Description
The HCD Research Manager
will lead and largely carry out this analysis over 2-3 months, in collaboration
with others on the team.
Details
Human Centered Design Research
Manager
Agriculture Product Design
Research
Agriculture Product User
& Market Evaluation
Mwanza, Tanzania
Apply by: 19 Sep 2016
Applications to jobs@simusolar.com
Relevant
Sectors
Agriculture,
Livelihoods, Microfinance, Rural Environment, Climate, Energy, Water,
Sanitation Private Sector, Social Enterprise, Corporate Social Responsibility
OVERVIEW:
In
rural Tanzania, basic productive equipment is expensive or unavailable due to
poor electricity-grid penetration and a lack of financing for equipment purchase.
Examples include water pumps for irrigation, refrigerators for harvest storage,
and more. In order to bring the most impactful products to market, Simusolar is
undertaking an evaluation of the need and opportunity for its irrigation pump,
with the goal of understanding the best applications (in terms of crop type,
soil, and farming practice), suitable regions, pricing / payment plans,
partnerships, and the support required by farmers. The HCD Research Manager
will lead and largely carry out this analysis over 2-3 months, in collaboration
with others on the team.
PROJECT
SCOPE:
As
noted above, the desired outcome is an understanding of the product’s best
use-case(s) and early indications of product-market fit (the viability of this
product having a viable business case).
More
specifically, we provide a non-exhaustive list of goals:
·
Analysis
of produce categories, input and time requirements of each, local markets into
which they sell, and the incremental income they afford;
·
Pricing
plan assumption based on analysis of the potential income benefits of the
product, partially validated through user surveys, sign-ups, and/or other
means;
·
User
profiles, perceptions of the problem & product, and needs in terms of
materials and training;
·
A
framework and plan for regional evaluation, with indications for at least two
potential target regions to launch within Tanzania;
·
Identification
and development of potential partnerships for product testing, (beta) customer
recruitment, and training; SACCOs and Coops are two avenues to explore.
As
noted above, the project is collaborative and the HCD Research Manager can
expect support from the team on pricing and technology.
DURATION: 2-3 months initially; may
be extended as needed. Available to start immediately
SKILLS
& EXPERIENCE: There
is not one background that would be effective for this project.
The
following list captures what we believe will result in effective insights; we
welcome alternative profiles with supporting justification:
·
User
design research experience with a variety of client categories;
·
Field
research experience, ideally in East Africa and/or an agricultural context;
·
Ability
to structure and manage a project to completion, with margin for iterations as
new information is received;
·
Ability
to work independently with minimal oversight;
·
Outgoing
and curious: able to engage anyone in conversation, regardless of background;
·
Bonus: Proficiency in Swahili
(otherwise, a translator will be provided)
·
Bonus: Experience mapping
value-chains in food and agriculture
·
Bonus: Experience working in a
startup (or unstructured) environment
OPPORTUNITY:
This
product / service is a pioneering development, building off mobile money
penetration and technology that allows equipment to be controlled remotely…in
extremely remote regions. The opportunity to shape a new product category with
huge impacts on lower-income, rural families is huge. As a growing company,
there may also be long-term opportunities to join the team, depending on fit
and financing.
COMPENSATION:
Commensurate
with experience and the cost of living in Tanzania, the payment may be
structured on a monthly basis with an initial 2-month commitment. Simusolar
will cover airfare to and from Tanzania and a 3-month business visa. Support in
identifying housing will also be provided, though rent costs will not be
covered. A conditional incentive bonus will also be provided for successful and
timely completion.
ABOUT
US:
Simusolar was founded in 2014 to provide
energy access to off-grid communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. We designs,
distributes, and finances turn-key solar solutions for residential and
commercial use. Our founders have over 70 years combined experience in solar
design, supply, and distribution, 10 years in the Tanzania rural off-grid
space, and 10+ years in innovative finance. Our mission is to improve the
quality of life in rural East Africa through access to financing and solar
powered equipment.
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