Tupande Production Assistant ( Fixed-Term)

About One Acre Fund Founded in 2006, One Acre Fund equips 5.5 million smallholder farmers to make their farms more productive. Across nine countries that together are home to two-thirds of Africa's farmers, we provide high-quality farm supplies, tree seedlings, accessible credit, modern agronomic training, and a wide range of other agricultural services. On average, this model enables any farmer to increase their income and assets on supported land by more than 35 percent, while permanently improving their resilience. This is all made possible by our team of 9,000+ full-time staff, drawn from diverse backgrounds and professions. To learn more, please see our Why Work Here blog post. Our Kenya program, founded in 2006, operates under the local brand Tupande. Close to 500 staff in our Kakamega headquarters support 1,747 field staff and serve more than 1 million farmers. In Nairobi, around 50 staff support global functions like procurement, recruitment, government relations, and communications. About the Role Operates and monitors a designated stage of the pyrolysis production process; feedstock feeding and drying, core carbonization, or biochar discharge and cooling. Responsibilities Feeder and Dryer Stage Load feedstock into the feed system at the correct rate Monitor and control the drying system to maintain target moisture levels Ensure a consistent and uninterrupted feed to the carbonizer Carbonizer Stage Monitor and control pyrolysis temperatures, airflow, and combustion conditions Adjust system parameters to maintain optimal and stable operation Respond immediately to process deviations Discharge and Cooling Stage Monitor and control the cooling system Maintain consistent biochar product flow from the discharge point to storage or packaging Detect and clear blockages safely and promptly All Stages Record process data, readings, and observations in the shift log at defined intervals All stages: Report equipment faults, unusual readings, or safety concerns to the Production Supervisor immediately Perform equipment pre-checks at shift start and assist with start-up, shutdown, and cleaning procedures Follow all Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) hazard awareness protocols at the assigned workstation throughout the shift Other Support the Maintenance Officer during equipment stoppages or cleaning related to the assigned process stage Career Growth and Development We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career. Qualifications Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for . For this role specifically, you will have: Certificate in a technical, mechanical, chemical, or process engineering field preferred Prior experience in pyrolysis, kiln operation, biomass processing, or high-temperature industrial processing is a strong advantage (particularly for the carbonizer stage) Ability to read gauges, meters, and basic instrumentation and record data accurately Reliable, attentive, and able to follow SOPs precisely under minimal supervision Other Shift availability: Willingness and ability to work rotating 9-hour shifts, including night shifts, on a rotation cycle Physically capable of working in a hot, dusty industrial environment throughout the shift, including conducting walkthroughs of the production line at regular intervals Preferred Start Date As soon as possible Job Location Rukanga, Kenya Benefits Health insurance, paid time off Contract Duration 3 months Eligibility This role is only open to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya. Application Deadline 05 October 2026. Please note that we hire on a rolling basis which mea…