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JOB DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL ASSOCIATE

Position based in West Africa

Company description

 

Ethical Apparel Africa is a sourcing company that provides international apparel brands with ethical, cost competitive and quality manufacturing solutions in West Africa. Our vision is to demonstrate that ethical manufacturing can and should be done at scale, not just associated with luxury or expensive products. Based in Ghana and Benin, EAA has a dynamic team bringing decades of experience from around the world in product development, quality assurance, account management, social impact, operations and finance.

EAA is working to unlock the tremendous potential of the West Africa apparel industry, supporting African-owned factories to grow exports to the US, UK, and Europe. EAA focuses on developing factories in a lean, sustainable, and ethical way that sets the standard for garment manufacturing in a West African context. We work closely with government and development agencies to develop an ecosystem for industrial growth -- including the launch of a Center of Excellence for local skill development and efforts to catalyze investment in an integrated cotton value chain. By 2023 we aim to create 2,500 worthwhile jobs in the apparel sector in West Africa. This is an exciting time to join EAA.

Position overview

 

We have a great opportunity for someone with passion and desire to make a difference in clothing manufacturing to join us as Technical Associate based in Accra. This is the perfect role for someone wishing to learn on the job and grow within the company. This person would report to the Technical Manager and work closely with the EAA teams. They will have the following responsibilities: 

 

  • Support the development and progress of partner factories against a comprehensive technical action plan, ensuring continuous improvement to reach international standards of excellence. This includes training factory management on each element and helping them understand the need for rigorous standard operating procedures.

  • Support the development of factories to understand Lean management principles and embed them into their operating models, in coordination with external Lean training initiatives in place.

  • Assist in creating and sustaining standard operating procedures (SOP’s), quality manuals and training materials for internal EAA team and factories adopting a sustainable and participatory approach

  • Work alongside the Technical Manager and the Factory Managers to identify skills gaps and training opportunities for both individuals and the factory as a whole (quality, industrial engineering etc)

  • Ensure all technical information for production is correct, clearly communicated, and well understood by factory management prior to production start-up.

  • Attend pre-production meetings and progressively provide hands-on support during bulk production to ensure quality requirements are met correctly the first time.

  • Understand how to set up balanced production lines and ensure effective in-line/end-line quality checks at the factories

  • Support the AQL’s on completed orders to release them for shipment according to EAA requirements.

  • Attend post production meetings with the EAA team and factories to identify successes and learnings.

  • Update the EAA system with all production reports, AQL reporting and post production reviews.

  • Work alongside other trainers in the factory to contribute to the development of a complimentary training programme that enhances skills and avoids duplication

  • Support the technical team on any other relevant projects

Qualifications & Attributes

 

  • Fluent in English 

  • Degree from a Technical Institute, University or College in Garment making or other relevant areas

  • At least 2 years experience working as a Technician, in a manufacturing environment ideally in a garment or textile factory 

  • Understanding of and passion to learn garment production following international standards

  • Rigor and exceptional communication and presentation skills across cultures and ability to deliver technical reports

  • Ease and efficiency using Microsoft Office especially Excel

  • Ability to think critically, find solutions, work hard, learn and progress

  • Ability to work independently on self-directed projects with an entrepreneurial attitude

  • Passion for working in an enterprise with a social mission 

  • Evidence of the following characteristics: proactive, self aware; resilient and adaptable; persistent and resourceful; able to work under pressure and respect deadlines, apt at both strengthening relationships and resolving problems, poised, active listener; fun to work with; full of integrity; ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment 

Benefits

 

  • Salary level dependent on candidate experience and profile

  • Health Insurance

  • SSNIT contributions

  • 25 days of annual leave in addition to sick leave and Ghana national holidays

  • Professional development initiatives

  • Opportunity to join a key department of an award-winning, dynamic, and mission driven organization that welcomes strategic input from all members

How to apply 

 

  • Starting Date 2021 Q1

  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

  • Please send a resume and a specific cover letter for the position to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com  with the reference in the subject line “TECH ASSOC 21”

  • Only completed applications with accurate reference will be considered and only the most qualified candidates shortlisted for interview

 

For more information: www.ethicalapparelafrica.com 

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