Project background

The Tanzania Local Enterprise Development (T-LED) project supports local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to overcome existing barriers, with particular attention paid to the additional challenges faced by female-headed SMEs, in accessing growth markets in the associated value-chains of the agribusiness and extractive sectors, while enhancing the quality and coordination of market-driven business development services.

The project brings together the private sector, civil society and government to encourage a more equitable and market-driven distribution of resources. The project seeks not only to reduce economic leakage and keep more of the value chain and income generation within Tanzania, but also to specifically ensure that more women and men may benefit from these growth markets. T-LED is managed by VSO and Cuso International with support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The overall goal of the T-LED project is enhanced equitable and sustainable economic growth and prosperity for women and men in the Mtwara, Lindi, Mwanza (ext. to Shinyanga and Kahama) and Iringa regions of Tanzania.

Job Purpose

The ideal candidate for this post will be supporting selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in developing and/or improving a brand that will stand out in the market. Also developing concepts, graphics, and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, product packaging and websites. By working in this role, you can contribute to enhance the training and facilitation skills of highly motivated Tanzanians. When they are more empowered, they can deliver more and better training so that the SMEs can grow!

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will be:

• Work one-on-one with SMEs to determine their needs of creative services and document in a design brief
• Responsible for providing full branding, packaging and labelling design services to SMEs. This may include but is not limited to the design of logo, business cards, labels, flyers, brochures, banners, website, blog, social media postings, and banners, etc.
• Assist SMEs with establishing contacts with printing and packaging suppliers and recommend proper packaging according to their needs
• Liaise with external parties such as printing and packaging companies to ensure the quality and timely delivery of final printed materials and packaging.
• Coordinate all creative work with Business and Marketing advisor and/or National volunteers who are assisting the respective SMEs so to make sure the work is in line with the SME business and marketing strategy and new products development plans.
• Liaising with SME’s to determine their requirements and document the design brief
• Regular contact with the SME, briefing and advising them with regard to design style, format, print production, and timescales
• Determining size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and font style and size
• Preparing rough drafts of material based on an agreed brief
• Reviewing final layouts and suggesting improvements if required
• Liaising with external printers on a regular basis to ensure deadlines are met and material is printed to the highest quality

Reporting to Creative Services Coordinator and Head of Project

Key Performance Indicator

These KPI’s can be subject to change if deemed necessary by the project manager or employee.

Competencies

• Building and Sustaining working relationships

The social skills to build and actively maintain working relationships that foster teamwork and collaboration with others for the benefit of a common goal.

• Open Minded and Respectful

A non-judgemental approach that values other people and culture.

• Seeking and Sharing Knowledge

Recognition that learning is a two-way and continuous process.

• Facilitating Positive Change

The ability to analyse problems and develop lasting solutions in line with VSO approaches.

• Adaptability

A flexible approach and the ability to adapt behaviour to different situations.

• Resilience

The self-confidence to work with a variety of situations, diverse people and ambiguity.

Skills and Knowledge

Qualifications (essential):

• Degree or completed courses in Graphic Design, Multimedia, or adequate experience in branding, print media and product design.
• Self-Starter that can work independently
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent DTP skills, especially with design and photo-editing software
• Exceptional creativity and innovation
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• An understanding of the latest trends and their role within a commercial environment
• Professional approach to time, costs, and deadlines 
• Experience in the design and prototyping of packaging material in the food industry

Desirable

• Knowledge of both English and Swahili
• Knowledge of marketing basics
• Photography skills
• Skills and knowledge of using Graphic design software and website development tools
• All selected candidates will be asked to present a portfolio of their work