Production Intern at Umuzabibu Mwiza

UMUZABIBU MWIZA ORGANIZATION

Job Description: Production Intern

About Us

Umuzabibu Mwiza is a Christian non-profit ministry dedicated to empowering more than 200 women in northern Rwanda. Umuzabibu Mwiza produces wool from its own flocks of Merino sheep and Angora rabbits, which it uses to craft handmade and naturally dyed yarn, felted sculptures and knit accessories. Its social business model addresses poverty by uniting workbased solutions with holistic care programs including trauma counseling. In addition to fair, salaried wages, all of the women working for Umuzabibu Mwiza have access to regular onsite mental health counseling, savings cooperatives, family healthcare, spiritual mentorship and more. 

About the Role

The Production Intern will support the efforts of the Production Manager (PM) in coordinating the entire production process for Umuazabibu Mwiza’s in-house line of handcrafted products. The Production Intern will have the unique opportunity to contribute to our mission while gaining hands-on experience in the coordination and execution of artisanal production processes and logistics.This internship is designed for individuals passionate about sustainable development, artisan empowerment, and production management.

Responsibilities

Production Support

• Collaborate with the Production Manager to understand production schedules, priorities, and tasks.
• Assist in planning and organizing production activities, ensuring alignment with project timelines.
• Assist the Production Manager with gathering status updates and updating documents like the Production Hotlists and Packing Lists.

Quality Control + Finishing

• Learn and apply quality control measures to maintain the consistency and excellence of handmade products.
• Assist in daily inspections and identification of corrections needed in the production process.
• Learn and manage the quality and consistency of tagging handmade products.

UMUZABIBU MWIZA ORGANIZATION

Artisan Collaboration

• Work alongside department supervisors to understand the unique skills and abilities of each artisan.
• Provide support in training activities to enhance artisan skills and uphold product quality standards, including incorporating feedback or adjustments requested.
• Assist with monitoring and recording artisan performance metrics and standards for each department.

Resource + Logistics Management

• Assist in managing and optimizing resources, including raw materials, tools, and equipment.
• Learn inventory monitoring techniques and support coordination with suppliers for a steady supply of materials.
• Coordinate with PM and Logistics Manager (LM) to ensure a seamless order packing / delivery or shipment process.

Team Support

• Collaborate with the production team to ensure a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Provide assistance in motivating and supporting artisans and production staff.

Communication Support

• Assist in maintaining clear communication channels between different departments and with the PM.
• Contribute to addressing production-related issues promptly and supporting effective solutions.

Qualifications

• Personal, professed and demonstrated relationship with Jesus Christ, including strong characteristics of Christian leadership such as patience, gentleness, and humility.
• Passion for Umuzabibu Mwiza’s mission of empowering at-risk women through dignified employment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Eagerness to learn and contribute innovative ideas.
• Fluency in both written and spoken Kinyarwanda and English.

UMUZABIBU MWIZA ORGANIZATION

• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must possess at least an advanced diploma from a recognized university/institution in Rwanda and must have graduated within the last three (3) years (2020-2023)

Location + Duration

• Location: Musanze District (City)
• Duration: Six (6)-month internship position with the opportunity to turn into a full-time support position, dependent on evaluation of performance, organization’s needs, and available funding at the end of the internship contract period.
• Start Date: Immediately 

If you have a passion for living out your Christian faith by serving at-risk women in Rwanda, coupled with a strategic mindset for production management, we invite you to join the

Umuzabibu Mwiza family and contribute to the creation of exceptional handmade fiber products. 

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and at least two references to info@handspunhope.org The closing date for submission of applications is February 09, 2024, at 11:59 PM Central Africa Time (CAT).