Africa Sun Power Limited (AFSP) is a locally incorporated private organisation implementing innovative off-grid solar electric cooking solutions in Malawi. AFSP has been awarded a CLASP/MECS Venture Building Grant to validate the technical performance, commercial viability, and investability of its battery-enabled Off-Grid Solar E-Cooking Systems (OGSECS).Advertise in Malawi

AFSP is inviting applications from suitably qualified and motivated candidates to fill the position below:

POSITION TITLE

Procurement & Product Management Officer (Off-Grid Solar E-Cooking Systems)

LOCATION

Hardelec House, Victoria Avenue, Blantyre / Njamba, Blantyre, with moderate travel to rural communities across Malawi.

REPORTING

Administratively: Program Finance & Logistics Manager

Technically: Operations Manager

CONTRACT DURATION

One (1) year contract, renewable subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.

A three (3) month probation period will apply.

JOB PURPOSE

The Procurement & Product Management Officer will manage procurement, assembly, inventory, and distribution of Africa Sun Power’s Off-Grid Solar E-Cooking Systems (OGSECS). The role includes defining product configurations, forecasting supply requirements, coordinating procurement processes, overseeing system assembly and packaging, and implementing inventory management systems to ensure efficient delivery and availability of products.

Responsibilities or duties

• Product & System Definition
  • Review and classify OGSECS product and system offerings
  • Assign model numbers and develop technical specifications
  • Develop parts lists and specification sheets for each model
  • Work with technical teams to identify product improvements
  • Test and validate product improvements through comparative evaluation
  • Update and maintain product specifications and configurations
• Product Documentation
  • Oversee development of technical user manuals and installation guides
  • Coordinate field testing of manuals with users and technicians
  • Ensure accuracy and usability of product documentation
• Supply Forecasting & Planning
  • Research and update component prices and system costs
  • Develop cost estimates and pricing proposals in collaboration with management
  • Produce demand forecasts for product offerings
  • Develop forward-looking component supply schedules
  • Provide monthly supply chain and procurement reports
• Procurement Management
  • Evaluate procurement options through cost and sourcing analysis
  • Develop 3–5 procurement options for key imported components
  • Prepare and maintain a procurement schedule at least 3 months ahead
  • Update procurement plans on a monthly basis
  • Submit and manage procurement requests in line with approved plans
• Assembly & Packaging Management
  • Manage contracts for system component assembly and packaging
  • Establish installation standards and operational procedures
  • Develop inventory procedures for components and battery assembly
  • Define packaging, labeling, transport, and delivery standards
  • Establish quality control and testing procedures for assembled systems
  • Maintain and update production and assembly forecasts
• Inventory & Distribution Systems
  • Develop and maintain paper-based inventory and delivery tracking systems
  • Support implementation and testing of digital inventory systems (ERP)
  • Transition and institutionalize approved digital tracking systems
  • Monitor stock levels, production output, and delivery performance
• Reporting & Coordination
  • Prepare weekly and monthly reports covering:
    • Product documentation updates
    • Procurement plans and supply forecasts
    • Production and assembly status
    • Inventory and stock movement
    • System deliveries and order fulfillment
  • Participate in daily coordination meetings with management

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Strong data management and record-keeping skills
• Strong understanding of solar energy systems and components
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and digital tools (Google Workspace, WhatsApp, Forms, etc.)
• Experience with inventory and supply chain systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Ability to work independently and manage operational workflows
• High integrity and attention to detail

Experience needed

• 3–5 years’ experience in:
  • Solar product production, distribution, or supply chain operations
  • Procurement, inventory management, or business operations
  • Contract or team management
• Experience in solar energy systems or rural field operations will be an added advantage.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

• Willingness to travel frequently to rural communities
• Basic technical literacy (smartphones, Excel, data tools)

REMUNERATION

AFSP offers a competitive salary package and is an equal opportunity employer.

• Product & System Definition
  • Review and classify OGSECS product and system offerings
  • Assign model numbers and develop technical specifications
  • Develop parts lists and specification sheets for each model
  • Work with technical teams to identify product improvements
  • Test and validate product improvements through comparative evaluation
  • Update and maintain product specifications and configurations
• Product Documentation
  • Oversee development of technical user manuals and installation guides
  • Coordinate field testing of manuals with users and technicians
  • Ensure accuracy and usability of product documentation
• Supply Forecasting & Planning
  • Research and update component prices and system costs
  • Develop cost estimates and pricing proposals in collaboration with management
  • Produce demand forecasts for product offerings
  • Develop forward-looking component supply schedules
  • Provide monthly supply chain and procurement reports
• Procurement Management
  • Evaluate procurement options through cost and sourcing analysis
  • Develop 3–5 procurement options for key imported components
  • Prepare and maintain a procurement schedule at least 3 months ahead
  • Update procurement plans on a monthly basis
  • Submit and manage procurement requests in line with approved plans
• Assembly & Packaging Management
  • Manage contracts for system component assembly and packaging
  • Establish installation standards and operational procedures
  • Develop inventory procedures for components and battery assembly
  • Define packaging, labeling, transport, and delivery standards
  • Establish quality control and testing procedures for assembled systems
  • Maintain and update production and assembly forecasts
• Inventory & Distribution Systems
  • Develop and maintain paper-based inventory and delivery tracking systems
  • Support implementation and testing of digital inventory systems (ERP)
  • Transition and institutionalize approved digital tracking systems
  • Monitor stock levels, production output, and delivery performance
• Reporting & Coordination
  • Prepare weekly and monthly reports covering:
    • Product documentation updates
    • Procurement plans and supply forecasts
    • Production and assembly status
    • Inventory and stock movement
    • System deliveries and order fulfillment
  • Participate in daily coordination meetings with management

• Strong data management and record-keeping skills
• Strong understanding of solar energy systems and components
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and digital tools (Google Workspace, WhatsApp, Forms, etc.)
• Experience with inventory and supply chain systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Ability to work independently and manage operational workflows
• High integrity and attention to detail

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in: Information Systems, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Business Management or related field
• 3–5 years’ experience in: Solar product production, distribution, or supply chain operations, Procurement, inventory management, or business operations, Contract or team management
• Experience in solar energy systems or rural field operations will be an added advantage.