Economic Development Intern , Ngara, Tanzania.

WomenCraft is a community-driven social enterprise operating from Ngara, Tanzania.

WomenCraft’s mission is to increase economic opportunity in the post-conflict, tri-border area of Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi by bringing rural women together, facilitating their growth and connecting their artistry to the global marketplace. Through WomenCraft, over 300 artisans advance themselves, raise stronger, families, stimulate their communities and inspire the world around them.

Position Description: This is an ideal opportunity for you gain hands-on, international experience in women’s economic development with a not-for-profit social enterprise. WomenCraft creates sustainable livelihoods for former refugee and host community women by promoting their traditional skills in the production of fair trade products. As women develop their businesses, they need to assistance to learn how to manage their work while relying on the strengths of all group members. WomenCraft also needs assistance to manage the Revolving Loan Fund, which makes new business development possible for women.

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

Financial training. Work directly training artisans in financial management so that they have strengthened business skills, a greater ability to earn an income and are better able to manage a business.

Set up Revolving Loan Fund systems. Assist WomenCraft to further establish a Revolving Loan fund that gives artisan groups access to funding to open a micro-enterprise. WomenCraft’s goal is for each of the 22 artisan groups to have access to the Revolving Loan Fund so that they have a secondary source of income.

Help groups manage their revolving loans. Train artisan groups who are receiving loans through WomenCraft’s revolving loan fund on business practices. Work closely with members and leaders to ensure their new income generating projects are well-planned and that groups will be able to repay the loans and make a profit. Conduct training in such a way that future trainings can be easily replicated.

Assist with Staff Development. Work closely with and train WomenCraft’s staff on areas under this job description. Be prepared to share your skills and abilities with staff, such as conducting trainings on computers, entrepreneurship, and other relevant areas.

Qualifications:

Knowledge and/or experience with Revolving Loan Funds and/or micro-enterprise;
Excellent research, communication, interpersonal, computer and organizational skills;
Ability to take initiative and work independently;
Demonstrated interest in international/cross-cultural experiences;
Ability to be flexible and make contributions as a member of a team;
Interest in fair trade, refugees and/or international development

How to apply:

Application instructions: Please send a CV and cover letter through email to info@womencraft.org and indicate dates of availability.

While this is not a paid internship, discounted room and board at the rate of $400 per month is offered to interns. There is one fellowship position available which covers room and board for the duration of the internship. If you are interested in applying for the fellowship, please indicate this in your cover letter.