Hamidah Naishur Ross
Kailua,USA
Summary
Proactive energy and environmental professional with 9+ years on projects that support the distribution of sustainable solutions including solar products and appliances, efficient and clean cooking technologies, and fuels internationally. Excellent record of driving new market development through savvy product management and marketing in small to medium business environments. Communicative and collaborative with proven history of improving business operations to support corporate growth and revenue.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Associate
Schatz Energy Research Center
Arcata , CA
08.2020 - 01.2023
- Secured $500,000 in grants from California Fire Department for further research into utilizing forest biomass for fuel in Northern California.
- Performed market pipeline assessment and quality testing of over 70 solar products for the World Bank quality assurance program, VeraSol.
- Drafted policies, conducted research, and proposed improvements for solar product testing and quality assurance standards which have since been adopted by VeraSol and posted on their website.
- Conducted a market surveillance pilot program in West and East Africa to evaluate the quality of off-grid solar products that was used to reform the overall quality testing policies and methods for solar products.
- Implemented four new policies at VeraSol regarding quality control by engaging with renewable energy industry practitioners and manufacturers.
- Completed analysis of the overall global sales data for VeraSol quality certified products that was used to inform the leadership committee on new areas of research during annual planning.
- Led government and private sector engagement on renewable industry circularity and analyzed national e-waste policies from countries with high off-grid performance.
Product Development Manager
Easy Solar Sierra Leone Limited
Freetown, Sierra Leone
01.2019 - 06.2020
- Initiated and optimized business development strategies based on company sales and revenue targets, product specifications, market data, and budget factors to successfully pilot and launch commercial rooftop solar systems on the market.
- Started the product development department and created product development strategy increased the company profits by 6% in the first quarter of the department operation.
- Introduced the first successful clean cook stoves campaign in Sierra Leone.
- Coordinated a bottom-up approach to product development that leveraged customer insights to identify new product lines, which increased sales to existing customers and built customer loyalty.
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and target markets for new products.
- Managed product launches by creating customized marketing materials and pursuing various marketing media i.e. radio ads, TV ads, tours, etc.
- Successfully liaised with internal and external policymakers on international law and regulatory changes to make product shipping and clearing more efficient and effective.
Marketing and Projects Manager
SolarNow BV
Kampala, Uganda
03.2017 - 12.2018
- Managed a subsidy project with a 2 million Euro budget that distributed over 500 solar freezers and 3000 rooftop solar systems for productive use in Uganda.
- Developed marketing strategies and communication tactics for brand visibility that ultimately awarded the company recognition in the regional consumer's choice award and generated over one million business leads in Uganda and Kenya.
- Encouraged the product development team to incorporate client feedback in the company product line, resulting in the addition of solar water pumps, solar home kits, and cook stoves to the product line which increased company revenue by 26% in the first year of product roll out.
- Developed and implemented a variety of organic and paid acquisition channels, content creation, publicity, social media, lead generation campaigns, copywriting, and performance analysis.
- Managed the SolarNow website, social media channels, and newsletter, increasing media interaction sales by over 70% and company revenue by 27% in the first month of media engagements.
- Built strategic relationships and partnered with key industry players, agencies, and vendors to gain a competitive advantage.
- Measured and reported on the performance of marketing campaigns and used results to compile more accurate sales forecasting.
- Developed and launched a customer loyalty program that increased customer retention and sales.
Freelance, Business Development Consultant
Meridian Holdings Uganda Limited
Kampala, Uganda
11.2015 - 11.2016
- Completed a grant application and was awarded the D-Prize Challenge Fund, securing over $15,000 USD for Meridian Solar products distribution in Eastern Uganda.
- Conducted a gender sensitive recruitment assessment strategy that led to the recruitment, training and monthly mentoring of the sales team on equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Supported the establishment and expansion of Meridian's distribution centers into Eastern Uganda which increased the company operation by 8 distribution centers.
Freelance Consultant, Biogas Database Verification
HIVOS
Kampala, Uganda
12.2015 - 06.2016
- Conducted primary data clean-up and quality verification of over 3000 biogas digesters, maintaining clean and accurate information that was used to secure more funding for clean cooking project.
- Trained a team of 16 masons on Magpi and Taroworks mobile applications for the collection of accurate data on biogas plants.
- Conducted random verification phone calls and physical visits to plants to verify functionality and analyze reconstruction costs reported by masons.
- Wrote inception report and final project report including recommendations and improvements which were later submitted to the funding partners for project funds disbursement.
Freelance Consultant, Clean Energy Project
SNV Netherlands Development Organization
Kampala, Uganda
03.2015 - 11.2015
- Recruited, supervised, and mentored a team of 40 salespeople under the Uganda Domestic Renewable Energy Solutions (UDRES) program that sold 5000 solar products and Improved Cookstoves to last-mile customers in a period of 6 months; thereby exceeding program sales target by 2000 products.
- Designed and led the UDRES program partnership marketing campaign to ensure brand visibility for all project partners and a smooth collaboration with the local communities where the campaign was running.
- Conducted a needs assessment of the program and the distribution partners process for solar products and clean cooking technology to ensure stock availability of all required products.
- Designed technical training program and training material for the distribution team.
- Provided support and mentoring to all Local Capacity Builders appointed by SNV to work on the UDRES project.
- Provided timely reporting and recommendations on the activities of the program.
Key Account Manager
Barefoot Power Uganda Limited
Kampala, Uganda
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Managed large-scale customers who accounted for the majority of company revenue.
- Responsible for recruiting and training over 50 new entrepreneurs to sell the company's solar home products in their community.
- Updated monthly sales records in the company sales database and compiled monthly sales forecasting.
- Designed and managed a monthly incentive program for best micro-franchise program.
- Implemented customer care services by conducting phone calls, one on one inquiries, interviews, etc.
- Exceeded sales targets and activity metrics by 170%.
- Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Systems: Energy Technology and Policy
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
Arcata, CA12.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Leisure And Hospitality Management
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda05.2013
Skills
- Promotion Campaign Design and Management
- Canva Designs
- Communication Skills
- Program Metrics
- Coordinating Workshops
- Management
- Organizational Skills
- Community Outreach
- Social Media Platforms
- Content Management Systems
- Public Relations
- Attention To Detail
- Microsoft Office
- Writing
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins
Timeline
Graduate Research Associate
Schatz Energy Research Center
08.2020 - 01.2023
Product Development Manager
Easy Solar Sierra Leone Limited
01.2019 - 06.2020
Marketing and Projects Manager
SolarNow BV
03.2017 - 12.2018
Freelance Consultant, Biogas Database Verification
HIVOS
12.2015 - 06.2016
Freelance, Business Development Consultant
Meridian Holdings Uganda Limited
11.2015 - 11.2016
Freelance Consultant, Clean Energy Project
SNV Netherlands Development Organization
03.2015 - 11.2015
Key Account Manager
Barefoot Power Uganda Limited
01.2011 - 01.2013
Master of Science - Environmental Systems: Energy Technology and Policy
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
Bachelor of Arts - Leisure And Hospitality Management
Makerere University
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