Consultant for Quality Assurance Inspection PCB Project

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.  

The insulation of the potato cold storage facility at PESI Farmers Cooperative Society is a crucial step to ensuring the facility functions as intended, preserving potatoes by regulating temperature and humidity levels. The insulation process, which involves the application of 100mm thick polyurethane foam, must be executed with the highest precision and quality standards to guarantee long-term performance and durability.

Given the technical complexity and the potential risks of substandard work, IFDC is seeking the services of a Quality Assurance Inspector to provide independent oversight of the insulation process. The inspector’s role will be to ensure that the work carried out by the insulation firm adheres to all the specified standards and complies with the project’s technical and safety requirements.

The inspector will:

• Monitor the quality of materials and workmanship.
• Identify and address any deviations from the agreed specifications.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
• Certify the completion of the work, ensuring that the insulation is performed correctly and that the facility meets the required functional standards for potato storage.

     Responsibilities of the Candidate

     The responsibilities of the Quality Assurance Inspector include:

1. Review the project documents to understand the scope and requirements of the insulation work;
2. Conduct a pre-inspection meeting to clarify expectations, timelines, and quality standards;
3. Regular site inspections to ensure adherence to insulation standards;
4. Verify the application of 100mm polyurethane foam insulation for uniformity and qualit;
5. Document and report any deviations from specifications and recommending corrective actions;
6. Conduct final inspection upon project completion and verify that the work done meets all required standards;
7. Prepare a detailed inspection report, including observations, test results, and recommendations for future maintenance.

    Expected Deliverables

     The Quality Assurance Inspector is expected to deliver the following:

1. Inspection Plan: A work plan outlining inspection schedules, methods, and key focus areas, to be submitted within 5 days of signing the contract.
2. Site Visit Reports: Progress reports after each site visit, highlighting any issues, recommendations, and actions taken by the contractor.
3. Final Inspection Report: A comprehensive report detailing the findings of the final inspection, confirmation of adherence to the standards, and any recommendations for further action.

 Reporting and Work Relationships

The Quality Assurance Inspector will report to the PCB Team Leader and collaborate closely with PESI Farmers Cooperative Society board members, the contractor and other project staff to ensure the successful delivery of the insulation works.

Location

The potato cold storage facility is located at Pesi Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Shamata Ward, Nyandarua County, Kenya.

Benefits

Not applicable

Salary Clause and Payment Modalities

·       The Quality Assurance Inspector will be compensated KES 25,000 per day for 8 professional working days during the insulation works period, amounting to a total of KES 200,000 for the assignment.

·       The daily rate is  all-inclusive of travel, communication, meals, daily sustenance allowance, accommodation where necessary, and any other unforeseen costs.

·       Payment will be disbursed weekly at a rate of 25% per week for a duration of 4 weeks, following the successful submission of verifiable inspection reports. These reports should detail the progress achieved, corrective actions taken, and other relevant updates.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, and offers equal employment opportunities based on ability, performance, and potential. Equal opportunity is integral to the recruitment and selection practices at IFDC.

For this position, qualified candidates from Nyandarua County will be given priority consideration, given the local context and need for familiarity with the region. This aligns with IFDC’s commitment to building local capacity and fostering community involvement in its projects.

IFDC recognizes the value in recruiting employees with different backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. 

IFDC recognizes and values the contribution of people with a diverse background in capabilities, experience, and perspectives. Diversity encompasses gender, age, experience, education, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds as well as other dimensions such as lifestyle and family responsibilities.

About Program/Project

In partnership with the County government of Nyandarua, IFDC Kenya is implementing a Potato Value Chain Capacity Building Project (PCB), funded by Irish Aid. The project aims to sustainably increase potato productivity and enhance the potato seed sector through the strengthening of  market linkages, ultimately raising the incomes of smallholder farmers. PCB focuses on integrated farm practices, market systems development, and fostering inclusivity within the potato value chain. The project aligns with Ireland's Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), which introduces Irish technology and expertise to improve potato storage and sustainability.

The PCB project has established itself as a key driver of resilience in the potato value chain through partnerships with county governments, private sector players, and local farmers. The project supports the delivery of certified seeds, the use of efficient storage systems, extension services, ware potato marketing, and soil health technologies. The current phase emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration among key stakeholders, ensuring that marginalized communities, including women and youth, benefit from the enhanced value chain.

As part of the PCB project initiatives, a cold storage facility with a capacity of 120 metric tons has been constructed at the PESI Farmers Cooperative Society to address the challenges of post-harvest losses and seasonal price fluctuations in the ware potato market. To ensure the long-term viability and effectiveness of this storage facility, proper temperature and humidity regulation is critical. The next phase of the facility’s development involves the installation of insulation using Duofoam Polyurethane foam to ensure the cold storage maintains optimal conditions for potato preservation. This insulation is vital to reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage efficiency, and help farmers store their produce until market conditions are favourable, thereby improving their incomes.

Given the technical nature of the insulation process and the need for high-quality execution, IFDC plans to engage a qualified firm with extensive experience in insulation, particularly in cold storage facilities. The firm will ensure that the insulation meets the required standards and that the facility functions efficiently to support over 1,500 farmers in the region.

    How to Apply

The interested candidates should submit the below document via the email address emukabi@ifdc.org and pmutinda@ifdc.org  not later than 27th September 2024.  

1. Cover Letter:

• A cover letter detailing your interest in the Quality Assurance Inspector role, relevant experience, and suitability for the position.

2. CV/Resume:

• An updated CV or resume highlighting your qualifications, experience, and relevant skills in quality assurance and insulation work.

3. Inception Report Example:

• An example of a detailed inception report from a previous project, demonstrating your approach to understanding and planning project requirements.

4. Quality Assurance Reports:

• Samples of past quality assurance reports or documentation related to insulation work or similar construction projects.

5. References:

• Contact details for at least two references from previous clients or employers who can vouch for your experience in similar projects.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions and possible interviews.

Required Experience

     The ideal candidate should possess:

• Educational Qualification: A higher diploma in civil engineering, architecture, or a related field, with a focus on construction and insulation;
• Experience: Proven experience in quality assurance and inspection within the construction industry, particularly in insulation work;
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with polyurethane foam insulation or similar construction materials;
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of construction standards and regulatory requirements in Kenya;
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve quality issues efficiently;
• Communication Skills: Excellent report writing and verbal communication skills in English.