Design and implementation of a Big Data platform

Design and implementation of a Big Data platform

Sections : IC

Place : Nairobi, Kenya

Duration : Volunteering internship (2-6 months) or a Master Project (up to 6 months)

Hosting structure :

eProd Solutions Ltd (www.eprod-solutions.com)

eProd Solutions Ltd is a Kenyan ICT start-up company with a highly dynamic professional team of 12 that offers an ERP to manage sourcing from small scale farmers. It is currently used by 75 clients in 10 African countries, over 20 agricultural sectors and linking about 1/4 million farmers to markets.

extra: Nairobi is a pleasant city in Kenya with lots of opportunities to socialize and explore Africa.

Project description :

Background: eProd offers an ERP to manage sourcing produce from small scale farmers. The platform has unique data that is relevant for, for example, loan application assessments (KYC) or impact monitoring, and banks and NGOs are an important gate way provider to scale as they make introductions to their commercial clients and development partners respectively.

The design and construction of an “umbrella platform” that allows easy information sharing between off takers (e.g. food processors, agricultural commodity traders and farmer cooperatives) that use eProd as an ERP to source from small scale farmers, and parties interested in the information. The Big Data plaftorm should be generic (i.e. suitable for many different users) and optimized for data analytics. It should be cost-effective to ensure eProd remains affordable.

Some background information about the ERP: Both back-end and front-end are built in Delphi. It is typically installed as a desktop (LAN/WAN) version (even though the data can be hosted in the cloud). The mobile app is also built in Delphi (for Android devices) and synchronize via FTP in the cloud. I have attached some brief descriptions of some of the selected topics.

Required skills :

• Technical university study with major or specialization in Computer Science and Engineering, Data Science, Cyber security, or: Agrotechnology, global supply chain, earth Sciences, or other closely related field of study with clear record of passion for computer languages and coding;
• Passionate about Big Data;
• Basic knowledge and interest in value chain development, agriculture, economic development;
• Quick learner and strong conceptualizing skills have a broad interest;
• Excellent analytical skills and highly organized, high abstract theoretical thinking level is essential, basic knowledge of and some practical experience with advanced statistical tools;
• Basic computer hardware, software skills and programming experience an advantage;
• Team player and can build interdisciplinary collaborations;
• An entrepreneur and a good networker, and a pro-active approach towards the market and appreciates a challenge;
• Excellent English language skills, both speaking and writing.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within in the region.

Accommodation : Yes, no meals.

Contact : Jan Willem van Casteren  janwillem@eprod-solutions.com