Tupande Biochar Production Coordinator

The Tupande Biochar Production Coordinator at OAF in Nairobi, Kenya, is responsible for managing production schedules, coordinating with supply chains, overseeing maintenance, and ensuring quality control. The role includes tracking KPIs, leading mechanical maintenance, and handling MRV documentation. The position emphasizes career growth through mentorship and regular performance reviews.
Responsibilities
Production Coordination

Manage production schedules across pyrolysis lines, forecasting inputs and designing production cycles to meet output targets.
Coordinate with avocado oil and macadamia value chains to ensure consistent feedstock supply quality, volume, and delivery timing
Plan production around the weekly maintenance window and any planned shutdowns
Revise production schedules in response to staff absence, equipment downtime, or feedstock supply shortfalls
Liaise with utility providers (electricity, water, diesel) to ensure uninterrupted facility operation; track utility usage and resolve outages
Coordinate with the maintenance staff on preventative maintenance execution, breakdown response, and shift coverage
Partner with the lab on quality control and non-conformance management
Coordinate with the Logistics & MRV Coordinator on outbound dispatch scheduling and delivery readiness
Work with the Administration Supervisor on casual labour / independent contractor scheduling, procurement requisitions, and resource needs
Coordinate with HSSE staff on safety incident response, HACCP implementation, and environmental compliance
Manage Production Supervisors, ensuring they have the resources, information, and authority needed to deliver shift performance; conduct performance reviews, and development planning for direct reports
Track and report production KPIs (output, yield, downtime, quality), budget performance, and MRV completeness as required
Implement and continuously improve standard operating procedures across both production lines
Mechanical Enginering Leadership

Develop and own the facility's preventive mechanical maintenance plan, aligned to the maintenance requirements and any planned shutdowns
Lead or supervise all mechanical work during maintenance windows, ensuring full-line readiness before restart
Supervise and mentor on-shift Maintenance staff on mechanical tasks and best practices
Respond to and resolve critical mechanical breakdowns during production runs; prioritise rapid return to operation
Conduct root cause analysis on recurring mechanical failures and implement permanent corrective actions
Manage mechanical spare parts inventory, procurement planning, and critical stock levels
Maintain up-to-date mechanical maintenance logs, equipment history records, and work order documentation
Ensure all mechanical work is performed in compliance with lockout/tagout (LOTO) and HSE standards
Serve as primary on-site liaison with external technical support for mechanical-related warranty claims and specialist troubleshooting
Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV)

Own all production-related MRV documentation for submission
Compile and submit feedstock intake records (weighbridge receipts and feedstock pile photos) as required
Compile and submit daily production logs (personnel, activities, feedstock used, biochar produced, batch IDs) as required
Compile and submit packaging usage records and packaging specification data as required
Career Growth and Development
We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You'll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You'll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications
Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for. For this role specifically, you will have:

3+ years of experience in mechanical maintenance in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
Experience with high-temperature processing equipment, combustion systems, conveyors, or biomass machinery strongly preferred
Ability to read technical drawings, P&IDs, and equipment manuals
Strong fault-diagnosis and root cause analysis skills
Willingness to be on-call for emergency mechanical breakdowns outside of standard hours
Knowledge

Ability to forecast inputs, design production cycles, and manage production data from source to final storage
Experience coordinating with maintenance, quality, and external supplier teams in a multi-shift environment
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Google Sheets / Excel for production planning, KPI tracking, and MRV documentation
Knowledge of preventive, corrective, and condition-based maintenance principles, including developing and implementing preventative maintenance programmes
Familiarity with lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, electrical safety standards, and Kenyan electrical regulations (EPRA)