Transfer Lab Technician at GIZ Rwanda: (Deadline 29 November 2021)

Transfer Lab Technician at GIZ Rwanda: (Deadline 29 November 2021)

Internal Vacancy Announcement

Transfer Lab Technician

for

Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development Programme

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. GIZ has worked in Rwanda for over 30 years. The primary objectives between the Government of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Germany are poverty reduction and promotion of sustainable development. To achieve these objectives, GIZ Rwanda is active in the sectors of Decentralization and Good Governance, Economic Development and Employment Promotion, Energy, and ICT (Information and Communications Technology).

 The project “Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development”(DSSD) will advise Rwandan institutions on the implementation of the Smart Rwanda Master Plan (2016-2020) and its priority projects.

The project aims at promoting the development of digital solutions in collaboration with sector ministries, local and international private companies, research institutions, and civil society. The development of those solutions will be supported and managed by the Center for Digital Transformation (DigiCenter) as a project unit of DSSD.

The DigiCenter will be a hybrid model aimed at developing impact driven digital solutions, playing the role of test bed and launch pad for German and European Companies, developing the local eco-system capacities, and replicating and scaling-up digital solutions at regional and continental level. In parallel, the institutional and capacity development of MINICT (Ministry of ICT & Innovation), RISA (Rwanda Information Society Authority), and other partners will be supported through intensive capacity building, organizational development, business process optimization, and expert advice.

GIZ Rwanda is searching a suitable candidate for the position of Lab Technician for Transfer lab at the DigiCenter. The transfer lab space was created in partnership with the DSSD and local partners with the goal to enhance the methodological capacity of local partners and innovators to plan, design and facilitate different innovation formats in order to foster technological innovations that meet both social and individual needs as well as production of electronic devices in Rwanda.

Location: Kigali

Fixed term: one (1) year contract renewable

Position: one (1)

A. Responsibilities

The Transfer Lab Technician is responsible for:

• Managing the Emerging Tech Transfer Labs of the DigiCenter, jointly with other partners (NIRDA, RISA, MINICT, and private sector)
• Planning and coordinating laboratory activities for innovation projects
• Recording and triggering innovative ideas among Lab users,
• Supervising all lab activities and assurance of compliance with standards.
• Leading the maintenance and upgrade of the Lab equipment and systems.
• Managing all DigiCenter infrastructure, including the monitors, servers, and printer
• Undergo on-the-job training for manufacturing/making

The Transfer Lab advisor performs the following tasks:

B. Tasks 

• Explore and support the local technology community to innovate for various applications around the following emerging technologies (Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0, Artificial intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), Block chain)
• Assist with and supervise various research/ innovation projects
• Implements new Lab programs, tests, methods, instrumentation, and procedures
• Develop and implement a continuous training Program for lab users
• Develop and maintain lab user guides, experimental protocols and work instructions.
• Develop and implement lab policy, procedures, and processes
• Organize workshops, demonstrations, and promotional material that demonstrate the emerging technology capabilities related to the transfer lab and the local ecosystem.
• Troubleshoots hardware/software issues and maintains lab equipment and other

DigiCenter facilities. 

• Maintain inventory control of Center facilities, laboratory equipment, and tools
• Collaborate with DSSD staff & startups to develop documentation, videos, or support materials.
• Assist startups, innovators to properly use the lab equipment, tools, and other items available in the space; ensure safety and compliance with rules and policies.
• Provide one-on-one and group trainings, demos, and tours of the space and equipment.
• Train startups on product design and development from ideation to proud development
• Performs other duties and tasks at the request of management

C. Required qualifications, competencies, and experience
1. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Electromechanical engineering, communication systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Signal Processing, Systems Engineering, or other related to Emerging technologies research, with a focus on IoT, AI, AR&VR, block Chain etc.

2. Professional experience

• At least 5 years professional experience in a comparable position
• Excellent knowledge of the emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, AR&VR, Automation, Blockchain, etc.
• Expertise in Parametric Design and Digital Fabrication tools (Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D, Solidworks, Coding, Electronics, Arduino, Laser Cutter, Milling Machine, 3D printers, 3D scanner, CNC big and small for Circuit boards, saw machines, linear DC power supply, Heat Press Machine, vinyl cutting plotter machine, etc.
• Hands-on expertise in mechatronics and embedded system
• Use of innovative technologies to support the achievement of sustainable development goals
• Hands-on prototyping experience with Hardware, electronics, and computer systems.
• One or more years of experience working in a Makerspace, Fablab or lab environment
• Experience with graphic design, 3D modeling, or video editing
• Previous experience in managing young innovators & interacting with a team;
• Autonomous, able to take on responsibilities and coordinate a team efficiently;

3. Other knowledge, additional competences

• Very good presentation and networking skills
• Proactive in the development and implementation of ideas and proposals
• Good knowledge of English and Kinyarwanda. French would be an asset

 Interested candidates should submit their application (motivation letter, updated CV, certificates, and references) until  29^th November 2021 at 4:00 PM, by e-mail to recruitment-rw@giz.de The email attachment (max. size 2 MB) should be a PDF file. Please quote the job title in the subject

GIZ is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified candidates. This includes the provision of reasonable accommodation, if needed, in order to participate in the job application and interview process and to perform essential job functions. Please, let us know if you have any particular requirements should you be invited for assessment/interview or that you wish us to take into account when considering your application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for test and interview.

 GIZ Office Rwanda

KN 41 St. / Nr.17, Kiyovu

P.O. Box 59, Kigali,Rwanda

GIZ Office Rwanda reserves all rights!!