WomenCraft’s mission is to increase economic opportunity in the Mafiga Matatu area of East Africa by bringing rural women together through a social enterprise, facilitating their growth and connecting them to world markets. Through WomenCraft, artisans advance themselves, raise stronger, more educated families,
stimulate their rural East African communities and, in turn, inspire the world around them.
Position Description:
WomenCraft offers an opportunity for a young professional to gain experience on two levels. First, s/he will work directly training artisans in financial management so that they have strengthened business skills and a greater ability to earn an income. Second, s/he will assist WomenCraft to develop and implement operating systems for alternative payment structures that will bring development solutions to the lives of women. Intern will also provide administrative support in other functional areas with WomenCraft, thereby gaining exposure to the wider operation and the field of international development. This position will be supervised by the Director and work in close collaboration with WomenCraft staff and artisans.
Expected Projects and Skills Learned:
Develop financial literacy curriculum. Research ways in which to train individuals with limited education and literacy in entrepreneurship and financial management. Develop a curriculum that will be used to train artisans.
Conduct training sessions with artisans. Using innovative methods of communication, conduct training sessions with artisans. Document all activities for future replication.
Help groups manage their revolving loans. Train those 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.
Set up and manage the basket barter project. Work closely with WomenCraft’s Director to set up operating systems for a project in which artisans trade their baskets for development solutions-appropriate technology solutions, such as solar lighting, that improve the quality of life. Develop standard operating procedures and work with staff on the implementation of the project.
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/demonstrated interest in teaching or training.
• Knowledge/demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship and business development.
• 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 and/or international development;
Please note: This position has some flexibility in the start and end dates.
Other Details
Start date: May 15, 2012
End date: August 24, 2012
Hours per week: 40
Compensation: Unpaid
Stipend/Wage: There is no stipend provided
How to apply
Please send your c.v. and the reasons why you are interested in the position to info@womencraft.org. There is some flexibility with the start and end dates for the summer internship cycle. The position is open until filled.