This is a unique opportunity to join a new, innovative and fast-growing charity which enables access to solar power in order to tackle poverty and climate change.
You will have at least five years experience in business management and sales, preferably with a background in retailing & consumer goods. Experience of living/working in rural Africa is an advantage.
You must have the passion and entrepreneurship needed to drive our programme work to new heights and you will be expected to spend time in rural African environments.
Job Title: Micro Solar Business Manager
Location: Kenya
Salary: Competitive package with benefits will be offered to the successful candidate
About SolarAid
We believe that the two most important threats facing humanity today are climate change and global poverty. SolarAid was launched as a response to this and is already working in Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia.
We aim to enable the world’s poorest people to have access to clean, renewable power. Our primary customer is the rural population in off-grid and hard to reach regions who rely on kerosene and other fuels for lighting and electricity.
SolarAid has two main programmes; Microsolar which operates as a social enterprise under the brand name of SunnyMoney selling small solar lights through regional businesses and entrepreneurs, and Macrosolar which facilitates the installation of solar systems to power community centres, medical clinics, schools and other such communal infrastructure.
SolarAid is committed to supporting the growth and development of the solar industry.
Education and influencing the public and policy makers on issues related to renewable energy, climate change and their impact on the world’s poorest people are also key for SolarAid and its mission.
Rationale for this post
The Microsolar programme aims to provide a choice of quality solar lights and support services to rural customers in off-grid and hard to reach areas.
To date SolarAid has focused on a model of distribution through the SunnyMoney programme, recruiting and training a network of small business and sales representatives based on a traditional franchising model.
The strategy is currently under review and the objective is to refine the business model, including distribution channels and marketing mix, to achieve sales at scale and sustainably within 5 years.
SolarAid is therefore looking for people with significant business experience who are prepared to play a leading and active role in developing and driving the Microsolar business model in rural Kenya.
The post is an exciting opportunity for a skilled, dynamic and experienced business person looking to transfer their skills to an emerging ‘Bottom of the Pyramid’ market.
The successful applicant will ideally have the following skills and experience;
• Minimum 5 years proven sales and account management experience across either developing or developed market, preferably in Fast Moving Consumer Goods, small electrical or telecommunications.
• Strong people skills and an ability to motivate coach and lead sales team/ trading partners by example against agreed strategy and targets. Willingness to travel and spend a lot of time in market to manage project.
• Solid experience working with distributors and across several types of channels requiring strong one to one service relationships and hand-on support (B to B or B to C)
• Strategic understanding, strong operational skills and focus on customer service.
• Results orientated with demonstrated success in delivery of sales & financial targets.
• Proven skills in budget management, reporting, forecasting and supply chain management and strong negotiating skills.
• Ability to generate creative solutions to help achieve targets through marketing events and promotional plans to drive awareness, education and sales.
• Strong relationship building skills, working well across teams and with partners (suppliers, NGOs, micro-finance, regional & local government etc).
• Has an entrepreneurial spirit and thrives on challenge and change.
Person Specification
Skills/Experience
Essential
• Sales and account management experience
• Good working knowledge of marketing, sales and business administration.
• Excellent planning skills with experience of management issues (people and budgets) and the ability to work in a variety of contexts
• Excellent time-management and organisation skills
• Computer literacy
• Driving Licence
Desirable
• Experience across distribution channels with a track record of results scaling up a business
• Retail management/ supply chain experience
• Experience working with people in remote sites/at a distance
• Demonstrated skills in people and project management
• University graduate
• Good level of Swahili
Personal Qualities
• Natural salesperson, able to build excitement about solar energy
• Stand alone self-starter with capacity to work under minimum supervision & support and the ability to manage multiple priorities and workload
• Strong people development skills
• Willingness and flexibility to spend time in rural African communities
• Enthusiasm and commitment to SolarAid’s work
• Confident communicator, able to negotiate mutually beneficial partnerships with partners, businesses and communities
• Good work ethic and integrity
Reporting to the Country Manager, the post holder will be required to:
• With the Country Manager, build the business model and drive the expansion of the SunnyMoney Microsolar business.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities and manage key trading partners and accounts.
• Develop and implement the sales/ marketing plan building awareness and driving sales across each distribution channel..
• Build partner relationships including suppliers, industry specialists, MFIs, major NGOs and local government vital for the support and expansion of the programme.
• Develop and implement training programme for key trading partners, new & ongoing.
• With the Country Manager and in partnership with MFI, develop finance programme to support trading partners and end customers.
• Conduct market research and analyse business performance against agreed targets.
• Coordinate reporting for carbon offsetting and monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Oversee effective management of supply chain and account reporting.
• Coach and develop Microsolar team building skills and competencies.
Terms and conditions
• Permanent
• Probationary period: six months, after which there will be a review and confirmation in post or otherwise.
• Annual leave: 25 days
• Opportunities for training and personal development will be made available.
Deadline for applications: 7th February 2011
Applicants are invited to send completed application forms together with a concise covering letter which clearly explains how you meet the criteria set out in this job description to: recruitment@solar-aid.org
Please entitle your email according to following format: Your Name Microsolar Kenya e.g. David Maina Microsolar Kenya
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