Production Manager

Indego Africa (“Indego”) is an innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise that partners with women artisans in Rwanda on a fair trade basis to drive forward a sustainable, long-term solution to systemic poverty in Africa. Indego sells its partners’ hand-made contemporary accessories and home décor products on Indego’s online store and at high-end U.S. retailers, including Anthropologie, Madewell, DANNIJO, J.Crew, and Nicole Miller. Indego Africa then invests 100% of profits to its long-term skills training programs in financial management, entrepreneurship, literacy, and computer usage – which are taught by Rwanda’s top university students. Indego Africa, the subject of a Harvard Business School case study, partners with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Initiative and is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, which recently awarded Indego its coveted award for “Most Impact in a Partner Community.” By forging a strategy that validates and scales its mission, Indego Africa re-defines an outdated handicraft model of economic development and maps out a replicable blueprint for unleashing the power of women entrepreneurs in Africa.

Position Description:
Indego Africa offers an opportunity for a resourceful professional to gain experience overseeing:
(a) all design and production operations in Rwanda;
(b) the handicraft export and purchase program involving the co-ops; and
(c) communication with the U.S. regarding the effectiveness, expenses, and performance of Indego local personnel, trainers, co-ops, and the Indego programs. This person will improve his or her skills in international development work, product design, and income generation theory and models, while learning about the fields of social entrepreneurship and fair trade wholesaling/retailing. The Rwanda Production Operations Manager will be supervised by the Country Director in Rwanda and the Creative Director and CEO in the U.S.

Skills and Education Preferred:
• Professional focusing on program development, logistics system development, product/fashion design, international development, business, international affairs, gender studies, Africa studies, social entrepreneurship, or other related course of study.
• At least two years of work experience in a professional environment. Strong business skills preferred.
• Background knowledge or coursework with respect to business, nonprofits, Africa, fair trade or international development programming.
• Proficient in driving a car with manual transmission, and comfortable driving in both urban and rural settings.
• Excellent computer skills including usage of the Microsoft Office suite (required), Drop Box and other relevant publishing and productivity tools (preferred).
• Time spent living in Africa, or extensive travel in Africa (preferred).
• Flexibility, resourcefulness, patience and diligence – including an ability and willingness to adapt to the lifestyle and work environment of Rwanda – are essential.
• French and/or Kiswahili language skills (preferred).

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:
• Supervision of Handicraft Program: Implement and monitor quality control strategies; oversee production process from receipt of purchase order through delivery; develop products for future sale and promotion; and monitor all developments related to customs and taxes.
• Supervise all Production Staff and interns
• Develop Rwanda Production Internship Program
• Liaison Between U.S. and Rwanda: Act as main communication point in Rwanda for Indego Africa’s U.S. sales team (and a variety of famous designers and large-scale retailers).
• Site Visits: Travel at least three (3) times per week to visit the co-ops to observe, supervise, audit, and recommend improvements to the co-op’s expense reporting, record-keeping, invoicing, and financial reporting; provide technical assistance to Indego local personnel; and identify management problems at the co-op or issues related to the relationship between Indego and the co-op.
• Partnership Development: Develop relationships and partnerships with other NGOs and resources locally, while assisting the rest of the Indego team in Rwanda.
• Direct Production Procurement and Supply Chain Operations: Oversee the sourcing and purchasing of all necessary production materials and develop improved relationships with local and international suppliers
• Reporting: Deliver periodic reports regarding the effectiveness, expenses and performance of Indego local personnel, trainers, co-ops, and other Indego programs.
• Update Standard Operating Procedures: Continually update Production SOPs

Expectations:
• Full-time employment of 40 hours per week. The position requires a minimum commitment of one year.
• This is a PAID position.
• Expected to have independent access to a computer.
• Position will be located in Kigali, Rwanda.

How to apply
To Apply: Please e-mail resume and cover letter to jobs@indegoafrica.org (use apply button below)

In your cover letter, please explain
(a) why you are applying for this position,
(b) any relevant experience you have had (including time spent working or living in Africa), and (c) any other relevant information to your qualifications for this position. Your name, the date, and the position MUST be in the titles of your attached documents. No phone calls please.

Deadline: Apply immediately. Position open until filled.

Apply now