![](\"https:\/\/sbs.strathmore.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ceprec-logo.png\"){kind=logo}
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i>Introduction<\/h4><\/a><\/li>
<\/i>Background<\/h4><\/a><\/li>
<\/i>Description<\/h4><\/a><\/li>
<\/i>Candidate Requirements<\/h4><\/a><\/li>
<\/i>Key Responsibilities<\/h4><\/a><\/li>
<\/i>Required Skills<\/h4><\/a><\/li>
<\/i>Renumeration<\/h4><\/a><\/li>
<\/i>Application Process<\/h4><\/a><\/li>
<\/i>Application Deadline<\/h4><\/a><\/li>
<\/i>Important Notice<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
<\/i>Introduction<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
\nIntroduction<\/h2>\n
Strathmore University Business School (SBS) is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a PhD Candidate\/Research Assistant<\/strong> under the Circular Microgrid Project<\/strong> \u2013 a groundbreaking initiative leveraging circular economy principles to address Africa\u2019s energy challenges.<\/p>\n
This project, supported by UKRI\u2019s Ayrton Fund<\/strong>, repurposes electronic waste from electric vehicles (EVs) into renewable microgrid components, fostering sustainable energy access in underserved regions. The research is conducted through the Circular Economy Powered Energy Centre (CEPREC)<\/strong> in collaboration with universities, governments, and industries across the UK, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Namibia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/i>Background<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
\nBackground<\/h2>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 The project seeks to redeploy these second-life components for stationary applications\u2014including solar energy storage, micro-hydro systems, and energy controllers\u2014the project innovatively expands energy access while reducing environmental harm caused by increasing e-waste.<\/p>\n
The Circular Microgrid project will be delivered through a Pan-African, multisectoral and interdisciplinary Circular Economy Powered Energy Centre (CEPREC) (https:\/\/www.ceprec.co\/<\/a>) the project collaborates with universities, governments, and industries from the UK, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Namibia.<\/p>\n
This\u00a0partnership 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/i>Description<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
\nDescription<\/h2>\n
The PhD Candidate will be tasked with leading the study \u201cDeveloping Sustainable Business Models for Circular Microgrids: A Multi-Country Analysis<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The candidate will collaborate with international, multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality outputs that align with CEPREC\u2019s objectives. The candidate will also be part of the CEPREC with supervision, mentorship and training opportunities in line with the objectives.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/i>Candidate Requirements<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
\nCandidate Requirements<\/h2>\n
The ideal candidate will be proactive, self-motivated, attentive to detail, and curious as well as one who aligns with Strathmore University\u2019s ethos.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/i>Key Responsibilities<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
\nKey Responsibilities<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Literature Review:<\/strong> Conduct comprehensive reviews of academic and industry literature to support research on Business Models for Circular Microgrids. \u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n
- Data Collection and Analysis:<\/strong> Assist with qualitative and quantitative data collection, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and case studies with stakeholders (e.g., households, industry, policymakers).<\/li>\n
- Field Research Support:<\/strong> Facilitate fieldwork logistics, liaise with participants, and coordinate on-site visits, ensuring smooth execution of research activities.<\/li>\n
- Data Coding and Management:<\/strong> Use tools like SPSS, STATA, R, NVivo or similar software to organize and code research data, data modelling, assisting with analysis and data interpretation.<\/li>\n
- Report Writing:<\/strong> Contribute to drafting progress reports, summaries, and briefs on research findings for dissemination to project partners, stakeholders, and the academic community.<\/li>\n
- Administrative Support:<\/strong> Assist in scheduling meetings, preparing research documentation, and supporting communication between project partners, including De Montfort University, Warwick University, and other collaborators.<\/li>\n
- Research Assistant:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n
- Collaboration:<\/strong> Work closely with the principal investigators, consortium partners, other research staff, and stakeholders to ensure project milestones are met according to timelines.<\/li>\n
- Other roles that might be assigned to you by the principal investigators or project manager during the project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
<\/i>Required Skills<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
\nRequired Qualifications and Skills<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Academic Qualifications:<\/strong> At least a master\u2019s degree in\u00a0 Business Management, renewable energy, circular economy, sociology or a related field in social science.<\/li>\n
- Research Experience:<\/strong> Previous experience working on research projects, preferably in management, sociology, renewable energy or circular economy.<\/li>\n
- Technical Skills:<\/strong> Proficiency in data analysis tools such as STATA, SPSS, R, NVivo or equivalent. Preferred knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.<\/li>\n
- Strong Communication Skills:<\/strong> Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely in academic and non-academic formats.<\/li>\n
- Organizational Skills:<\/strong> Strong attention to detail, time management, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.<\/li>\n
- Team Player:<\/strong> Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, both independently and under guidance.<\/li>\n
- Cultural Sensitivity:<\/strong> Understanding and appreciation of local ecosystems and the Mini-grids landscape in Kenya and beyond.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Desirable Skills:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- \n
- Experience working on projects related to entrepreneurship, innovation, circular economy, or energy-related initiatives.<\/li>\n
- Familiarity with the Kenyan energy sector, mini-grids and knowledge of industry value chains and business models in Kenya and beyond.<\/li>\n
- Skills in data visualisation and presentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
- Research Experience:<\/strong> Previous experience working on research projects, preferably in management, sociology, renewable energy or circular economy.<\/li>\n
- Academic Qualifications:<\/strong> At least a master\u2019s degree in\u00a0 Business Management, renewable energy, circular economy, sociology or a related field in social science.<\/li>\n
- Data Collection and Analysis:<\/strong> Assist with qualitative and quantitative data collection, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and case studies with stakeholders (e.g., households, industry, policymakers).<\/li>\n
- Literature Review:<\/strong> Conduct comprehensive reviews of academic and industry literature to support research on Business Models for Circular Microgrids. \u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n