Product Development Intern

WomenCraft offers an opportunity to gain professional experience in the product development of our woven product range. The Product Development intern will assist WomenCraft in managing the product development process for new collections. By working together with our Artisan Design Team, s/he will oversee the product development process from concept to production. The Design Intern will also provide support in other functional areas within WomenCraft, thereby gaining exposure to the wider operation and the field of international development. This position will be supervised by the Operations Manager

Expected Projects and Skills Learned:

Understand and participate in WomenCraft's current product development process. Gain understanding of the production process from the time an order is given out to artisans until to the moment the finished product is shipped to the customer. Fully participate in all aspects of production.

Manage the product development process for the 2015 collections according to standard operating procedures. Starting with the concept, have samples created, refine the product, procure raw materials, estimate costing, create production tools, develop artisan production sheets, and roll out production. Document each step in the process.

Assist WomenCraft in design modifications. Work with WomenCraft staff and skilled artisans to sample modifications in color, size, and materials. Understand the cost implications of the different designs, as well as availability of raw materials and ease of production. Use this knowledge to suggest the most feasible, cost-effective design variations.

Provide training and guidance to WomenCraft's artisan groups and master weavers, looking for ways to strengthen their contributions to WomenCraft and improve their design skills.

Assist WomenCraft to better understand and utilize the raw materials available to us. This includes; material experimentation, sourcing the raw materials and ensuring that they are sustainable materials for WomenCraft to use.

Assist WomenCraft to better package and present its finished products. Work with staff and artisans to experiment with in-house fabric production.

Develop a WomenCraft mini-museum. Create a digital document through which WomenCraft is able to record its design progression and share with potential customers designs that have been previously sampled.

Qualifications:

• Experience and/or interest in product design and 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, handicrafts and/or international development.

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter and CV to resources@womencraft.org and specify "Product Development Intern" in the subject line. Only applications with specific cover letter for the position will be considered.

Please note that internship positions are unpaid and interns are expected to cover their travel expenses. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.