Intern Position – Kenya Operations

Position Overview:
SAWA SAWA is seeking a highly organized and motivated Intern to assist with operations in Kenya. This role is ideal for someone passionate about sustainable fashion, artisan empowerment, and community impact. The intern will play a critical role in supporting the operational, logistical, and administrative needs of the organization while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit and social enterprise management.

Responsibilities:

1. Operations & Logistics:

   • Pick up products from artisans and ensure timely delivery to the office.
   • Count and inspect products for quality assurance; update inventory spreadsheets regularly.
   • Assist with packaging and shipping products locally and internationally.
   • Coordinate with leather workshops, artisans, and partners for production schedules and supply needs.

2. Administrative Tasks:

   • Perform light accounting duties, including data entry and tracking expenses in Google Sheets.
   • Research and identify potential grant opportunities; assist with grant applications and reporting.
   • Maintain accurate records for programs, partners, and artisans in Google Workspace.

3. Artisan Coordination:

   • Update artisan profiles, including production capabilities and personal information.
   • Train artisans on production standards, new designs, and SAWA SAWA’s processes.
   • Assist in creating updated product designs and delegating production tasks to artisans.

4. Supply Management:

   • Shop for and deliver supplies to artisans (e.g., leather, sisal, tools, packaging materials).
   • Track inventory of supplies and ensure artisans have the materials needed for production.

5. Data Collection & Reporting:

   • Gather and analyze data related to product costs, artisan wages, and production timelines.
   • Prepare reports on production, finances, and grant-related activities.
   • Collect and maintain up-to-date contact information for artisans, partners, and suppliers.

6. Programs & Projects:

   • Assist in planning and implementing artisan training programs and new initiatives.
   • Support founders in executing local projects, programs, and events.
   • Provide feedback and suggestions to improve processes and programs.

7. Social Media & Content Creation:

   • Take photos and videos of artisans and products for social media content.
   • Collaborate with the marketing team to create impactful posts and stories showcasing the artisans, products, and SAWA SAWA’s mission.
   • Document behind-the-scenes operations for storytelling purposes.

8. Partner Coordination:

   • Act as a point of contact for local and international partners, ensuring smooth collaboration.
   • Assist in building and maintaining relationships with artisan groups, leather workshops, and supply vendors.

9. Communication:

   • Utilize Google Workspace tools (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail) to communicate effectively and keep all data organized and accessible.
   • Provide regular updates to the founders and other team members on operations and project progress.

Qualifications:

• Education: Current university student or recent graduate in Business, Finance, Project Management, Community Development, or a related field.
• Skills:
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
  • Proficiency in Google Workspace (Google Sheets, Docs, Drive, etc.).
  • Basic accounting or data entry experience.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Social media management and content creation experience is a plus.
  • Knowledge of local Kenyan artisan crafts and supply chains is highly desirable.
• Personality:
  • Self-starter who takes initiative.
  • Team player with a collaborative mindset.
  • Passionate about sustainability, artisan empowerment, and community development.

Expectations:

• Location: Based in Kenya with travel to artisan villages as needed.
• Hours: Flexible, part-time or full-time depending on availability.
• Compensation: Stipend to cover transportation and communication costs, with additional opportunities for growth within SAWA SAWA.

This position is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to gain real-world experience in a fast-growing nonprofit social enterprise. The intern will play a pivotal role in driving SAWA SAWA’s mission forward while gaining valuable skills in operations, logistics, and community development.