ABOUT KOPERNIK
Kopernik
is an exciting, fast-growing, cutting-edge organisation tackling
technology distribution challenges. We emphasise a hybrid
philanthropy-business model in achieving our mission - different from
the traditional charity approach of giving away goods and services for
free.
Our
team works tirelessly to put the last mile first. Our culture shapes
the way we work. We value action, we get things done, we are open and
transparent in everything we do, and we always look for ways to
innovate. We come to work with a smile, which is easy when a strict no
jerks policy applies.
THE POSITION
LOCATION: LARANTUKA
We
are currently recruiting a highly talented and motivated Mechanical or
Agricultural Engineer to work with us to test out and implement our new
Depot Desa concept. You will work directly with the Kopernik’s
co-founders and a small team on this new initiative.
Background
The
majority of Indonesia`s 80 million smallholder farmers live below the
poverty line. Indonesian farmers produce food crops (such as rice,
cassava, maize), fruits (such as banana, mango and pineapple),
smallholder estate crops (such as coconut, palm sugar, rubber) and high
value crops (cashew, cacao, coffee).
The
farmers typically sell small quantities of their crops at very low
prices. They either process the crops manually, which limits the
quantity they are able to sell, or they don't process or add any value
to them at all, which results in low selling prices, limiting the income
the farmers earn, keeping them in a cycle of poverty.
The
Depot Desa is a village level center that provides agro-processing
services on a pay per use basis, for smallholder farmers' crops such as
rice, maize, coconut, cashews and cacao (among others), and enables them
to process more produce faster, and to add value to their crops and
sell them at higher prices. The Depot Desa is innovative in four ways: i
) it focuses on post-harvest processing, rather than inputs (such as
seeds and fertlizer) already provided by government, ii) it bundles many
agro-processing technologies in one location accessible by village
farmers, such as flour mills, cashew openers and solar powered rice
hullers, iii) it uses 'appropriate technologies', and iv) it provides
farmers with linkages to market to sell their value added crops. Through
the use of Depot Desa, farmers are expected to increase their income
enabling them to move themselves out of the poverty cycle.
Position overview
As
Engineer for Depot Desa you will work on establishing 2 Depot Desa in
East Flores. The position is based in Larantuka, East Flores, NTT.
REQUIREMENTS
- University engineering qualification in mechanical or agricultural engineering.
- Understanding of, and experience with appropriate technology.
- Experience in agricultural engineering preferred.
- Experience in building and adapting ‘stuff’.
- A flexible and adaptable attitude.
- Prior experience working within the agricultural or food production sector.
- Prior experience working with farmers and farmer groups.
- Creative and keen to innovate and experiment.
- Positive attitude, reliable, motivated, and passionate about social impact.
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
- English and Indonesian language skills.
- Computer literate and tech savvy.
- Indonesian national.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee the renovation of the depot desa location and ensure the building is ready with water, power supply (to some or all extent solar power) and all necessary equipment to function.
- Identify and adapt suitable agro-processing technologies.
- Lead the installation of agro-processing technologies.
- Operate and train others to operate the equipment.
- Conduct all trouble-shooting and maintenance related to Depot Desa.
- Explore and innovate around the possibility of using waste products from agricultural production to power agro-processing at Depot Desa.
- Other duties as required.
APPLY NOW!
APPLICATIONS CLOSE MARCH 27TH 2016
Only
Candidate who send CV, cover letter and one minutes video explaining
why they are perfect for the job via our website will be considered.
Please visit our website: HERE
