M-KOPA LLC JOBS - NOV 2014

M-KOPA LLC is a mobile-based technology company established in 2011 after successful trials of innovative, embedded mobile services.M-KOPA uses mobile payments to offer consumer financing for energy products and services, targeted at off-grid users.
Our first product; a mobile enabled solar home lighting system is available in Kenya where it provides clean, affordable energy to consumers, made accessible through machine-to-machine technology and mobile payments.
Through M-KOPA, customers use mobile payments such as M-PESA to pay for a home solar lighting system on a “pay-per-use” basis, making the transition to cleaner energy much more affordable especially to low-income users.
The partners and management team of M-KOPA includes several former telecoms executives who were responsible for the initiation and scaling of MPESA, the award-winning mobile financial service platform in Kenya.
M-KOPA has the investors, funding and ambition to expand its product line and extend its reach to new markets.
1. Title: Support Technician
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Start Date: ASAP
Reporting to: Technical Operations Manager
Responsibilities Include:

Monitoring and Managing M-KOPA’s local network

Providing first level support to network users on such issues as internet connectivity, printing and other basic computer issues

Providing first level support for our applications to in-house users

Tracking and updating user tickets and ensuring they are handled in a timely manner

Escalating technical issues as need arises and following up to ensure timely resolution

Willingness to work night shifts that may also cover weekends and holidaysSkills & Experience

Solid understanding of networking, both on the software and hardware end

Ability to fix basic issues on computer hardware

Solid Operating System troubleshooting skills (both Linux and Windows)

Basic knowledge of MS SQL/ MySQL and SQL query languages a plus

1 – 2 years’ experience providing user support

Strong analytical and problem solving skills with an attention to detail

Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage own time with changing priorities

A results oriented individual who thrives working in a fast paced environment

Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to go the extra mile to assist other team members

Strong verbal and written communication skills

CCNA certification will be considered a plus

MCSE certification will be considered a plusA generous and competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate/s.
To apply, send an updated detailed copy of your cv and a cover letter expressing why you feel you would be an excellent candidate for the role to applications@m-kopa.com with the subject “Support Technician.”
2. M-KOPA Solar Human Resources Assistant Job in Kenya Vacancy: M-KOPA Solar - Human Resources Assistant
The HR Assistant will be involved in all administration across the full employee life-cycle including support with the recruitment process, managing changes and amendments to employee data and the relevant letters involved and managing the onboarding and exit processes, ensuring accurate measures are taken and necessary parties informed.
Profile: The successful candidate will work with initiative and have experience administering HR information in a timely and accurate manner, be experienced in the use of HR databases, and have a high level of proficiency in Microsoft office skills.
Payroll knowledge is essential as the HR Assistant will require regular interaction with payroll.
The key responsibilities of the HR Assistant will be:

Maintaining employees details on the HR database

Monitoring and managing employee records

Updating information to enable payroll to run efficiently

Dealing with employee relations

Managing and tracking of contracts

Providing exclusive HR support to the Sales Team

Provide HR Administration supportTo apply, send an updated detailed copy of your cv and a cover letter expressing why you feel you would be an excellent candidate for the role to applications@mkopa.com with the subject “HR ASSISTANT”
A generous and competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate/s.
3. M-KOPA Solar Brand Executive Job in Kenya Vacancy: M-KOPA Solar - Brand Executive
M-KOPA Solar is looking for a Brand Executive to join our fast-growing team.
He or she will be responsible for the M-KOPA Solar brand appearance and standards.
They will also have primary responsibility for our graphic design and social media presence.
Their objectives will be to build M-KOPA’s brand equity and help grow our customer base to 1 million homes by 2018.
The Role:

Graphic design and layout for all M-KOPA Solar materials, publications and documents

Manage and update our customer-focused digital infrastructure – including web, Facebook and Twitter

Help manage internal brand communications and physical branding

Work with M-Kopa Partner Agencies to develop and execute impactful above the line campaigns in support of our growth objectives

Work closely with the Head of Sales, the Head of Customer Service and M-Kopa Partner Agencies to develop content and literature to support day to day sales efforts

Help project manage selected initiatives that relate to the brand, such as product launches, market research, web updates etc.

Supervising the sign off of all material, liaising with legal and other personnel, ensuring the designs and messages meet the established guidelinesExperience required:

Hands on graphic design skills and a deep understanding of digital print production.

Practical web development, content management and social media skills

Experience supporting B2C marketing campaigns, product development and sales teams is preferable

A background in finance, ICT or energy would be preferable.

A degree in the relevant field from a recognized institution

Excellent written and verbal communication – highest standard of English and fluent Swahili

A good understanding of contemporary style and passion for design

People management skills of self, team and senior stakeholders

Project management skillsTechnical skills:

Extensive experience in graphic design software management

Highly developed digital and brand communications skills

Can work in a technical environment, able to quickly build an understanding of the categoryReporting to: Initially reporting to the MD.
4. The Position: Database Administrator
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Start Date: ASAP
Reporting to: Head of Technology
Responsibilities Include:

Contributing to the design and implementation of SQL Server installations and SQL Based applications both on-premises and cloud-hosted.

Continuous performance improvement through the analysis and possible modification of stored procedures, indexes, views, compression and other tuning activities.

Configuration and maintenance of SQL Server installations supporting the M-KOPA cloud platform and business services.

Ensuring that the business’s Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) can be met through the use of cloud services and high availability schemes.

Troubleshoot SQL Server operational issues as they occur, including after-hours and weekends

Configure SQL Server monitoring utilities to minimize false alarms

Maintaining operational documentation related to the company’s database environment

Manage M-KOPA’s Windows servers

Provide M-KOPA application support to end users

Build and deploy new Windows servers

Willingness to work shifts that may cover weekends and holidaysSkills & Experience
Required:

3 years or more in a lead database administrator role for SQL Server Hands-on experience of working with SQL Server 2012 and above

Experience working with Windows server and Active Directory in the context of SQL Server installation and operation.

Experience in Performance Tuning, Query Optimization, using Performance Monitor, SQL Profiler and other related monitoring and troubleshooting tools.

Experience in troubleshooting and resolving database issues such as database integrity, performance, blocking and deadlocking, replication amongst others.

Experience with backups, restores and recovery models.

Knowledge of High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) options for SQL Server.

Knowledge of indexes, index management, and statistics.

Ability to write and troubleshoot TSQL and design (stored procedures, functions, tables, views, triggers, indexes, constraints)

Ability to effectively communicate and work closely with M-KOPA staff to determine needs and assist with systems requirements.

Excellent written and verbal communication skillsDesirable:

Experience in SQL Server 2014 and In-memory databases

Experience in the installation and configuration of Windows Server 2012

Experience in building and maintaining applications using the .NET framework

Working in a web application development environment

Experience managing virtual servers using VMWare or HyperV platforms

Microsoft SQL DBA Certification will be considered a big plus

MCSE certification will be considered a plus

Knowledge in a scripting language like PowerShell will be a plus

Experience working with monitoring tools such as PRTG

Experience of SQL Server in a cloud-hosted environment and/or SQL Azure5. Data Analyst
Responsibilities

Interpret data, analyze results using statistical techniques and provide ongoing reports

Develop and implement data collection systems and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and data quality

Acquire data from primary or secondary data sources and maintain databases/data systems

Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets

Filter and “clean” data, and review computer reports, printouts, and performance indicators to locate and correct code problems

Work closely with management to prioritize business and information needs

Locate and define new process improvement opportunitiesRequirements

Minimum 1 year of experience in a busy business environment

Knowledge of statistics and experience using statistical packages for analyzing large datasets (SPSS, SAS etc)

Excellent skills in Excel and Access, SQL is an added advantage

CPA Part I and beyond

Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy

Adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings

BS in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Statistics or any other relevant certification

Strong Communication and interpersonal skills6. Position Title: Project Manager – Market Development
Department: Market Development
Overall Purpose:
Market Development spearheads the innovation and piloting of new Products within the Ecosystem of M-Kopa’s products with subsequent implementation of multiple pilots for new products.
The Project Manager will be based in Eldoret with 50 percent of their time allocated to field work particularly North Rift, Nyanza and Western regions.
Relationships:
Reports to: Head of Market Development
Responsibilities:

Help run early stage Pay-as-you-go Solar Water pump irrigation trial

Pilot distribution for larger solar systems and Accessories

Manage and disperse information about pilots within the organization

Assist in development from Pilot stage to commercial distribution Business DevelopmentEducation:

Minimum of Tertiary/Diploma educated.

A Marketing/Project Management background or prior relatable experience in a similar role will be an added advantage.

Minimum years of experience

At least 1 year in a similar position.Required Skills

Attention to detail

Good communications and interpersonal skills

Strong process management

Analytical, self-motivated, result oriented and able to manage and perform under extreme pressure.

Able to influence at high level.

Set high standards in organizing and planning

Remuneration: The position comes with a competitive and generous salary package that includes a Company phone, laptop and car.7. Job Title: Training Officer
Job Summary:
The role is responsible for supporting the sales department through providing total coverage of all appropriate training needs.
Responsibilities

Evaluating training requirements for the sales department, consulting with departmental head and HR

Designing training curriculum to facilitate meeting departmental goals.

Developing and maintaining training material to the highest standards.

Ensure that all members of staff, new and existing, within the sales department are trained to an appropriate level.

To maintain effective communication and knowledge transfer with the sales team Organizing the training including: determining training schedules, venues, facilities and supporting other trainer in training.

Managing the training operations budget to ensure maximum return on investments.

Developing training impact assessment methodology and implementing within set timelines

Evaluate the effectiveness of training and modify materials as appropriate.

Preparing Training ReportsKey Competencies

Good understanding of adult learning techniques

Effective communication skills, leadership and time management skills

Formal training qualification is desirable

Computer literacyExperience

Minimum of 2 year in a training role

Experience of working within a sales environment is desirable

Experience of communicating at all levels up to and including senior management

Experience of designing, delivering and maintaining training materials.8. Position Title: Firmware Developer, Kenya
Location: Nairobi
Position Start: Date ASAP
Contract: 1 year renewable with possibility of permanent placement after 1 year’s reviewed performance
Reporting to: Head of Engineering
Key Accountabilities

Development of firmware for M-KOPA’s family of solar products.

Optimization of the hardware/firmware interaction during new product development.

Test management during new product development.Skills & Experience:
Crucial:

Education in electrical engineering, computer science, or electronics or relevant credentials

Optimization of the hardware/firmware interaction during new product development.

Exposure programming in C

Willing to travel sporadically outside NairobiPlus:

Experience analyzing and debugging hardware and firmware interaction at the PCB level.

Extensive experience developing firmware for embedded hardware in C (for PIC18F family) and in assembly.

Programming experience with MySQL and the ability to read and modify circuit schematics in an ECAD program (for example, EAGLE) would be an extra advantage

Remuneration: Competitive covering a monthly salary and medical benefits reflective of the candidate’s experience and skills.9. Senior Product Development Manager
M-KOPA is seeking an experienced professional to join the M-KOPA product team and manage the development of the company’s product (device) roadmap.
Position Overview:
The Senior Product Development Manager will be responsible for the delivery of M-KOPA’s product roadmap and will be an integral member of the M-KOPA team.
This person will be the key point person responsible for the design and coordination of tasks across the various teams engaged in the delivery of M-KOPA’s future products.
Currently, there are multiple products in the roadmap, at various stages of development that need to be brought to commercialization.
This is a high profile position with a direct reporting line to M-KOPA’s senior management team.
Location:
There is a strong preference that the person be based in M-KOPA’s Head Office in Nairobi, Kenya, The role will require international travel (approx. 25%) to partner facilities in China, Hong Kong, the UK, and other M-KOPA markets.
M-KOPA will also consider candidates who wish to be based in Hong Kong or the UK and who are willing to travel more than 50% of the time.
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive and will be based on the applicants skills and experience.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Job Responsibilities:
This Senior Product Development Managers will be a part of the Product Development Team, which operates on a matrix basis with senior managers from engineering, technology, and production teams.
Key tasks will include:

Owning the delivery of all the products on the M-KOPA product roadmap

Coordination of all of the work tasks being done by the various teams as they work on new product concepts, design and testing, taking products through the new product development cycle into mass production.

Coordinating the deliverables from supporting consultants / suppliers who work with M-KOPA on product development (e.g. design houses, manufacturers, specialist experts, etc)

Providing consumer requirement design guidance on all products and working closely with the Engineering and Production teams to ensure that product specifications are in line with business requirements and that technical details are closed down as the product design firms up.

Preparation of project management documentation, using on-line tools and ensuring all team members have access to up-to-date information at all times and across multiple geographies

Ensuring good management of product details (specifications, drawings, data etc) through the design stages and hand over of this to Production team at mass production

Logging decisions and actions and acting as secretary to the Product Committee (where Executive ownership of the roadmap resides).

Manage the related budget related to product design and development.Knowledge Requirement

Experienced in production of new products from concept to delivery, with experience in product design preferable

At least four years project management experience working on complex, multi-stakeholder projects, ideally in multiple countries with exposure to multiple cultures

Very strong project management skills /or formal program management qualifications (e.g. Prince2)

Demonstrable record of delivery complex outcomes on time and to budget

Strong communicator able to manage teams across time zones and cultures

Ability to get others to do things on timeSkills Requirement

Excellent interpersonal skills

Team building skills

Analytical and problem solving skills

Decision making skills

Effective verbal and listening communications skills

Attention to detail and high level of accuracy10. Position Title: Project Manager, India
Location: Delhi or Mumbai, TBC. (With extensive travel to rural India and some travel to Kenya)
Position Start: Date ASAP (Not later than January 2015)
Contract: 1 year renewable with possibility of permanent placement after 1 year’s reviewed performance
Reporting to: Head of Asia Markets
Overall Purpose: M-KOPA is expanding their successful business to India and will be launching a pilot in 2015.
M-KOPA is partnering with a leading mobile phone operator and an established last-mile distributer to provide M-KOPA’s innovative solar products to Indian households.
The purpose of the job is to ensure the successful launch and roll-out of the pilot in India, in collaboration with our partners.
Key Accountabilities

Responsible for piloting M-KOPA Solar’s business into India with partners in 2015.

Training and support to business partners on rolling out M-KOPA’s products and business model.

Charged with feeding back to M-KOPA’s technical team local configuration requirements for the effective technical delivery.

Managing relationships with key partners.

Provide recommendations for commercial roll-out.

Education: Minimum degree educated

Experience: At least 5 years of experience.

Experience of MFI, solar or telecom markets will be an added advantageRequired Skills

Excellent project and stakeholder management skills.

Commercial acumen.

Analytical, self-motivated, result oriented, great negotiation skills and able to manage and perform under high pressure.

Ability to quickly understand new technology and systems.

Ability to quickly understand regulatory and legal requirements.

Set high standards in organizing and planning.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Remuneration: Competitive covering a monthly salary, performance bonus and medical benefits reflective of the candidate’s experience and skills.To Apply
To apply, send an updated detailed copy of your cv and a cover letter expressing why you feel you would be an excellent candidate for the role to applications@m-kopa.com with the subject line in the title.
A generous and competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate/s.
The following video will help understand what M-KOPA is all about: M-KOPA Jobs in Kenya
The following video demonstrates what it is like to work at M-KOPA: M-KOPA Jobs in Kenya
Contacts:
To apply, please go to the Jobs section on the M-KOPA website and submit your application by 31st December 2014.