Consultant for Quality Assurance Inspection PCB Project at International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

About Program/Project

In partnership with the County government of Nyandarua, IFDC Kenya is implementing a Potato Value Chain Capacity Building Project (PCB), funded by Irish Aid. The project aims to sustainably increase potato productivity and enhance the potato seed sector through the strengthening of  market linkages, ultimately raising the incomes of smallholder farmers. PCB focuses on integrated farm practices, market systems development, and fostering inclusivity within the potato value chain. The project aligns with Ireland's Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), which introduces Irish technology and expertise to improve potato storage and sustainability.

The PCB project has established itself as a key driver of resilience in the potato value chain through partnerships with county governments, private sector players, and local farmers. The project supports the delivery of certified seeds, the use of efficient storage systems, extension services, ware potato marketing, and soil health technologies. The current phase emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration among key stakeholders, ensuring that marginalized communities, including women and youth, benefit from the enhanced value chain.

As part of the PCB project initiatives, a cold storage facility with a capacity of 120 metric tons has been constructed at the PESI Farmers Cooperative Society to address the challenges of post-harvest losses and seasonal price fluctuations in the ware potato market. To ensure the long-term viability and effectiveness of this storage facility, proper temperature and humidity regulation is critical. The next phase of the facility’s development involves the installation of insulation using Duofoam Polyurethane foam to ensure the cold storage maintains optimal conditions for potato preservation. This insulation is vital to reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage efficiency, and help farmers store their produce until market conditions are favourable, thereby improving their incomes.

Given the technical nature of the insulation process and the need for high-quality execution, IFDC plans to engage a qualified firm with extensive experience in insulation, particularly in cold storage facilities. The firm will ensure that the insulation meets the required standards and that the facility functions efficiently to support over 1,500 farmers in the region.

Responsibilities of the Candidate

The responsibilities of the Quality Assurance Inspector include:

• Review the project documents to understand the scope and requirements of the insulation work;
• Conduct a pre-inspection meeting to clarify expectations, timelines, and quality standards;
• Regular site inspections to ensure adherence to insulation standards;
• Verify the application of 100mm polyurethane foam insulation for uniformity and qualit;
• Document and report any deviations from specifications and recommending corrective actions;
• Conduct final inspection upon project completion and verify that the work done meets all required standards;
• Prepare a detailed inspection report, including observations, test results, and recommendations for future maintenance.

Expected Deliverables

The Quality Assurance Inspector is expected to deliver the following:

• Inspection Plan: A work plan outlining inspection schedules, methods, and key focus areas, to be submitted within 5 days of signing the contract.
• Site Visit Reports: Progress reports after each site visit, highlighting any issues, recommendations, and actions taken by the contractor.
• Final Inspection Report: A comprehensive report detailing the findings of the final inspection, confirmation of adherence to the standards, and any recommendations for further action.

 Reporting and Work Relationships

The Quality Assurance Inspector will report to the PCB Team Leader and collaborate closely with PESI Farmers Cooperative Society board members, the contractor and other project staff to ensure the successful delivery of the insulation works.

Required Experience

     The ideal candidate should possess:

• Educational Qualification: A higher diploma in civil engineering, architecture, or a related field, with a focus on construction and insulation;
• Experience: Proven experience in quality assurance and inspection within the construction industry, particularly in insulation work;
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with polyurethane foam insulation or similar construction materials;
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of construction standards and regulatory requirements in Kenya;
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve quality issues efficiently;
• Communication Skills: Excellent report writing and verbal communication skills in English.