operations and relevant contextual issues
Due to limiting funding, we require that you bring your own video camera equipment – ideally a HDV camera that supports 1080i/1080p, such as a Canon XL H1, Canon GL2, Sony HVR, or similar camera. A high quality SLR camera and photographic lenses are not essential but you may bring your own if you feel they are necessary
- Education: top-performing academic background; current student (or recent graduate) pursuing B.A./B.F.A. in film, communications, design, video production or related discipline
- Relevant experience: significant video production/shooting experience, ideally serving as a camera operator, editor or director of photography; expert using Final Cut Pro and/or Adobe Premier. Work samples or digital portfolio required.
- Creativity and enthusiasm: possess vision and passion for creating compelling video and photo content that highlights major social and environmental issues.
- Multi-tasker extraordinaire: ability to work across all aspects of operations (because KOMAZA is a start-up), and to juggle multiple systems/tasks at once
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: problem-solving and analytical skills and impeccable business judgment; ability to think “big picture” and dig into details
- Independent manager: ability to work effectively in a highly independent capacity – self-managing, taking ownership of goals, developing work plan, and setting self-deadlines
- High-quality execution: ability to execute projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great attention to detail
- Strong and proactive communicator: personable yet persistent; building consensus and influencing Director decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred, but not required:
- Kiswahili
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
Application information
Candidates for this role are strongly encouraged to submit a work sample for our recruiting team to review. This would highlight your ability to perform well in this role, and could include a portfolio of photography or short video.
KOMAZA Associates – who have 1+ year contracts – receive modest compensation and benefits for their pioneering work. For associates, KOMAZA provides a modest stipend, as well as a housing and food stipend, which allows for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi.
International applicants:
To facilitate your arrival and departure, one round-trip airfare per year is covered (including visas). Comprehensive international health insurance and basic immunizations are also covered. International applicants should note that while the compensation package provides for comfortable living in Kilifi, it does not easily facilitate saving or making loan payments in foreign currency.
Kenyan applicants:
Compensation and benefits will be adjusted such that the total value of the package remains the same even if certain benefits are not required (such as return airfare or international health insurance).
For applicants applying through a fellowship or third party grant, compensation and benefits are arranged directly with the organization. Together, the fellowship and KOMAZA ensure that the above are covered.
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply NowWanted: Early-career (0-3 years experience) business professional to assist in securing philanthropic funding to support the growth and program expansion of a young, international NGO
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Fundraising Analyst
Function: External Relations
Commitment: 3 months minimum, 6-12 months preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Unpaid
Start Date: Flexible
As KOMAZA expands its outreach efforts globally, we are seeking Analysts to join our External Relations team. The Fundraising Analyst will assist the team in mobilizing the resources and support necessary to expand our operations. You will solicit financial support from institutional and individual donors and communicate KOMAZA’s mission, goals and successes to the public. Specifically, you will support the team to:
- Write grant proposals: research, write and revise funding proposals submitted to foundations, corporations and other institutions and individuals.
- Research funding prospects: research prospective donors and grant-making institutions to assess funding opportunities.
Strengthen communications content: Support the External Relations team in communicating KOMAZA’s mission, goals and successes to the world. Based on your skills, interests and the needs of the team, the role might involve a variety of projects: developing newsletters and quarterly reports, writing press releases and feature articles, managing an online fundraising campaign, creating new photo and video content, contributing to the blog, website, and social media platforms, etc.
- Education: top-performing academic background
- Relevant experience: exceptional writing, communication and organizational skills and outstanding command of the English language; evidence of the ability to write well-structured, compelling grant proposals and develop effective promotional materials
- Independent manager: self-managing; managing multiple projects and deadlines; taking ownership over independent projects; budgeting; developing work plan, goals, and deadlines
- Strong and proactive communicator: personable yet persistent; building consensus and influencing Director decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred:
- Experience with social media as well as photo and video editing software (If available, please send portfolio and links to your blog/website/social media profiles)
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
Analysts – who work a minimum of 3 months but less than a year – do not, as a general rule of thumb, receive compensation or benefits. However, applicants with prior full-time work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending upon prior work experience and length of stay. Analysts who perform well and are keen to continue working for KOMAZA are eligible for an Associate position, with Associate compensation and benefits (please refer to an Associate job description for details).
As such, Analysts are generally responsible for the costs of flights, insurance, housing, and low day-to-day costs. KOMAZA will do its utmost to facilitate the Analyst’s arrangements – such as organizing affordable local housing, transportation from Mombasa to Kilifi upon arrival, and organizing meals such that Analysts can join high-quality dinner meals with the group at a very low cost (~$3/meal).
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance, as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply NowKOMAZA is growing exponentially with over 75 field staff and 25 office staff. Now, in 2010, we must develop our supporting organizational functions to continue as a high performance organization and to deliver total life change to the country’s hardest to serve farmers.
In order to secure the necessary systems support and key organizational hires for scalable growth, the Organization Development team must develop the following tools: robust financial controls, scalable administration and human resource management, local public relations, technology, USA operations, and legal counsel support.
The Organization Development team’s objectives are to manage:
- Infrastructure: Build an office in Ganze town for the first Rural Cell and purchase supporting vehicles and equipment
- International staffing: Hire more than twenty high caliber international staff including four new Directors
- Kenyan staffing: Hire local Field Directors to head Rural Cells and additional field staff, employing over one hundred local staff in total
- Human resources: Formalize employee policies and procedures and develop staff training programs
- Finance: Develop and improve accounting systems for functional budgeting and reporting
- Legal: Comply with all 501(c)3 regulations including Form 990 reporting and with the Kenyan NGO Coordination Board
- Administration: Improve office operational efficiencies and inventories
- Public relations: Promote external relations with stakeholders (e.g. farmers, communities, government)
Openings within this area:
Wanted: Early-career (0-2 years experience) business professional looking to apply their finance/accounting backgrounds to assist in developing & maintaining financial systems for a start-up on-profit based in Kenya
Industry: Non-profit/International Development/Start-up
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Financial Systems Analyst
Function: Finance/Accounting
Commitment: 3 months minimum, opportunity for Associate promotion evaluated based on performance
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Unpaid
Start Date: Immediately, Summer 2010
The Financial Systems Analyst is responsible in assisting the leadership team in developing and maintaining the finance/accounting systems to support day-to-day business activity and internal coordination of the organization. Key responsibilities include:
- Financial systems improvements and implementation: develop finance and accounting policies, processes, and internal controls to increase staff efficiency and effectiveness and to protect organizational assets. Ensure compliance, manage and improve accounting processes
- Financial budgeting: prepare annual budgets closely with the leadership team to determine salaries, project expenses, and funding needs. Manage forecasting systems to ensure alignment of projects with organizational strategies and priorities
- Financial reporting: develop and refine internal financial processes, including the production of detailed monthly expenses reports, quarterly budget vs. actual reports and annual financial statements, narrative and analysis for the leadership team.
- Accounting staff support and management: Oversee bookkeeper and manage monthly journal entries
- Education: top-performing undergraduate and/or graduate background
- Relevant work experience: 0-2 years professional experience in finance/auditing. Evidence of the ability to excel in a position with complex operational systems
- Analytical whiz: building/maintaining complex Excel models (financial projections, operations); exceptional problem solving and analytical skills
- Independent manager: managing multiple projects and deadlines; taking ownership over independent projects; budgeting; developing work plan, goals, and deadlines
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and impeccable business judgment; ability to think “big picture” and dig into details
- Strong and proactive communicator: personable yet persistent; building consensus and influencing decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with strong attention to detail
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred:
- Non-profit accounting, Quickbooks (or similar) software experience
Analysts – who work a minimum of 3 months but less than a year – do not, as a general rule of thumb, receive compensation or benefits. However, applicants with prior full-time work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending upon prior work experience and length of stay. Analysts who perform well and are keen to continue working for KOMAZA are eligible for an Associate position, with Associate compensation and benefits (please refer to an Associate job description for details).
As such, Analysts are generally responsible for the costs of flights, insurance, housing, and low day-to-day costs. KOMAZA will do its utmost to facilitate the Analyst’s arrangements – such as organizing affordable local housing, transportation from Mombasa to Kilifi upon arrival, and organizing meals such that Analysts can join high-quality dinner meals with the group at a very low cost (~$3/meal).
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance, as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply NowWanted: Early-career (5+ years experience or MBA) business professional with top auditing , banking or corporate development background to build/ manage finance & accounting related systems, prepare budgets and make informed recommendations on achievable long-term financial targets for a young, international social business
Industry: Non-profit/International Development/Start-up
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Finance Lead Associate
Function: Organization Development
Commitment: 1 year minimum, 2+ years preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Housing, food stipend and a modest salary that ensures comfortable living
standards
Start Date: Immediately
Working closely with the Leadership and Organization Development team, the Finance Lead Associate will be responsible for managing the finance and accounting systems to support the typical day-to-day business and make informed decisions regarding allocation of budget for expansion initiatives, salaries and capital expenditures . Responsibilities will include :
- Improvements To Accounting System : implement accounting policies, processes, and internal controls to improve and maintain systems for tracking expenses and increasing staff efficiency
- Financial Budgeting a nd Forecasting: prepare annual budgets closely with the leadership team to establish salaries, recruiting plan, general operating expenses, program expenses, and level of funding. Prepare long-term financial forecasts to determine realistic targets
- Financial Reporting : develop and refine internal financial processes, including the production of detailed monthly expenses reports, quarterly budget vs. actual reports and mid-year / annual financial statements with narrative and analysis for the leadership team to measure performance
- Compliance: Hire external auditor through competitive evaluation and work with them to prepare annual audited financial statements, including Form 990 and other filing requirements
- Accounting Staff Management: S upervise the work of the accounting department; hire and retain support staff as needed in the future. Oversee standard journal entries and ensure petty cash / bank account reconciliation. on a monthly basis
- Equity/D ebt F inancing Consideration: R esearch and recommend approach for equity/debt financing opportunities to raise sufficient capital to meet KOMAZA’s milestones
- Cost Saving Initiatives : Analyze historical expenses and suggest areas where KOMAZA can improve on its cost structure
- Explore New Ventures: Determine financial feasibility of pursuing new ventures (e.g., carbon credits, rainwater harvesters)
- Authorize Capital Expenditures: Authorize major capital costs budgeted to meet long-term objectives and prepare tools to monitor ROI
- Vendor Selection: Ensure competitive vendor selection process in purchasing field inputs/equipment and other supplies
- Education and Relevant Work Experience:
- MBA and/or 5 + years experience in auditing, banking, corporate development or similar industry that involved project management and developing financial tools to prepare budgets and long-term forecasts
- Evidence of the ability to excel in a position with complex operational systems
- Strong Analytical Skills : Building/maintaining complex but user-friendly operating and financial models ; can demonstrate exceptional problem solving skills
- Independent Manager: Managing multiple projects and deadlines; taking ownership of independent projects; developing concrete work plans, deliverables and deadlines
- Execution with Strong Attention to Detail: Executing projects/tasks and implementing recommendations with systematic attention to detail
- Strong and Proactive Communicator: P ersonable yet persistent; contributing to important organization-wide decisions; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- Patience and a Sense of Humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred:
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
- Exposure to international professional standards
- Non-profit accounting, Quickbooks (or similar) software experience
KOMAZA Associates – who have 1+ year contracts – receive modest compensation and benefits for their pioneering work. For associates, KOMAZA provides a modest stipend, as well as a housing and food stipend, which allows for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi.
International applicants:
To facilitate your arrival and departure, one round-trip airfare per year is covered (including visas). Comprehensive international health insurance and basic immunizations are also covered. International applicants should note that while the compensation package provides for comfortable living in Kilifi, it does not easily facilitate saving or making loan payments in foreign currency.
Kenyan applicants:
Compensation and benefits will be adjusted such that the total value of the package remains the same even if certain benefits are not required (such as return airfare or international health insurance).
For applicants applying through a fellowship or third party grant, compensation and benefits are arranged directly with the organization. Together, the fellowship and KOMAZA ensure that the above are covered.
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply NowWanted: Early-career (2-3 years experience) business professional to develop the organizational capacity to support the growth and program expansion for a young, international NGO
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Organization Development Associate
Function: Organization Development
Commitment: 1 year, more preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest
Start Date: Flexible
As an Organization Development Associate, you will support the director, managers and associates in developing KOMAZA’s internal systems to build our capacity in HR, finance and administration as we continue to grow. You will be challenged not only to develop these systems but also to train local staff on how to implement them. For example, you could help your supervisor manage:
- Administrative systems: improve and develop new administration systems as the organization scales in size and scope, including document management and electronic document sharing in an internal/external wiki
- Budgeting: assist the bookkeeper to produce monthly expense reports and identify discrepancies for reconciliation
- Organization policy: write an employee handbook with human resources, finance and information technology policies and procedures and provide training sessions for office and field staff
- Compensation & benefits: conduct salary benchmarking and a benefits review for international and local staff
- Recruiting: screen applications for international and local recruitment and coordinate remote and in-office interviews
- On-boarding materials: develop comprehensive on-boarding materials for new staff inclusive of cultural context and monthly team building programming
- Education: top-performing undergraduate and/or graduate background
- Relevant work experience: 2-3 years professional experience in significant implementation, consulting, change management, communications and talent management
- Multi-tasker extraordinaire: working across all aspects of operations (because KOMAZA is a start-up); juggling multiple projects/tasks at once
- Independent manager: self-managing, taking ownership over important independent projects; budgeting, developing work plan, goals, and self-deadlines
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and impeccable business judgment; ability to think “big picture” and dig into details
- Strong and proactive communicator: personable yet persistent: building consensus and influencing Director decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Computer skills: experience creating and editing Microsoft Word/Excel documents
- Preferred:
- Kiswahili
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
KOMAZA Associates – who have 1+ year contracts – receive modest compensation and benefits for their pioneering work. For associates, KOMAZA provides a modest stipend, as well as a housing and food stipend, which allows for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi.
International applicants:
To facilitate your arrival and departure, one round-trip airfare per year is covered (including visas). Comprehensive international health insurance and basic immunizations are also covered. International applicants should note that while the compensation package provides for comfortable living in Kilifi, it does not easily facilitate saving or making loan payments in foreign currency.
Kenyan applicants:
Compensation and benefits will be adjusted such that the total value of the package remains the same even if certain benefits are not required (such as return airfare or international health insurance).
For applicants applying through a fellowship or third party grant, compensation and benefits are arranged directly with the organization. Together, the fellowship and KOMAZA ensure that the above are covered.
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply NowThe Technology team works to ensure that KOMAZA delivers totally life-changing impact to farmers through the strategic use of effective and appropriate technology. We collaborate with all areas of the organization to identify and plan for technology needs and work to design and implement innovative solutions. The team is currently undertaking challenges such as:
- Identifying and promoting appropriate and intermediate technology strategy that will further KOMAZA mission
- Managing information systems that underpin all areas of the business including business and field operations
- Designing online communication and fundraising platforms e.g website, blog social networks
- Developing mobile communication systems and tools for our distributed field staff network
- Devloping and managing Geographic Information Systems to track our area of operations and advise on resource management and service delivery logistics
- Track and monitor farmer data to allow for monitoring and evaluation of KOMAZAs operations and impact
Openings within this area:
Wanted: Current media- and Web 2.0-savvy undergraduate or graduate student to manage online content and social media strategy for a young, international NGO
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Web & Social Media Analyst
Function:External Relations/Technology
Commitment: 13 weeks – full-time
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Unpaid
Start Date: Flexible start date
As KOMAZA expands its outreach efforts globally, we are seeking an Analyst to join our External Relations team. Using online media, the Analyst will work to develop marketing and advocacy content designed to reach our international network of donors and supporters.
A critical component of our outreach relies on insightful and emotive imagery and language that depict the full scope of KOMAZA’s operations and impact – from the day-to-day lives of our farmers to our work in the field. Therefore, KOMAZA is seeking an Analyst who can assist in communicating the mission and work of KOMAZA. This will include:
- Online advocacy campaigns: Developing and implementing online advocacy campaigns using Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, and other social media platforms
- Web Content: Producing and updating content for the KOMAZA website and managing Search Engine Optimization
- Photo and video content: Editing professional-quality photo and video content for use in external communications and promotional materials
- Blog: Maintaining a KOMAZA blog with weekly postings and engaging, relevant links
- Social networks: Strengthening our Twitter and Facebook profiles through meaningful participation
- Monthly articles: Creating monthly articles and project case studies that explain our work
- Online communities: Identifying and engaging relevant bloggers and online communities
- Education: top-performing academic background
- Technical skills: experience with web technologies and programming languages e.g. HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP. Familiarity with blogging, photo/video editing and programming software e.g WordPress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver.
- Relevant experience: experience with blogging, social media and website development for a large audience. (If available, please send portfolio and links to your blog/website/social media profiles).
- Multi-tasker extraordinaire: highly organized, juggling multiple projects/tasks at once
- Independent manager: working effectively in a highly independent capacity – self-managing, taking ownership of goals, developing work plan, and setting self-deadlines
- Strong and proactive communicator: being personable yet persistent; developing exceptional quality written materials for external audiences; structuring and managing communications with supervisor – particularly given that direct supervisor is located in Kenya
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail
Application information
Candidates for this role are strongly encouraged to submit a work sample for our recruiting team to review. This would highlight your ability to perform well in this role, and could include: a portfolio of photography or short video, a link to blogs/websites/social media profile (or similar)
Analysts – who work a minimum of 3 months but less than a year – do not, as a general rule of thumb, receive compensation or benefits. However, applicants with prior full-time work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending upon prior work experience and length of stay. Analysts who perform well and are keen to continue working for KOMAZA are eligible for an Associate position, with Associate compensation and benefits (please refer to an Associate job description for details).
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance, as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Wanted: IT professional to manage technology infrastructure and information systems for a young, international NGO
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: IT Analyst
Function: Technology
Commitment: 6 months minimum, more preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest
Start Date:Flexible
As an Information Technology Analyst, you will maintain KOMAZA's technology infrastructure and information systems. IT Analyst responsibilities will include:
- Network Administrator: Maintaining and expanding the Local Area Network and internet service
- Information Systems Manager: Managing information security and data integrity for the organization
- Database Analyst: Updating and expanding KOMAZA database for operations and monitoring and evaluation
- Webmaster: Updating content and structure for KOMAZA website and blog
- Education: top performing undergraduate and/or graduate background
- Relevant work experience: 1+ years of relevant experience in database or information management systems, networking, web development
- Computer skills: working knowledge of PHP, MySQL, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, experience with a major Relational Data Management System (e.g. MySQL, MS SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, DB2)
- Analytical skills: exceptional problem solving and analytical skills with impeccable business acumen
- Strong and proactive communicator: personable yet persistent; developing detailed and high-quality work output materials
- Independent manager: self-managing; managing multiple projects and deadlines; taking ownership over independent projects; budgeting; developing work plan, goals, and deadlines
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and impeccable business judgment; ability to think “big picture” and dig into details
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail
- Patience and sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred:
- Kiswahili
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
Analysts – who work a minimum of 3 months but less than a year – do not, as a general rule of thumb, receive compensation or benefits. However, applicants with prior full-time work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending upon prior work experience and length of stay. Analysts who perform well and are keen to continue working for KOMAZA are eligible for an Associate position, with Associate compensation and benefits (please refer to an Associate job description for details).
As such, Analysts are generally responsible for the costs of flights, insurance, housing, and low day-to-day costs. KOMAZA will do its utmost to facilitate the Analyst’s arrangements – such as organizing affordable local housing, transportation from Mombasa to Kilifi upon arrival, and organizing meals such that Analysts can join high-quality dinner meals with the group at a very low cost (~$3/meal).
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance, as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply NowThe Value Capture team takes our farmers’ raw tree logs, processes them into high-value products that are demanded in the marketplace, and coordinates sales. The team will also pursue contracts, coordinate logistics, and design, build, and manage processing infrastructure. The goal of the Value Capture team is to sell tree products to maximize per-farm profitability, while planning for a scaled supply of wood from tens of thousands of farmers. The team is currently undertaking challenges such as:
- Uncovering the most desirable wood product markets, both domestically and abroad – and understanding the product specifications and how to manage any barriers to entry
- Determining the best processing techniques to capture the most revenue potential, through research and testing
- Designing the operational blueprint to manage processing, logistics, and sales of tens of thousands of trees – and building this operational infrastructure
- Evaluating the cost-benefit tradeoffs among all operational decisions, to maximize profitability
- Mitigating risk by pursuing multiple product lines and diversified revenue streams and customer bases
- Coordinating logistics – from farm to processing facility to market
Openings within this area:
Wanted: Experienced harvester with wood technologist background to design and oversee harvesting and early stage processing operations for a young, international NGO
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position:Harvesting & Processing Associate
Function: Value Capture
Commitment:1yr minimum, 2+yrs much preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest, ensures comfortable living standard
Start Date: September - October 2010
As harvesting forester, you will be responsible for designing and executing KOMAZA’s first harvest and early stage processing among its rural farmer stands of eucalyptus trees. You will ensure sustainable forestry management and maximize the per-tree profit while minimizing waste. You will provide effective leadership and hands-on management of harvesting and processing operations – from hiring a team to acquiring the equipment necessary for operations to solving logistical challenges.
You will utilize your log processing knowledge to create the best process design for each product given the particular challenges and considerations of operating in a developing country. You will manage the facilities, operations, and inventory. You will:
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Supervise forest stand mapping: collaborate with GIS Associate and Crop Production team to collect forest stand data and create maps for effective and efficient harvesting operations
- Oversee operational monitoring and evaluation: execute pre- and post-harvest inventories (including pre-selection of trees for felling), manage permanent sample plot surveys, oversee data capture and analysis, estimate harvest volumes over time to enable revenue projections, optimize process workflow, maximize efficiency and profitability
- Ensure accurate record keeping: both on-site (e.g. labeling of logs for tracking) and remotely in databases (e.g. growth projections)
Operations
- Design thinning, harvesting, and processing plans: collaborate with rest of value capture team to design the scheduling, logistics, equipment, and cost management of harvest and processing operations
- Oversee processing: Log cutting, drying, treating, charcoal production
- Supervise harvest operations: supervise operations on-site to ensure proper health and safety procedures are followed, quality is protected (directional felling, pre-processing activities), environmental impact is minimized, and rural farmers are involved with and informed about the plans and execution
- Manage transportation logistics to storage and processing facilities: coordinate the cost efficient transportation of raw and processed logs to selected destinations
- Operate and oversee maintenance of chainsaws, portable sawmills, vehicles, and other equipment
- Manage diverse operations team while understanding and responding to their professional development needs: hire, train, and supervise field staff and harvesting laborers
Environment, Health, and Safety
- Ensure full compliance with all Kenyan safety, forestry, harvesting, and environmental regulations: learn rules and regulations and maintain partnerships with regulatory bodies to stay current on any changes, manage fire prevention plans and execution
- Protect health and safety: implement international-caliber health and safety standards, making safety top priority.
- Minimize environmental impact: ensure proper post-harvest clean-up of eucalyptus stands, follow relevant laws and minimize environmental impact on land
- Prepare an environmental management system/plan and manage any environmental impact statements, resulting from timber harvesting operations
This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, will have a significant field component – which can be challenging and difficult but highly rewarding. This work will involve: long dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), extensive time outside in the sun and heat. Field work will likely include research trips to regional processing facilities to gather best practices. KOMAZA will soon commence construction on its first dedicated field operations office in Ganze, which will facilitate any field work.
- Education: Bachelor of Science in forestry or natural resource management.
- Relevant work experience:
- 4yrs of experience in professional forestry work
- At least two years in a supervisory and/or program management or leadership capacity - proven track record in managing a harvesting or forestry operation and designing harvesting and processing plans
- Extensive knowledge of forest ecology, silvicultural practices, watershed and environmental management, wildlife management; knowledge of wood industries and wood processing technologies and techniques
- Experience managing wood processing facilities (round wood production facilities, lumber yards, etc)
- Knowledge of facility design
- Strong leader and manager: highly organized; self-managing; managing multiple projects and deadlines; taking ownership over independent projects; budgeting; developing work plan, goals, and deadlines
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and impeccable business judgment; ability to think “big picture” and dig into details
- Strong and proactive communicator: personable yet persistent; building consensus and influencing Director decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred but not required:
- Kiswahili
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
KOMAZA Associates – who are one 1+ year contracts - receive modest compensation and benefits for their pioneering work. The cost of living in Kilifi is very low (e.g. a Coca-Cola costs 20KSH, or ~$0.25USD), and many fun activities are free (e.g. swimming in the Indian Ocean, walking distance from town).
For Associates, KOMAZA covers basic needs for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi, and provides an allowance which is sufficient for a modest but enjoyable experience:
- Modest stipend
- Room and board (comfortable middle-class house for ex-pat staff housing, with excellent security, full-time cook and house staff; 6 dinner-time meals per week)
- One return airfare per year (from place of residence to Mombasa)
- Comprehensive international health insurance (including USA coverage for Americans)
- Basic immunizations, visas
For applicants applying through a fellowship or third party grant, compensation and benefits are arranged directly with the organization. Together, the fellowship and KOMAZA ensure that the above are covered.
For Kenyan applicants, compensation and benefits will be adjusted such that the total value remains the same if certain benefits are not required (such as return airfare, health insurance).
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance, as KOMAZA continues to grow.
Apply Now Wanted: Business professional to build out product logistics and processing operations for a young, international NGO
Industry: Non-profit/International Development
Employer: KOMAZA
Position: Operations: Value Capture Associate
Function: Value Capture
Commitment: 1 year minimum, 2+ years preferred
Location: Kilifi, Kenya
Comp/Benefits: Modest, ensures comfortable living standard
Start Date: Late 2010
As an Operations: Value Capture Associate, you will build out KOMAZA’s first processing facilities in time for KOMAZA’s first thinning in 2011. You will implement a dynamic operations plan which will adapt as KOMAZA scales, and you will use your operational background to improve on the existing operational design – seeking efficiency and effectiveness improvements. Our operational design maps the underlying operations of our value chain (harvesting, logistics, processing, sales) needed to cost-effectively and environmentally-sustainably deliver high-quality products to identified markets. You will be the operations expert with a complete value chain perspective. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Developing an extensive harvesting plan
- Improving and executing on our existing processing design:
- Selecting and procuring transportation for raw logs
- Overseeing the construction of processing facilities
- Managing facility equipment procurement
- Managing recruitment and training of value capture field and facility employees
- Managing day-to-day challenges and regular problem-solving
- Developing processes, tools, performance standards, and performance tracking (e.g. performance indicators)
- Seeking out external expertise to bring in best practices
- Managing and collaborating within and across teams to achieve project objectives and daily tasks
- Designing and conducting any experiments and primary/secondary research required to:
- Refining profitability estimates
- Synthesizing and integrating best practice processes
- Analyzing market attractiveness, demand drivers, pricing and cost information
- Assessing crop yield projections at each stage of tree harvesting
This role, while based in the Kilifi town office, will have a field component – which can be challenging but highly rewarding. This work will involve: long, dirty and uncomfortable bus/motorcycle rides, basic rustic facilities, work in areas far from any infrastructure (stores, electricity, paved roads), hours spent outside in the equatorial sun and heat. KOMAZA will soon commence construction on its first dedicated field operations office in Ganze, which will facilitate any field work.
- Education: top-performing undergraduate and/or graduate background
- Relevant work experience:
- 2+ years experience in implementation, operations consulting, change management, operational performance improvement, or facility management
- Work that involved project and people management or other leadership
- Independent manager: self-managing; managing multiple projects and deadlines; taking ownership over independent projects; budgeting; developing work plan, goals, and deadlines
- Problem-solver – at a high- and granular- level: excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and impeccable business judgment; ability to think “big picture” and dig into details
- Strong and proactive communicator: personable yet persistent; building consensus and influencing Director decision-making; adapting to local cultural norms and communication styles; developing detailed and high-quality written materials
- High-quality execution: executing projects/tasks and implement recommendations – quickly and with flawless accuracy, with great systematic attention to detail
- Patience and a sense of humor: please see KOMAZA recruiting website for a more detailed description of important “fit” criteria
- Preferred:
- Kiswahili
- Work/volunteer experience in a developing country
- Experience with timber/electricity pole/pulp and paper industries and/or knowledge of wood processing technologies and techniques
KOMAZA associates – who are one 1+ year contracts – receive modest compensation and benefits for their pioneering work. The cost of living in Kilifi is very low (e.g. a Coca-Cola costs 20KSH, or ~$0.25USD), and many fun activities are free (e.g. swimming in the Indian Ocean, walking distance from town).
For associates, KOMAZA covers basic needs for a comfortable standard of living in Kilifi, and provides an allowance which is sufficient for a modest but enjoyable experience:
- Modest stipend
- Room and board (comfortable middle-class house for ex-pat staff housing, with excellent security, full-time cook and house staff; 6 dinner-time meals per week)
- One return airfare per year (from place of residence to Mombasa)
- Comprehensive international health insurance (including USA coverage for Americans)
- Basic immunizations, visas
For applicants applying through a fellowship or third party grant, compensation and benefits are arranged directly with the organization. Together, the fellowship and KOMAZA ensure that the above are covered.
For Kenyan applicants, compensation and benefits will be adjusted such that the total value remains the same if certain benefits are not required (such as return airfare, health insurance).
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance, as KOMAZA continues to grow.
How to apply
Thank you for your interest in joining the KOMAZA team! We look forward to learning more about you.
Our process is selective at each stage, and not all applicants are invited to an interview. Our application process includes at least two rounds of phone interviews and may include an assignment to better assess your skill set.
How to apply:
Step 1: Apply online
Please submit your application in the Apply section (the link on the right side of the page). KOMAZA will review applicants on a continuous basis until the recruiting team identifies a strong match. For this reason, serious applicants should apply as soon as possible.
Please be aware that the length of the application process depends on the specific position and its start date. Please communicate in your cover letter if you require an accelerated application decision due to competing job offers and other time-sensitive conflicts.
To submit, you’ll need:
- Personal, academic, and/or professional information
- CV (one page strongly recommended, two page limit)
- Cover letter
- Work sample (a requirement for some positions)
Step 2: Round 1 phone interview
Once the recruiting team reviews all submitted materials, strong applicants will be notified of an hour-long phone interview via email. Only 10% of applicants advance to this step. Applicants will be able to sign up online for an interview timeslot. These interviews are opportunities for us to learn more about you and for you to learn about KOMAZA.
Certain positions may require applicants to develop sample operational tools which are relevant to our work in Kenya. These assignments allow us to better gauge applicants’ skill sets.
Step 3: Final round phone interview
Select applicants will be invited to an hour-long phone interview for the final round. These interviews are typically conducted by the hiring manager or future supervisor.
Note: KOMAZA may request additional phone interviews if the applicant will be working closely with multiple staff members or to gauge overall fit.
Step 4: Final decision and further communication
KOMAZA will communicate our decision after conducting all final round interviews for the position. If the applicant is offered a position, the recruiting team will be happy to introduce the applicant to other employees to help answer further questions that will help them make their final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell me more about Kilifi, Kenya?
Kilifi is a beautiful seaside town, one hour outside of Mombasa and along the Mombasa-Malindi coastal stretch. The urban population of ~40,000 comprises diverse cultures: Swahili, Arab, Italian, British and European clinical/community-health researchers. The town is near urban centers where most necessities can be readily purchased. To get around Kilifi, we walk, bike, take “tuk tuk’s” (3-wheeled mini vehicles). Beyond Kilifi we take “matatus” (local buses) or taxis.
Living here has a lot to offer:
- Healthy lifestyle: ample opportunities for fresh air, exercise, and weekend relaxation, including: running trails, squash court, local outdoor volleyball and soccer, swimming in the creek, reading a book at a local resort
- Food: fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables make for excellent eating, the best Italian pizza for 100+ miles; mangoes for breakfast, fresh avocado for lunch, crab for dinner, and freshly squeezed orange juice
- Nightlife: a few local bars in town and extensive nightlight in Mombasa for weekend revelers (restaurants, bars, dance clubs, movie theaters)
- Day sight-seeing: Arabuko Sokoke forest (largest protected forest in East Africa), Gede Ruins, Fort Jesus (Mombasa fort), Malindi (predominantly Italian town), Mombasa
- Weekend sight-seeing: Diani (popular international resort town with beautiful beaches), Tsavo game reserve (where Out of Africa was filmed), local camping and hiking destinations
- Longer holiday trips: Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Zanzibar (Tanzania); Lamu archipelago (UNESCO world heritage site and Kenya’s oldest town), Masai Mara game reserve (northern continuation of Serengeti in Kenya), Mount Kenya (highest mountain in Kenya; second highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro, UNESCO world heritage site)
What opportunities for career advancement and development exist within KOMAZA?
KOMAZA is a fast growing organization with abundant opportunities for accelerated promotions. There are three position levels within KOMAZA. Though specific positions may require different candidate profiles, in general, the levels are the following:
- Analysts: individuals with short-term contracts (less than 1 year) who have varying levels of experience (0-3 years)
- Associates: individuals with prior relevant professional experience (2+ years) who commit to at least 1 year
- Directors: individuals with extensive prior professional and leadership experience (3+ years) who commit to at least 2 years
KOMAZA strives to provide unlimited avenues for learning and professional development. This start-up environment is ideal for ambitious people who seek to “learn-by-doing” and dive into all areas of a small – but growing – business. In order to formally develop its staff, KOMAZA has a biannual review process. However, the best way to ensure continuous improvement is to take advantage of peer learning opportunities from highly accomplished colleagues: young professionals from top-tier schools with consulting, non-profit management, conservation and silviculture backgrounds. In addition, KOMAZA’s founder (a highly-awarded young social entrepreneur) can assist top performers with future placements in either the private sector or throughout the developing world.
How do I know if KOMAZA is right for me?
KOMAZA is a close-knit start-up family, with many Kenyans and ex-pats who have moved to coastal Kenya to help achieve the organization’s goals. In many ways, “work” and “life” overlap here. Fit is crucial to ensure that all employees get along and have profound and enjoyable experiences. Further, work and life attitudes are extremely important to handle the day-to-day challenges inherent to living in a developing country.
Candidates would be best-served if they seriously consider whether they would succeed – and enjoy – an experience with KOMAZA.
The recruiting team looks for individuals who fit the following criteria:
- Natural leader and strong communicator who thrives in team-based environments – for example, engaging others to brainstorm, soliciting feedback, resolving conflicts or persuading colleagues to adopt a recommendation
- Self-starter mentality, with ability to do what needs to be done – designing projects and executing them independently
- Extraordinary patience to work in an environment where things move slowly and can often be frustrating from a Western perspective
- Flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances, and deal with setbacks – which can be out of one’s control (e.g. power outages, water shortages)
- Happiness to undertake significant field-based work
- Ambition and willingness to work beyond business hours when necessary, fitting into a hardworking professional culture; KOMAZA exhibits an “American-style” professional culture, with employees who all work to build an sustainable organization that will transform the lives of extremely poor families
- Easy going personality, humble approach to service, and interest in contributing to KOMAZA’s social culture outside of work
What opportunities exist for cultural immersion and learning?
Employees collaborate with local Kenyan staff on a day-to-day basis, and beyond that they have plenty of opportunities to engage in the local culture and language. Swahili lessons are offered twice-weekly to encourage foreign employees to improve their language skills. Quarterly homestays with KOMAZA farmers are coordinated for each employee. This forty-eight hour immersion into the everyday life of a rural subsistence farming family improves each employee’s ability to carry out KOMAZA’s mission. Families typically live in traditional mud one-to-two room houses with no running water or electricity.
