Background about the Initiative

 

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, focusing in particular on developing the export capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses in developing and transition economies. In close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, ITC is implementing a number of private sector development initiatives including the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) and SheTrades Gambia. The Youth Empowerment Project (www.yep.gm) is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre as part of the Tekki Fii Programme (www.tekkifii.gm), a flagship initiative of the Government of The Gambia with the aim of increasing job opportunities and income prospects for young Gambians. YEP takes a market-driven approach and enhances employability and self-employment opportunities with a focus on vocational training and the creation of micro and small-sized enterprises.


ITC through YEP and SheTrades supports stakeholders in the textiles and garment sector including training institutions, fashion designers and garment and textiles producers. The objective is to develop skills along the value chain and improve productive capacity and competitiveness of small businesses. The initiative will help Gambia capture potential local, regional and international markets and generate employment and income in particular for women and youth.


As part of the sector strategy, YEP has teamed up with the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) to support the establishment of a Center of Excellence with dual objectives of providing training as well as production and commercialization of textile and hand-woven products. The Bakoteh Center will promote sector wide collaboration and is expected to undertake garment manufacturing related functions including the sourcing of required raw materials (fabric, trims, threads etc.), development of new products, packaging and shipping to customers. Furthermore, the Centre is expected to engage in sales and marketing activities on an ongoing basis to attract customers, to produce customer/market relevant designs, to improve products quality and develop market linkages. After an initial period of two years – where the initiative will be supported by project funds the Centre is expected to sustain its operations.


The Center has a strong community focus and builds on the existing work and structures of the Bakoteh Community Center. The Center will have a management team led by The Center Manager and is governed by the Joint Management Board which will provide oversight and strategic guidance.


 

Description of responsibilities 


The Center Manager will work under the supervision of the ITC Technical Adviser for Tourism and Creative Industries until the Joint Management Board is established. He / she will perform the following tasks.


Overall coordination, planning and management

 

  • Support the Joint Management Board, facilitate meetings, briefings and information sessions and act as Secretary for Board Meetings
  • Together with the project’s principal stakeholders develop the strategic plan and business model for the Center as a non-for-profit hub for production and training, facilitate the registration of the Center under the Gambian Companies’ Act
  • Develop business plans including budgets and financial forecasts for income and expenditure
  • In keeping with the Center’s governance structure and delegated authority, manage the Center’s budget and expenditure
  • Help develop industry and knowledge partnerships with entities in and outside The Gambia to support the overall competitiveness in the sector
  • Develop and implement the Standard Operating Procedures (including HR and procurement manuals) for the Center to be adopted by the Joint Management Board
  • Identify the Center’s staffing needs and support the recruitment of personnel
  • Manage the performance of the Centre’s staff, organize regular meetings and teambuilding activities
  • Provide reports on technical, operational and financial performance of the Center in keeping with the established governance mechanism

 

Production, marketing and sales

  • Manage production, plans, processes and timelines for the optimal utilization of the facility and its assets and equipment
  • Ensure efficient functioning of the facilitate and the equipment, identify challenges and recommend solutions
  • Ensure proper recording of materials and products in stock; monitor production status of all orders; track shipments from center to distribution points/clients
  • Manage procurement of materials, fabrics and other necessary production inputs
  • Manage the quality assurance process and ensure timely delivery of products compliant with customer orders
  • Coordinate the production with other hubs and networks including weaving centers upriver
  • Identify relevant customers, partners and clients for the production at the Center
  • In collaboration with design and technical teams, coordinate the development of product samples
  • Identify potential marketing platforms and outlets and ensure representation/participation
  • Organize marketing campaigns events and activities with designers, retailers and suppliers

Training and capacity-building

  • Identify industry-wide training needs in garment construction, weaving and craft making and develop related capacity-building solutions
  • Engage relevant trainers and service providers
  • Oversee the training activities and provide guidance in the implementation
  • Provide training reports

 

 

Travel

 

Travel in The Gambia

 

Skills:

  • Good knowledge of the Gambian garment and fashion markets with sound relationships with different industry stakeholders
  • Good understanding of international market trends related to the garment and fashion sector
  • Excellent knowledge of production systems and processes, quality assurance
  • Self-motivated and entrepreneurial with good problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated track record of building up new initiatives, ability to lead and motivate a team
  • Ability to work autonomously with limited supervision
  • Strong drafting and communication skills ability to present and explain technical issues for a variety of audiences, ability to prepare clear reports


Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business management, administration, fashion, creative industries or design.


Note: A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree





Required Experience: 

  • At least 8 years of experience in industry or private sector development including hands-on experience in the fashion, textile or crafts sector
  • Knowledge of production systems and processes in an industrial or semi-industrial set-up, preferably with experience in garment construction
  • Experience in skills training and capacity building
  • Experience working with rural communities;

 

 

Language

Fluent in English with knowledge of Wolof and/or other Gambian local language. French and other languages is an asset

 

 

Application 

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter supported by relevant education certificates to yep@intracen.org.


Application deadline is April 6th  2021, 12:00 midnight. No late submission will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted