Chemist

Company Overview:

Pharo Ventures is the commercial, for-profit arm of The Pharo Foundation and has been set up to harness the power of a vibrant private sector by investing in enterprises across a variety of sectors within the East Africa region. The objective is to build and grow, commercially and environmentally sustainable businesses, with a focus on maximising creation of economic value and jobs and for the local communities. We have a vision of an economically vibrant and inclusive Africa. Matching that vision is our ambition to create a portfolio of sustainable business ventures that by the end of 2025, will deliver more than five thousand direct jobs across the region. We believe we can achieve our vision and ambitions by investing in the human and physical capital of Africa. For each target country in the region, Pharo Ventures will innovatively build a portfolio of businesses that will be financially sustainable, create value for the local communities and be environmentally responsible. Headquartered in the Nairobi (Kenya), Pharo Ventures has country offices in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) Somaliland (Hargeisa).

Position Overview:

The Chemist will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring the quality and safety of raw materials, intermediate, and finished products in the edible oil plant. The role requires hands-on involvement in laboratory testing, process monitoring, compliance with food safety and regulatory standards and providing technical training and support to plant staff. The Chemist will work closely with the production and quality assurance teams to ensure optimal production efficiency and product quality.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Control & Analysis:

• Perform regular chemical and physical analysis of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished edible oil products.
• Maintain accurate records of all tests and inspections, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards (e.g., FSSC22000/ISO22000).
• Monitor oil quality attributes such as acidity, peroxide value, free fatty acids (FFA), iodine value, color, viscosity and moisture content.
• Monitor and interpret test results, identifying deviations and recommending corrective actions.
• Select and prepare control samples that accurately represent the product or process being tested; regularly test the control sample alongside other samples to ensure the accuracy and consistency of results.
• Maintain accurate records of testing results and analysis and prepare clear and concise reports for review.
• Conduct sensory analysis and stability testing to ensure product consistency.

Laboratory Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the laboratory, ensuring that all equipment is functioning correctly and maintained properly.
• Ensure that laboratory instruments (e.g., titrators and spectrophotometers) are calibrated, cleaned, and operating as per manufacturer guidelines.
• Maintain proper inventory levels of laboratory chemicals, reagents, glassware and consumables; initiate procurement requests as needed.
• Keep up to date with developments in food quality control and implement new testing methodologies where necessary.
• Ensure daily laboratory cleanliness and compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards in all laboratory activities.
• Ensuring accurate documentation of all laboratory tests, procedures, and results, while also supporting the implementation and maintenance of laboratory management systems to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise laboratory assistants, if applicable, to ensure quality standards are met in their tasks.

Process Monitoring & Improvement:

• Collaborate with the production team to implement process improvements aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing product quality.
• Analyze data from the production line and suggest improvements to optimize efficiency and product quality.
• Assist in troubleshooting for any quality issues that arise during production.
• Monitor and analyze critical control points in the oil processing line to ensure consistent quality and yield.
• Conduct root cause analysis for any deviations in oil quality and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
• Involve in the evaluation of new processing techniques and technologies that can improve product quality or reduce production costs.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure that all laboratory practices and final products comply with relevant food safety regulations, industry standards, and certifications.
• Prepare reports and documentation for regulatory audits and inspections.
• Assist in the preparation for internal and external audits, ensuring that laboratory documentation and procedures meet the required compliance standards.
• Keep up to date with local and international regulatory changes impacting edible oil production and quality testing.

Training & Support:

• Provide training and guidance to junior lab staff, if any and production teams on laboratory procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory processes and quality control activities.
• Offer technical support to the production team, troubleshooting any quality-related issues that may arise during the oil processing stages.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies in food chemistry and oil processing to continuously improve knowledge and practices.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Food Science, or a related field.
• At least 2-3 years of experience working in a food manufacturing or edible oil processing environment.
• Experience with laboratory testing and quality control processes in the food industry.
• Knowledge of ISO22000/FSSC22000 standards is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality management systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality standards.

Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of experience working in a food manufacturing or edible oil processing environment.
• Experience with laboratory testing and quality control processes in the food industry.
• Knowledge of ISO22000/FSSC22000 standards is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality management systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality standards.