Position Title: RWANDA PRODUCTION MANAGER

About Us: 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 By forging a strategy that validates and scales its mission, Indego Africa re-defines an outdated handicraft model of economic development and maps out a replicable blueprint for unleashing the power of women entrepreneurs in Africa.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:

• Young 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 Kiswahilih 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.
• Travel to and from Rwanda, and housing expenses, will not be covered by Indego Africa. Local team will help find housing and give advice on transportation and communication.

To Apply: Please e-mail resume and cover letter to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 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.

*Note: All summer 2012 Rwanda internships are currently filled.

Position Description: Indego Africa offers an opportunity for a resourceful young professional or grad student to gain experience with implementing: (a) basic skills training programs for Rwandan women, (b) quality control strategies for socially-conscious, high-end contemporary accessories and home décor products, (c) initiatives to record and promote the experiences of partners in Rwandan, and (d) other programs intended to improve the lives of partners in Rwanda.  The Rwanda Program Intern will improve his or her skills in international development work and income generation theory and models, while learning about the fields of social entrepreneurship and fair trade wholesaling/retailing.  The Rwanda Program Intern will be supervised by an In-Country Coordinator and will work with local Rwandan staff.

Skills and Education Preferred:

• Young professional or grad student focusing on international development, international affairs, gender studies, Africa studies, social entrepreneurship, general business, or other related course of study.
• Background knowledge or coursework with respect to nonprofits, Africa, fair trade or international development programming (preferred).
• Excellent computer skills including usage of the Microsoft Office suite (required) and other relevant publishing and productivity tools (preferred).
• Flexibility, resourcefulness, patience and diligence – including an ability and willingness to adapt to the lifestyle and work environment of Rwanda – are essential.

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

• Skills Training Program Implementation: Work with Indego Africa interns from partner organization Generation Rwanda – which provides university scholarships to high-achieving Rwandan orphans – to design, refine and implement training program curriculum for partners in Rwanda.
• Quality Control Assistance: Help Rwandan co-ops improve quality control standards and processes for handicrafts prior to shipment.
• Story Documentation: Interview and photograph women in partner co-ops in order to document and promote their stories on the Indego Africa website and for handicraft customers.
• Partnership Development: Develop relationships and partnerships with other NGOs and resources locally, while assisting the rest of the Indego Africa team in Rwanda.

Please note: Internship will be conducted in Kigali, Rwanda.  Unfortunately no housing, transportation or communication expenses will be reimbursed.  Local team can help the intern find housing and give advice on transportation and communication.  The intern will be provided with emergency medical evacuation insurance by Indego Africa

To apply for an internship position with Indego Africa, please send an email to intern (at) indegoafrica.org.  Include (a) name of specific internship in subject line, (b) resume, and (c) short cover letter.  Your name, the date, and the position must be in the title of your attached documents.  No phone calls please.

*Note: All summer 2012 Rwanda internships are currently filled.

Position Description: Indego Africa offers an opportunity for a resourceful professional to gain experience assisting the Rwanda Retail Director in 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 and Design Intern will be supervised by the Retail Director in Rwanda and the CEO and COO in the U.S.

Skills and Education Preferred:

• Young professional focusing on 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.
• Excellent computer skills including usage of the Microsoft Office suite (required) 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.

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

• Handicraft Program and Product Design Assistance: Work with the Rwanda Retail Director to  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.
• Quality Control Assistance: Help Rwandan co-ops improve quality control standards and processes for handicrafts prior to shipment.
• Liaison Between U.S. and Rwanda: Regularly communicate with the 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.
• Purchasing of Goods: In limited circumstances, assist Indego local personnel in purchasing, and providing receipts for, certain equipment, materials, or other items as directed by Indego.
• Reporting: Deliver periodic reports regarding the effectiveness, expenses and performance of Indego local personnel, trainers, co-ops, and other Indego programs.

To apply for an internship position with Indego Africa, please send an email to intern (at) indegoafrica.org.  Include (a) name of specific internship in subject line, (b) resume, and (c) short cover letter.  Your name, the date, and the position must be in the title of your attached documents.  No phone calls please.

Position Description: Indego Africa offers an opportunity for a student or young professional to gain experience executing development strategies, researching donor and foundation prospects, pursuing corporate funding opportunities and developing grant proposals for a high-potential nonprofit social enterprise.  The Fundraising & Development Intern will improve his or her skills in fundraising plan development and donor interaction, while learning about the field of social entrepreneurship and the general inner workings of an international NGO.  The Fundraising & Development Intern will be supervised by the President and Senior VP and will work with Indego Africa’s Regional Boards across the U.S.

Skills and Education Preferred:

• Young professional or grad student focusing on business, marketing, fundraising, development or equivalent.
• Background knowledge or coursework with respect to nonprofits, Africa or international development (preferred).
• Candidate should have excellent research, communication, interpersonal, business writing and organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills including usage of the Microsoft Office suite (required) and relevant on-line fundraising and development tools (preferred).  Indego Africa currently uses GuideStar (foundation research) and GrantStation (prospect research).  Proficiency in, or ability and willingness to learn, these programs is strongly preferred.

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

• Donor Prospects:  Expand and improve the organization’s foundation, individual donor and corporate donor prospect database through various research methods and programs.
• Donor Relations:  Approach and solidify relationships with potential donors.  Represent the organization and arrange meetings and meeting materials.  Maintain existing list of major donors on the website and send thank-you letters (and other correspondence) to maintain donor relations.
• Organizational Buzz: Research opportunities for Indego Africa to participate / speak at conferences or events related to Social Entrepreneurship, Africa, Fair Trade, Law, etc.
• Grant Proposals:  Draft, refine and send grant proposals to targeted donor prospects identified by the intern and approved by the supervisor.

To apply for an internship position with Indego Africa, please send an email to intern (at) indegoafrica.org.  Include (a) name of specific internship in subject line, (b) resume, and (c) short cover letter.  Your name, the date, and the position must be in the title of your attached documents.  No phone calls please.

Position Description: Indego Africa offers an opportunity for a computer science/programming student or young professional to gain experience with (a) expanding content and improving usability on a growing website, (b) integrating new sales outlets into a new e-commerce platform, and (c) refining a ground-breaking computer training curriculum in Rwanda.  The IT & Website Management Intern will improve his or her skills in website database/back-end management, SEO strategies and IT planning, while learning about the field of social entrepreneurship and the general inner workings of an international NGO.  The IT and Website Management Intern will be supervised by the President and Senior VP.

Skills and Education Preferred:

• Young professional, grad student, university grad or current student (Junior level or above) focusing on computer programming, computer science, web design, or equivalent.
• Background knowledge or coursework with respect to nonprofits, Africa, international development or retail management (preferred).
• Excellent computer skills including usage of the Microsoft Office suite (required), HTML and CSS programming skills (required), Joomla CMS (preferred) and other relevant on-line publishing and productivity tools.  Indego Africa currently uses Joomla (website content management system), Google AdWords/Analytics (SEO/web traffic/on-line advertising), Zoho (database management), and Vertical Response (e-mail marketing).  Proficiency in, or ability and willingness to learn, these programs and tools is strongly preferred.  Experience with e-commerce programs and website back-end management is also a major plus.

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

• Website & On-line Tool Management – Managing and maintaining Indego Africa’s website and on-line tools, including uploading/improving content, fixing glitches, and HTML and CSS programming.
• SEO – Proposing and executing strategies for SEO/traffic generation across all aspects of Indego Africa’s on-line presence, including monitoring the Google Analytics and Google AdWords account.
• E-Commerce Integration – Managing and maintaining technical aspects of WebStore (using both Amazon and Shopify).
• Rwanda IT Curriculum – Reviewing the Computer Usage training program conducted at Indego Africa’s partner coops in Rwanda; providing comments, suggestions.

To apply for an internship position with Indego Africa, please send an email to intern (at) indegoafrica.org.  Include (a) name of specific internship in subject line, (b) resume, and (c) short cover letter.  Your name, the date, and the position must be in the title of your attached documents.  No phone calls please.

Position Description: Indego Africa offers an opportunity for a graphic design student or young professional to gain experience with designing sales pitch and promotional materials (e.g. lookbooks, brochures and product catalogs), improving web graphics, and expanding the content and multimedia of the existing website.  The Graphic Design Intern will improve his or her skills in graphic design for marketing and sales purposes while learning about the field of social entrepreneurship and the general inner workings of an international NGO.  The intern will be supervised by the President and Senior VP.

Skills and Education Preferred:

• Young professional or grad student focusing on graphic design, web design, fashion communications, visual communications, art, or equivalent.
• Background knowledge or coursework with respect to graphic design, sales and marketing, non-profits, Africa, international development or retailing (preferred).
• Excellent computer skills including the Microsoft Office suite and relevant graphics programs (including Adobe InDesign, Paint.NET, Joomla, and VistaPrint).  Proficiency in, or ability and willingness to learn, these programs or applications is preferred.

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

• Promotional Material Design: Assist in re-design of Indego Africa’s current promotional materials – including lookbooks, brochures, point-of-sale materials, and invitations for printing with VistaPrint.
• Web Graphics Design: Improve the look and functionality of web graphics, including designing better navigation buttons and more engaging multimedia.
• Web Content: Propose and execute strategies for better presentation and expansion of website content, with a focus on interactivity and social media.

To apply for an internship position with Indego Africa, please send an email to intern (at) indegoafrica.org.  Include (a) name of specific internship in subject line, (b) resume, and (c) short cover letter.  Your name, the date, and the position must be in the title of your attached documents.  No phone calls please.

Position Description: Indego Africa offers an opportunity for a student or young professional to gain experience with developing and implementing marketing strategies for socially-conscious, high-end handicrafts.  The Sales & Marketing Intern will improve his or her skills in brand and product development and sales techniques, while learning about the fields of social entrepreneurship, fair trade wholesaling/retailing and product development.  The Sales & Marketing Intern will be supervised by the President and Senior Vice President.

Skills and Education Preferred:

• Grad student or young professional focusing on marketing, sales, general business, or other related course of study.
• Background knowledge or coursework with respect to product development, retail management, nonprofits, Africa, international development (preferred).
• Excellent computer skills including usage of the Microsoft Office suite (required) and other relevant publishing and productivity tools (preferred).  Indego Africa currently uses Joomla for its back-end website content management and Amazon and Shopify for its e-commerce platform and inventory management.  Proficiency in, or ability and willingness to learn, these programs is strongly preferred.

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

• Market Research & Product Development: Analyze market data and advise on design and production of new products.
• Retail Partners Expansion: Research and approach high-end retailers about carrying Indego Africa products, including conducting web searches, preparing a marketing pitch, corresponding with retailers and assisting in the filling of wholesale orders.
• Market Products to Large Events and Conferences: Pitch Indego Africa products to conferences, corporate functions and other large events – including pricing research, website presentation and correspondence.

To apply for an internship position with Indego Africa, please send an email to intern (at) indegoafrica.org.  Include (a) name of specific internship in subject line, (b) resume, and (c) short cover letter.  Your name, the date, and the position must be in the title of your attached documents.  No phone calls please.

Position Description: Indego Africa offers an opportunity for a hard-working, energetic and well-written student or young professional to gain experience with (a) pitching creative story ideas to various media outlets, (b) exploring and creating new avenues for publicizing Indego Africa, (c) developing and executing social media and online marketing strategies to further Indego Africa’s sales and fundraising goals, (d) acting as a liaison with our public relations company, Bliss PR, and (e) assisting with a variety of exciting Indego Africa events.  The Communications Intern will improve his or her skills in persuasive writing, media strategy, social media, marketing, and events, while learning about the field of social entrepreneurship and the general inner workings of an international NGO.  The Communications Intern will be supervised by the President and Senior Vice President.

Skills and Education Preferred:

• Young professional or grad student focusing on writing, communication, marketing, development, general business or other related course of study.
• Deep knowledge of social media tools and technologies, including Facebook, Twitter and Blogger.
• Strong understanding of Web design, applications, navigation, Web 2.0, and marketing (traditional, new media, guerilla and “word of mouth”).
• Background knowledge or coursework with respect to non-profits, Africa, international development or retail management (preferred).
• Excellent computer skills including usage of the Microsoft Office suite (required) and other relevant publishing and productivity tools (preferred).

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

• Pitch Story Ideas: Research, develop and pitch leads at various media outlets, from magazines and television to blogs and on-line journals – including preparing press kits, drafting press releases, assisting with printing tasks and corresponding with media outlets.
• Manage Press Room and Media Features: Develop and expand Indego Africa's online press room and Media Features archive – including writing about recent organizational news, uploading all content related to Indego Africa, and selecting appropriate multimedia.
• Liaison with Public Relations Firm: Act as liaison with Bliss PR, Indego Africa’s pro bono PR firm for purposes of media pitches, event promotion and marketing strategies.
• Event Promotion: Work with Indego Africa Regional Boards to plan, execute and promote innovative events across the country.
• Facilitate International Communication: Work with Indego Africa staff in the USA and in Rwanda to establish clear communications practices within the organization.
• Enhance Current Social Media: Optimize Indego Africa’s current social media programs (Blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, etc.) to increase visibility, membership and traffic.
• Develop New Social Media & Online Marketing Strategies: Research, develop and execute new and alternative ways to leverage social media activities to the benefit of Indego Africa.

To apply for an internship position with Indego Africa, please send an email to intern (at) indegoafrica.org.  Include (a) name of specific internship in subject line, (b) resume, and (c) short cover letter.  Your name, the date, and the position must be in the title of your attached documents.  No phone calls please.

Position Description: Indego Africa offers an opportunity for a law student or young legal professional to gain experience in the emerging field of social enterprise law.  The Legal Intern will improve his or her skills in legal research and analysis, while learning about the fields of social entrepreneurship, fair trade and nonprofit management.  The Legal Intern will be supervised by the President and Senior Vice-President & General Counsel (both of whom are lawyers), and will work with Indego Africa’s Regional Boards across the U.S. and team in Rwanda.  The intern will communicate with attorneys from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP worldwide on variety of questions and projects.

Skills and Education Preferred:

• Current law student enrolled in a course of study that focuses on social enterprise, nonprofit management, international law, or international development.
• Background knowledge or coursework with respect to nonprofits, Africa, international development (preferred).
• Excellent computer skills including usage of the Microsoft Office suite (required) and other relevant tools (preferred).  Strong proficiency in, or ability and willingness to learn, proper legal research skills and legal analysis is strongly preferred.

Selection of Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

• Copyright Registration and other IP-related Projects – Analyze, execute and institutionalize copyright registration of Indego Africa handicrafts, multimedia, and web design to ensure full protection of intellectual property rights.
• International Expansion – Spearhead Indego Africa expansion into the U.K. and Canadian markets, with the objectives of (1) engaging in large-scale, cross-border retail relationships, and (2) establishing in-country Indego Africa entities authorized to receive tax-deductible contributions.
• Charitable Solicitation Registration – Spearhead compliance with and execution of U.S. licensing requirements (charitable solicitation and business).
• Compliance – Review and ensure compliance with both state and federal regulations, including but not limited to tax-related issues.
• Tax – Research and resolve tax implications of various Indego Africa operations, with a particular focus on IRS regulations specific to 501(c)(3) non-profits and charitable giving.
• Contracts – Review and advise on a number of operational contracts.
• Governance – Attend and draft Agendas, Minutes, and Resolutions for semi-annual Board of Directors meetings.

To apply for an internship position with Indego Africa, please send an email to intern (at) indegoafrica.org.  Include (a) name of specific internship in subject line, (b) resume, and (c) short cover letter.  Your name, the date, and the position must be in the title of your attached documents.  No phone calls please.