Computer IT Jobs at Ampersand, Bboxx, Business Solutions Plus and Innovations for Poverty Action in Rwanda


Deadline of this Job: 
08 October 2022

JOB DETAILS:
R&D - Research and Development · Kigali
Software Engineer Associate
We’re looking for someone who has worked with large distributed systems and is not afraid to go in and assist with debugging or coding.
We usually respond within a day
Do you want to do work that matters? Do you want to help improve the lives of some of the most hardworking people in Africa, while also reducing carbon emissions? Do you want to use your skills to advance Africa towards a zero-carbon future, not just to make a living? Ampersand is your answer.

About Ampersand
Ampersand has grown from a tiny, bootstrapped R&D garage project in 2018 into East Africa's leading electric vehicle operation, with a team of over 120 staff drawn from diverse backgrounds and we plan to see all 5 million taxi motorbikes in East Africa electric by 2030. We are rapidly scaling our operations, and we are looking for innovative professionals who are passionate about clean energy and environmental impact to lead and contribute to our rapid growth.

About the role
The Software Engineer Associate will oversee and assist in the development of the AmperOps platform. We’re looking for someone who has worked with large distributed systems and is not afraid to go in and assist with debugging or coding. This involves everything from making sure the infrastructure decisions are sound to decisions around software tools and platforms to use. Ampersand manages a fleet of batteries and vehicles and sells swaps. The software will be key to ensuring the success of the business model.

This role will report directly to the CTO. Your objectives will include the following:
• Helping shape Ampersands digital products
• Understanding user requirements and turning them into applications, running and working with other teams to understand requirements and distill them into requirements that can be transformed into applications and features.
• Bringing together and managing a team of Junior software engineers and mentoring them as the team grows
• Setup the software dev cycle from development to testing to deployment. Choose what tools to use for CI, log management and overall DevOps.
• Working on the data back-end of Ampersand to allow for data analytics and business intelligence to be extracted easily
• Looking into Machine Learning as a way of optimizing Ampersands charging and battery infrastructure
• Writing code in Python/Go/Java/JS when needed to assist in components of the process
• Work together with the hardware and electrical team to ensure synergy between hardware and software products.

Ampersand is a good fit if:
• You are ready to support people in a high growth company
• You have a meticulous attention to detail
• You are motivated by seeing your teammates grow and develop
• You are looking for an entrepreneurial company that values innovation and strong execution
• You value diversity and community in the workplace
• You like to get stuff done
• You love complicated systems where optimization is key
• You are not afraid of infrastructure projects and like playing with hardware.
• You like working in a fast-moving agile environment. Minimum requirements
A strong work ethic, and the ability to manage shifting priorities and unforeseen challenges.
• Minimum of 3 years of prior experience in Software Developments and large team management
• Degree in computer science/ electrical engineering is a bonus, but experience is also valued
• Technical abilities with Linux, Bash, VM’s, Docker, Networks, Distributed systems
• Experience with time series and transactional data
• Strong communication skills with a supportive and nurturing disposition
• (Bonus) Experience in a start-up environment

Timing
ASAP

Compensation
A competitive compensation package commensurate with experience including health insurance.


Deadline of this Job: 08 October 2022

JOB DETAILS:
Firmware Engineer
We are looking for a Firmware Engineer who will be responsible for supporting the firmware development team in the design, development and production of the firmware in our products.
We usually respond within a day
Do you want to do work that matters? Do you want to help improve the lives of some of the most hardworking people in Africa, while also reducing carbon emissions? Do you want to use your skills to advance Africa towards a zero-carbon future, not just to make a living? Ampersand is your answer.

About Ampersand
Ampersand has grown from a tiny, bootstrapped R&D garage project in 2018 into East Africa's leading electric vehicle operation, with a team of over 120 staff drawn from diverse backgrounds and we plan to see all 5 million taxi motorbikes in East Africa electric by 2030. We are rapidly scaling our operations, and we are looking for innovative professionals who are passionate about clean energy and environmental impact to lead and contribute to our rapid growth.

About the role
We are looking for a motivated and experienced Firmware Engineer to join our team! As a Firmware Engineer, you will be working in the Electronics department, in close collaboration with the Software team. You will be responsible for supporting the firmware development team in the design, development and production of the firmware in our products. You will be responsible for testing, documenting and creating firmware standards. Duties and responsibilities
• Planning, developing and implementing firmware
• Maintaining stable firmware
• Gathering and analyzing requirements
• Performing code reviews
• Writing and maintaining firmware documentation
• Testing firmware releases
• Working closely with customers to resolve issues
• Providing technical support and training to the firmware development team

Requirements and qualifications
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field
• Minimum 2 years experience in Firmware Developing
• Demonstrable knowledge of C programming language
• Experience in developing and debugging firmware for embedded microcontrollers
• Good knowledge of RTOS (FreeRTOS, Azure RTOS)
• Good understanding of electronic schematics and boards
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team environment
• Good understanding of electric motors and their control algorithms (FOC, SVM...) and proficiency in other programming languages (Python, C#) is an advantage

Ampersand is a good fit if:
• You’re interested in clean energy and environmental impact (even without experience in it yet)
• You are a self-motivated, hands-on, proactive problem solver
• You’re comfortable thinking outside of the box
• You are able to negotiate details and big-picture priorities well
• You're organized and love to build systems
• You are looking for an entrepreneurial company that values innovation and strong execution
• You value collaboration, and diversity and community in the workplace l


Timing
ASAP

Compensation
A competitive compensation package commensurate including health insurance



Deadline of this Job: 08 October 2022

JOB DETAILS:
Product Expansion Manager – Bboxx Cook
Reporting to: Head of Bboxx Cook

Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Who we are:
Bboxx is a UK-based Next Generation Utility company providing affordable, reliable and clean energy solutions to meet off-grid customers’ energy needs. We are fully vertically integrated, controlling every part of our customer experience. having already impacted over 2 million customers' lives with our solar home systems (SHS) so far and diversification into clean cooking and other utilities underway, we have 1000+ staff working across five offices in Europe, Asia and Africa - who are waking up every morning to transform the lives of our customers and to unlock their potential.

Purpose:
You will play a central role in our plan to disrupt the LPG Industry in Africa. Responsible from A to Z for the successful launch of the innovative Bboxx Cook products within a new market. You will build and execute a strategy that delivers effective results in record time. This role is about being an entrepreneur by creating enthusiasm, teaching processes, supporting colleagues, and taking quick decision and initiatives.

There is one obsession: SUCCESS!

One goal: To disrupt the LPG Industry in Africa
Bboxx Cook is a business line dedicated to clean cooking solutions. Bboxx Cook focuses primarily on LPG and has the ambition to disrupt the industry by improving the customer services (cylinders and stoves financing, warranty, home delivery, fidelity program, etc.) and the retail management (cylinder tracing, digitalized stock management, mobile money payments, etc).

Key Responsibilities:
• Support the set-up of retail operations on the ground in new markets to ensure a successful roll out of the Bboxx Cook products.
• Design and teach new processes and strategies to run the operations effectively and successfully considering the specific dynamics of each market.
• Support building business opportunities in new and existing markets in East Africa with new market assessment and market insights.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders for new markets (e.g. pitch to investors, commercial relationship, donors reporting, and public authorities).

Skills and Ability
• Experience gained from working in the African LPG Industry is essential
• Exceptional analytical and conceptual thinking to be able to design strategies and draw conclusions to take corrective action quickly.
• A ‘common sense’ attitude and a ‘hands on’ approach manager who likes being on the ground and take decision to move things forward.

• Be very comfortable with the use of ERP, CRM, and other management systems as well as with the Office and Google suite.
• Excellent change manager who creates enthusiasm about innovations and new processes and enjoy teaching it to colleagues and partners.
• Excellent external and internal communication skills individual who works in partnership with others with professionalism and respect. Qualifications
• 5 years + experience in leading business strategy, operations, retail, project management, and product support. Experience in the LPG industry is essential.
• Relevant degree + professional qualification (Strategy, Business, Finance or equivalent through relevant training and or experience)
• Proficiency in English (Swahili, and/or French is a plus)

At Bboxx, we celebrate our differences, and recognize the strength in the diversity of our people. We are a global employer who believe in providing opportunities for all its employees to unlock their potential regardless of background, age, sex, race, religion, or personal beliefs.

We look to recruit individuals from all different backgrounds and encourage you to apply to roles you are passionate about, even if you need help from us to develop your skills. We strive to create an inclusive environment and regularly celebrate the diversity of our people through events arranged by our Culture Committee. Bboxx provides a workplace where you can be your authentic self and focus on our mission of transforming lives through access to energy!


Deadline of this Job: 08 October 2022

JOB DETAILS:
Senior Research Associate
The Senior Research Associate(SRA) will have an exciting opportunity to participate in design and implementation of multiple process evaluations to drive program improvements through testing innovative interventions on the best ways to implement teacher performance contracts that align with learning outcomes, to generate evidence of the value of taking these to scale.
This role administratively reports internally to IPA Rwanda’s Research and Policy Manager and will receive day-to-day technical oversight from partners at Georgetown University, including a Primary Investigator. The SRA will perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to: designing survey questionnaires, managing survey teams, conducting quantitative and qualitative research, cleaning data and assisting in preliminary analysis, assisting in the writing of project reports and action-oriented presentations to partners, and coordinating with key government and NGO partners.

Responsibilities
In details, the Senior Research Associate will be responsible of the following:

• Liaise with Principal Investigators and Research Manager in the design of survey questionnaires
• Work with the data manager and principal Investigator to program survey tools using SurveyCTO, high-frequency checks and data flows
• Develop data collection protocols and data quality assurance protocol
• Develop a data collection plan (procurement, logistics and route plan) that ensures adherence to data collection budget
• Manage the project budget, tracking expenses and adhering to the project budget,
• Supervise training of team leaders, auditors and surveyors
• Conduct daily data quality checks
• Ensure implementation of survey spot checks and back-checks
• Compile clean databases
• Assist the PI team in data analysis as requested
• Assisting in managing relationships with donors, partner organizations and researchers
• Produce technical reports for donor and/or other stakeholders (e.g. fieldwork reports)
• Keep the Research and Policy Manager and the PI team appraised of all project activities
• Training and managing a survey team that conduct surveys among study unit.
• Writing regular progress reports,

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Designated Project Field Managers, and overall oversight of the Field Officers Qualificationsb
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural or Educational economics, social sciences, public policy, statistics or related fields, Master’s degrees are preferred.
• Experience conducting social science or economic field research. Background in randomized control trials is strongly preferred
• Experience supervising data collection and teams of field workers, designing surveys and implementing programs strongly preferred
• Experience with data management and econometrics. Strong quantitative skills and advanced knowledge of Stata strongly preferred
• Experience with electronic data collection platforms. Knowledge of SurveyCTO a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations.
• Experience working with government officials, especially in Rwanda is also a plus.
• Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills
• Flexibility, self-motivation, the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently as a team player
• Ability to work a culturally diverse team and maintain high professional standards
• Strong written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is required

Preferred
• Experience living in a developing country is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of Stata (strongly preferred) or other data analysis software.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials.

Application Instructions
Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application . After completing a brief registration, choose the APPROPRIATE CATEGORY job category, then select “Senior Research Associate”. Applications require you to include a statement of purpose (cover letter) and CV.

Given the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

About IPA
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence on which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 900 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

IPA's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
As an organization, IPA is dedicated to improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable populations through evidence and policy. We also recognize how important it is for our staff to reflect the diversity of the places where we work and the communities we work with. As such, IPA is committed to hiring from a diverse pool of candidates, from a range of backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, and perspectives. We know that this makes our work stronger and more responsive to the challenges faced by those we work with and for and we encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Click here to learn more about IPA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Innovations for Poverty Action is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.">


Deadline of this Job: 08 October 2022

JOB DETAILS:
Information Technology Specialist
Business Solutions Plus
Information Technology Specialist. We’re looking for passionate engineers with a hunger to learn and adapt to new technology quickly and lead the team to excellence. We demand people who are naturally curious, can self-start and share learning and outcomes effectively with a distributed team. Things

We Expect You to Know:
• Minimum 1-year of experience in Cloud computing-based service architecture.
• Hands on experience public cloud providers (AWS, Google, Azure etc.…)
• Hands on experience in public cloud solution architecture.
• A firm practitioner of DevOps/SRE principles.
• A deep understanding of distributed system design and dependency management
• Experience in technically leading Software Engineering, DevOps and/or SRE teams.
• Work closely with the business and Engineers on issues related to design and requirements
• Supervise, train, guide and inspire team members

Must have considerable experience with below:
• Infrastructure as Code using CloudFormation/Terraform
• Python/Bash scripting
• Gitlab (preferred) or any other major CI/CD tools
• In depth understanding on AWS services

Desirable Skills
• Experience of working with or contributing directly to Open Source projects
• Understanding and experience of leading/managing technology products
• Deliver technical solutions following agile practices.
• Delivering web-scale products to a global market at high release velocity
Educational Skills
• Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose