Introduction
The deep-dive course will provide community leaders and mobilisers with comprehensive knowledge in refrigeration, cold chain applications, cooling hub design, and the essential business models for food and pharma.
Multiple 1 Week Modules
In-Person
[email protected]
Athanase Dalson Gace
Programme Dates
Course Fees
6th October - 6th October 2026
ACES Rubirizi Campus , Kigali, Rwanda
- Apply by email to [email protected] before 22nd August 2025.
- Successful candidates will be notified of a place on the course by 12th September 2025
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 29th August 2025
10 weeks, distributed over approximately 1 year, with an extension of more than 10 weeks for specialisations.
Course Description
This course comprises a programme of 10 x 1 week modules.
The training programme is in particular for community leaders, development partners looking to develop robust and financeable business plans for community cooling hubs/solutions. At the end of the course, the participant will have a fully validated business model and training to pitch and defend their plan to funders.
Who Should Apply?
Apply to join this unique opportunity to become a trainer equipped to drive energy-efficient, climate-friendly, and resilient cold-chain solutions that support farmers, enhance food security, and promote socio-economic growth.
We are seeking dedicated participants from diverse sectors, such as community workers, leaders, policymakers, NGOs, and impact investors. Those with an interest in improving the sustainability of food and pharmaceutical supply chains, and reducing losses, are encouraged to apply. Participants should be committed to applying the knowledge gained to their current roles and responsibilities and must be available to fully engage in the entire course duration and its activities.
We encourage participants from diverse backgrounds, needs, interests, and capacities to apply. We aim to consider gender differences, as well as differences based on your specific interests and current needs, which may vary depending on your age, education level, income, and current roles, etc.
Syllabus Outline
The following are courses that will be covered under the Train The Trainer programme:
- Cold-Chain: A System Approach
- Postharvest Management
- Safety and Quality Certification
- Refrigeration technology
- Cold-Chain Management
- Refrigeration Energy
- Telemetrics and Data Logging
- Needs Assessment and Data Analytics
- Marketing Strategy
- Cold-Chain Design: Community Cooling Hub Case Study
- Business Plan
- GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) and HS&E (Health Safety, Environment, Health and Assurance)
The programme will potentially be extended by one year for the trainees who wish to gain specialised knowledge in the following fields in relation to sustainable Cold-Chain.
Candidate Selection
Essential Criteria
- A degree-level certification or equivalent years of work experience in refrigeration, agriculture, engineering, agribusiness, or a related discipline.
- Applicants should have at least 3 years’ experience in the food or pharmaceutical cold chain sector, whether in government, private industry, or NGOs. Recent graduates with foundational skills who are looking to develop expertise in refrigeration, cold-chain and post-harvest management, food quality and safety, or business model development are also encouraged to apply.
- Applicants should have a good understanding of English and proficiency at a minimum of an Intermediate level, with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English. Preference will be given to candidates who can engage in professional discussions and produce clear, coherent text.
- Applicant should have a good command of Kinyarwanda.
- Competence in using computer applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Availability to actively participate in the entire training program, with a commitment to ongoing training of local farmers.
- Motivation to understand and develop business models that contribute to local and export markets.
- The ability to identify challenges faced by farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the cold-chain in Rwanda, and to develop practical solutions is highly desirable.
- Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as we believe the unique experiences you will bring to share with the group will enhance the learning experience for all.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience in training, teaching, or extension.
- Experience working with farmers or rural communities, demonstrating previous connections with cooperatives and extension organisations.
- Must have a passion for adopting training and knowledge transfer.
- Ability to adapt training content to suit local conditions and available resources.
- Ability to utilise simple mathematical calculations to solve problems and support informed decision-making across various contexts.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic understanding of business concepts to help guide stakeholders in making informed financial decisions about their operations.
- Leadership qualities, enabling trainees to take on responsibility, lead change within their communities, and train stakeholders in food and pharma cold chains.
- Experience working with diverse communities from different sectors, including different genders, cultures, ages, classes, ethnicities, and education levels, will be appreciated.
How To Apply
Applicants must submit a single PDF document containing the following:
- A cover letter addressed to the Academic Head, ACES, stating your motivation for attending the training
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Short responses (maximum 150 words each) to the following questions:
- What experience do you have with refrigeration systems?
- What specific cold-chain challenges do you hope to better understand through this course?
- Do you have any dietary requirements or mobility restrictions that you want us to be aware of? (This will be treated confidentially to support your attendance.)
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online by the designated deadline to ACES through [email protected], with the subject line:
" Train the Trainer – [Your Name]"
Join us in advancing your expertise to train communities and build resilient, climate-friendly cold-chains that empower communities, drive sustainable development, and protect our food and health systems.