About Smart Foundry:

Smart Foundry is a pioneering Venture Studio dedicated to creating and scaling startup companies that address African challenges through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. With a focus on crafting digital wonders, Smart Foundry has a proven track record of launching successful ventures that make a meaningful impact in various industries. Leveraging its expertise and experience, Smart Foundry is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and forging ahead with exciting new ventures such as Kwanza and Ishi, poised to revolutionize their respective industries.

Job Description:

Smart Foundry is seeking a dynamic and driven Product Specialist Graduate Trainee/Intern to join our team. This internship program offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in product development, market research, and project management within a fast-paced startup environment. The successful candidate will work closely with our experienced team members to support the development and launch of innovative products that solve African challenges and drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assist in conducting market research and analysis to identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape for potential startup ventures.
2. Support the product development team in defining product requirements, features, and specifications based on market insights and user feedback.
3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, engineering, marketing, and business development to drive the product development process from concept to launch.
4. Conduct user testing and gather feedback to iteratively improve product prototypes and enhance user experience.
5. Assist in creating product documentation, including user manuals, guides, and release notes, to ensure clear communication and understanding among stakeholders.
6. Participate in brainstorming sessions and ideation workshops to generate innovative ideas and solutions for new product concepts.
7. Support project management activities, including scheduling, task tracking, and progress reporting, to ensure timely and successful delivery of product milestones.
8. Assist in conducting customer interviews, surveys, and focus groups to validate product concepts and gather insights for product refinement and iteration.
9. Contribute to marketing and communication efforts to promote and launch new products, including content creation, social media management, and event coordination.
10. Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in product development to contribute fresh perspectives and ideas to the team.
11. Demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative, and a willingness to learn and grow within the organization.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Product Management, or a related field. Recent graduates are to apply.
2. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather and interpret data to inform product decisions and strategy.
3. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively.
4. Passion for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with a desire to make a positive impact in African markets.
5. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and a proactive approach to learning.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with project management tools and platforms is a plus.
7. Prior internship or work experience in product management, startup environments, or related fields is advantageous but not required.
8. Adaptability and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic startup environment, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
9. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, with a growth mindset and a willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities.