CEO

Organization
Asobo
Location
Mbita (Kenya) and remote (50%)
Job Type
Full-Time
Deadline for Applications
01/25/2022
How to Apply
https://bit.ly/JoinAsoboCEO
Where to Apply
https://bit.ly/JoinAsoboCEO
Tags
Full-time

ASOBO is hiring a CEO based in KENYA
Join a team of world class entrepreneurs to build a highly profitable business around e-mobility on the water, whilst making the world a better place.

About ASOBO:
We are passionate about environmentally friendly mobility services on the water in emerging markets. Through use of e-mobility we want to dramatically reduce negative impacts on the environment and improve the lives of millions, whilst building a profitable business.
In the short run, ASOBO offers electric outboard engines on a rental model to fishers on Lake Victoria. In the process, we drastically reduce harmful emissions and substantially improve the economic position of our customers. We’re a team of 12 and you’re joining us at an exciting moment: We are learning from our prototype with 15 clients and shaping up our operational, technical and financial model to be scalable. Our key goal for the next 2 years is to scale our operations to 750 customers on Lake Victoria (in Kenya and Tanzania), before growing the business to other lakes and geographies.
ASOBO’s founding team has decades of combined experience in the off-grid and renewable energy sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa, and is supported by the leading venture builder in Energy Access – Persistent Energy Capital.
More details: https://goasobo.com

About the role:
We are looking for a self-starting, entrepreneurial business leader who is passionate about making a difference in the world through a sustainable business approach. As CEO, you will take the lead of ASOBO, oversee product and market development and scale-up our operations in Kenya and beyond.

Role and responsibilities:
• Drive and further develop the vision, mission, and strategy of ASOBO in close cooperation with shareholders and other stakeholders
• Refine the business model to meet market needs and customer realities
• Develop and oversee the go-to-market approach including entry to other markets in East Africa
• Work with the (part-time) CTO and COO to ensure quality technology offering and reliable supplier base (procurement, assembly, charging, repairs)
• Oversee financial management (accounting, reporting, budgeting, treasury) and provide guidance and support to the finance manager
• Lead fundraising activities (debt, equity, grants) by pitching to and negotiating with potential funders. Ensure the company is cash flow positive in the short, mid, and long term
• Build a high-performance team and organization, which is able to execute on the business plan and achieve short and long-term goals
• Ensure timely reporting to the board and other stakeholders
• Build and enhance the company’s public profile in line with strategic goals
• Work with the COO to ensure company policies and legal guidelines are clearly stated, communicated, and adhered to
• Cooperate and collaborate actively with business partners, stakeholders, shareholders, and relevant authorities

Who we are looking for:
• You’re passionate about building business solutions to environmental and social issues
• Dynamic visionary entrepreneurial personality with hands on mentality
• Proven managerial track record in getting a start-up to growth-stage
• You have been part of shaping successful business models and products for a low-income market
• Strong leadership and team management skills: Proven ability to motivate and manage a growing team in a performance-driven business environment
• You’re a strong relationship builder and have results managing diverse relationships effectively, e.g. with suppliers, partners, investors, and the team
• You thrive in multicultural work environments
• Strong financial management skills
• You have been part of a funding process before and are able to pitch to and effectively communicate with investors and funders
• Solid understanding of technology
• Interest to understand different contexts and adapt your work approach is key. Having worked across several East African countries is an added advantage
• Degree in business, finance, engineering or another relevant field
• You’re ready for basic amenities while in the field

Additional Information

The nature of the role has a major field focus for the next few years: The CEO will initially spend around half their month in Mbita, Kenya (and later other rural locations at the Lake in Uganda and Tanzania). If preferred, the CEO can work the remaining time of the month virtually (Kisumu, Nairobi etc).
We are looking for candidates who are ready to make a long-term commitment to Asobo. As the CEO, you will receive an attractive equity package. There’s a six-month probation period.
While Kenyan, Tanzanian and Ugandan candidates are preferred, qualified candidates of other nationalities with a strong understanding of the local context are welcome to apply.