Vacancy Announcement
Digital Transformation Lab Coordinator
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
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 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 equipment.
- Train startups on product design and development from ideation to product development
- Performs other duties and tasks at the request of management
C. Required qualifications, competences 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, etc.
- 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 18th June 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!!
