Background
The International Trade Centre (ITC) launched the SheTrades initiative to create an ecosystem of integrated solutions that empower women economically through greater integration in trade and investment.
The plan is to work with partners including governments, private sector, international organizations, and others to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs by acting on 7 pillars to catalyze trade. Through country-based activities, SheTrades enables women entrepreneurs to improve the quality of their products and services. One of the greatest challenges that remains is creating quality products that will attract international markets.
SheTrades in The Gambia
The SheTrades in The Gambia project is a three-year initiative which aims to enable Gambian women to benefit from economic participation, particularly in the agricultural and textiles and clothing value chains. The project supports advocacy and policy design, strengthening of business support organizations, enhancing the productive capacities of women-owned businesses in the horticulture and textile and apparel sectors, and connecting these businesses to market. The SheTrades Gambia Chapter is hosted at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE).
The project is implemented by International Trade Centre (ITC) under the leadership of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration & Employment and funded by ITC, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).
The Role of the Fashion Trainer
The fashion trainer will work under the direct guidance of the ITC SheTrades Gambia Project Manager as well as the Coordinator of the SheTrades Gambia Chapter at MOTIE and (s)he will undertake the following duties:
Deliver hands-on in-person one-on-one coaching to fashion designers and their tailoring teams on how to improve their product quality and consistency. This should include coaching to improve the consistency of sewing and stitching, enhancing finishing for different fabrics, as well as linings and seems.
Deliver hands-on training to fashion designers on pattern cutting, pattern grading, sizing, and garment construction. This should include training on pattern drafting for blocks, including sizing and measurement taking, draping, flat pattern making, grading rules & methods (ideally covering menswear, womenswear, and children’s wear), and garment specifications.
Monitoring and reporting
- Provide regular updates to the SheTrades Gambia Project Manager and Chapter Coordinator on all developments and implementation of the project components, including on opportunities, challenges, risks, and results achieved.
- Submit the final report with results of the training and the coaching two weeks after completion of the tasks.
Skills
- Excellent technical skills in tailoring, grading, and garment construction, in particular in the training areas listed above;
- Knowledge of womenswear, menswear and children’s wear is an asset. Applicants with experience in only one of the areas may be considered;
- Excellent attention to detail;
- Ability to keep to tight deadlines;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Computer literate in MS office applications (PowerPoint, Excel and Word).
Education
A technical diploma in Fashion & Textile Design would be an asset. Relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a diploma/degree.
Experience
At least 5 years of hands-on professional work experience in tailoring, textile, and garment production. Experience in capacity building and training in the sector is an asset.
Language
The consultant is required to have excellent communication skills in English. Knowledge of Mandinka and/or Wolof will be an added advantage
Application
Please submit a proposal consisting of a training/coaching schedule, budget, and CV(s) of the trainer(s) by email to Kutubo Jarju (kutubojarju99@gmail.com) and SheTradesGambia@intracen.org by 11.59 pm on 31 May 2020.