Tupande Laboratory Technician (Fixed-Term)

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN - TUPANDE (FIXED-TERM CONTRACT) One Acre Fund - Kenya ABOUT ONE ACRE FUND Since 2006, One Acre Fund has transformed agricultural productivity across Africa by serving 5.5 million smallholder farmers. Operating across nine countries that represent two-thirds of Africa's farming population, the organization supplies quality farm inputs, tree seedlings, accessible credit, modern training in agronomy, and comprehensive agricultural support services. The model delivers measurable impact: participating farmers typically increase their income and assets by over 35 percent while building lasting resilience. This success rests on a workforce of 9,000+ dedicated professionals from varied backgrounds. ABOUT TUPANDE AND THIS OPPORTUNITY Tupande, One Acre Fund's Kenya program established in 2006, operates from a Kakamega headquarters with approximately 500 staff supporting 1,747 field team members serving more than 1 million farmers. An additional 50 staff members in Nairobi handle global functions including procurement, recruitment, government relations, and communications. As a Laboratory Technician for Tupande, you will safeguard the complete integrity of our product samples from the moment of collection on the production floor through sophisticated laboratory preparation and rigorous equipment maintenance. You serve as a critical link in our quality assurance framework, connecting production lines processing Macadamia, Avocado Oil, and Dried Fruits with our analytical testing laboratory. You will report directly to the Laboratory Specialist. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Production Floor and Field Sampling Execute planned daily sampling across all production lines using aseptic techniques to eliminate external contamination. Conduct systematic environmental swabbing in high-care zones to verify microbiology sanitation protocols. Ensure that small-volume samples collected accurately represent the composition of larger bulk volumes from farming partners and processing facilities. Sample Tracking and Laboratory Preparation Formally document all samples within the Laboratory Information Management System while maintaining complete Chain of Custody records. Perform specialized technical preparation including cryogenic grinding, solvent extraction, and serial dilutions to ready samples for final analytical testing. Laboratory Cleanliness and Equipment Operations Manage sterile glassware workflows using established Clean-To-Dirty protocols and operate autoclaves to guarantee complete tool sterilization. Prepare culture media and chemical reagents with precise attention to pH and concentration specifications for PCR and ELISA testing. Oversee hazardous waste disposal in strict compliance with NEMA and OSHA regulations. Inventory Management and Safety Coordination Monitor consumption rates for laboratory supplies and initiate reordering to prevent operational interruptions. Serve as the team's safety warden by maintaining organized chemical storage, ensuring functional safety equipment including eye-wash stations, and promoting consistent personal protective equipment use across the team. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT One Acre Fund prioritizes continuous learning and invests meaningfully in staff development. You will participate in weekly check-ins with your manager, access mentorship and structured training programs, and receive consistent performance feedback. Career reviews occur every six months with dedicated time to discuss your professional aspirations and long-term goals. This role offers genuine opportunity to contribute to a growing organization and establish a fulfilling career. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Two or more years working in a laboratory setting, with preference for experience in food manufacturing environments. Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic sampling, grinding, dilution procedures, and solvent extraction techniques. Practical experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems and digital data management platforms. Solid grasp of laboratory safety protocols, hazardous waste management, and hygiene standards. Excellent organizational skills with capacity to prioritize multiple concurrent tasks effectively. Ability to make routine technical decisions and represent the team to external stakeholders with minimal direction. Exceptional precision in documentation and non-conformance reporting. Capacity to translate complex technical information into clear, understandable language for diverse audiences. POSITION DETAILS Location: Sagana, Kenya Contract Duration: 1 Year Preferred Start Date: Immediately Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off Eligibility: Open only to Kenyan citizens or permanent residents Application Deadline: August 16, 2026 Note: One Acre Fund reviews applications on a rolling basis, meaning your submission is processed continuously until the position is filled. IMPORTANT INFORMATION One Acre Fund never requests payment from candidates or charges for interview testing at any stage of the recruitment process. All official communications from One Acre Fund originate from @oneacrefund.org email addresses only.