Background

The project seeks to address the energy crisis facing Sub-Saharan Africa where an estimated 50% lack access to reliable electricity and rural electrification rates drop to as low as 5%. In partnership with the UKRI under the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund 1-billion-pound initiative to advance clean energy technologies and sustainable business models, the Circular Microgrid Project seeks to provide transformative and alternative energy sources.

The Circular Microgrid project will leverage the principles of the circular economy to repurpose electronic waste from electric vehicles (EVs), such as lithium-ion batteries, power converters, and motors, for use in renewable energy microgrids.  The project seeks to redeploy these second-life components for stationary applications—including solar energy storage, micro-hydro systems, and energy controllers—the project innovatively expands energy access while reducing environmental harm caused by increasing e-waste.

The Circular Microgrid project will be delivered through a Pan-African, multisectoral and interdisciplinary Circular Economy Powered Energy Centre (CEPREC) (https://www.ceprec.co/) the project collaborates with universities, governments, and industries from the UK, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Namibia.

This partnership aims to address critical energy challenges by fostering sustainable solutions tailored to the unique contexts of underserved regions. The Research Fellow will contribute to the socio-economic analysis of innovative energy solutions and ensure robust statistical methodologies underpin the research findings.

Description

The PhD Candidate will be tasked with leading the study “Developing Sustainable Business Models for Circular Microgrids: A Multi-Country Analysis.”

Under the Business Model for Circular Microgrids work package. This will involve conducting a literature study on sustainable business models for circular microgrids, study reviews and analysis, a multicounty data collection and analysis, development of a sustainable business model framework for circular microgrids.

The candidate will collaborate with international, multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality outputs that align with CEPREC’s objectives. The candidate will also be part of the CEPREC with supervision, mentorship and training opportunities in line with the objectives.

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will be proactive, self-motivated, attentive to detail, and curious as well as one who aligns with Strathmore University’s ethos.

The candidate should have a proven ability to conduct independent research, be knowledgeable on quantitative and qualitative research methods, and handle and analyse large datasets using software such as STATA, SPSS, R or similar, and NVIVO or similar software.

The candidate should be able to adapt to evolving research priorities and varied project requirements as well as the commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in research and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Literature Review: Conduct comprehensive reviews of academic and industry literature to support research on Business Models for Circular Microgrids.  
• Data Collection and Analysis: Assist with qualitative and quantitative data collection, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and case studies with stakeholders (e.g., households, industry, policymakers).
• Field Research Support: Facilitate fieldwork logistics, liaise with participants, and coordinate on-site visits, ensuring smooth execution of research activities.
• Data Coding and Management: Use tools like SPSS, STATA, R, NVivo or similar software to organize and code research data, data modelling, assisting with analysis and data interpretation.
• Report Writing: Contribute to drafting progress reports, summaries, and briefs on research findings for dissemination to project partners, stakeholders, and the academic community.
• Administrative Support: Assist in scheduling meetings, preparing research documentation, and supporting communication between project partners, including De Montfort University, Warwick University, and other collaborators.
• Research Assistant: Act as the research assistant for the project and in that capacity perform any duties as shall be allocated by the project lead and the supervisors.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the principal investigators, consortium partners, other research staff, and stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met according to timelines.
• Other roles that might be assigned to you by the principal investigators or project manager during the project.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Academic Qualifications: At least a master’s degree in  Business Management, renewable energy, circular economy, sociology or a related field in social science.
• Research Experience: Previous experience working on research projects, preferably in management, sociology, renewable energy or circular economy.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis tools such as STATA, SPSS, R, NVivo or equivalent. Preferred knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely in academic and non-academic formats.
• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail, time management, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, both independently and under guidance.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and appreciation of local ecosystems and the Mini-grids landscape in Kenya and beyond.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working on projects related to entrepreneurship, innovation, circular economy, or energy-related initiatives.
• Familiarity with the Kenyan energy sector, mini-grids and knowledge of industry value chains and business models in Kenya and beyond.
• Skills in data visualisation and presentation.

Renumeration

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit fill this form https://sbs.strathmore.edu/circular-microgrid-project-phd-candidate-research-assistant-role-application-form/

Application Deadline

18 April 2025 at 5:00 PM

Important Notice

Due to the large number of applications, we may receive, only the shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Please be advised that Strathmore University Business School is an equal opportunity employer and does NOT ask for money from applicants under any circumstances during its recruitment process. Interested applicants are encouraged to exercise caution upon receiving any such interview opportunity that requires payment of any money.