Overview

Opportunity Details (Overview):
Impanuro Girls Initiative (IGI) is a women-led Rwandan non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through education, capacity building, and socio-economic empowerment. IGI is seeking a qualified Leathercraft and Crafting Teacher to deliver a six-month practical training program at the IGI Ruhango Tekena Hub.

The role focuses on equipping young women with practical technical skills in leather footwear production, artisanal design, and entrepreneurship. The successful candidate will deliver an RTB-accredited curriculum, support trainee portfolios, and oversee a two-month Industrial Attachment Program.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced artisan or vocational trainer to make a direct impact on women's economic empowerment in Rwanda. The teacher will work closely with the Field Lead and Center Coordinator to foster trainee confidence, leadership, and business development skills.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This role offers a unique chance to contribute to Rwanda's vocational training sector and women's economic empowerment. By transferring specialized skills in leathercraft and footwear production, you will directly help young women establish small businesses, workshops, and freelance careers.

For professionals in TVET and artisan crafts, this position provides a platform to apply your technical expertise, shape the next generation of artisans, and grow within a respected, women-led NGO. Your work will support IGI's mission of socio-economic transformation, making this a highly rewarding career step for those passionate about community impact and skills development. Early applications are encouraged as selection is conducted on a rolling basis.

Application Tips

• Tailor your cover letter to highlight your specific expertise in leather footwear production and TVET teaching.

• Include a visual portfolio of your previous leathercraft, footwear, or student work to demonstrate your practical skills.

• Prepare your Police Clearance Certificate early, or have a signed commitment letter ready.

• Ensure your CV includes at least three professional references.

• Use the exact email subject line requested to avoid your application being missed.

• Apply early, as shortlisting and practical evaluations are conducted on a rolling basis.

• Clearly state your proficiency in Kinyarwanda, English, and/or French.

Responsibilities

• Footwear Production: Teach the complete shoe-production process, including layout, cutting PU/synthetic leather, operating specialized machinery, lasting, assembly, and finishing.

• Workshop Tools & Safety: Demonstrate the safe use of adhesives, hand tools, and heavy leather machinery. Train students on tool maintenance and safety practices.

• Creative Design: Guide students in sketching, color theory, jewelry-making, basketry (including Agaseke), and traditional African weaving patterns.

• Product Development: Train students in product finishing, packaging, branding, and preparing goods for retail markets.

• Assessment & Administration: Maintain training records, track competency profiles, organize exhibitions, prepare monthly reports, and conduct RTB-aligned assessments.

• Safeguarding: Maintain a safe, gender-responsive learning environment and support trainee confidence and leadership.

Requirements

• Education: Diploma or Certificate in Leather Technology, Footwear Production, Fine Arts, Industrial Art and Design, or a related composite TVET qualification.

• Certification: TVET teacher certification or formal pedagogical training.

• Experience: 2–3 years of verifiable experience in an active footwear manufacturing workshop, custom leather goods business, or commercial craft collective.

• Technical Skills: Strong practical knowledge of shoe-lasting methods, heavy leather machinery, leather cutting, hand tools, material nesting, and traditional African weaving techniques.

• Soft Skills: Ability to mentor young women, maintain records, and foster a supportive learning environment.

• Languages: Fluency in Kinyarwanda is required. Professional working proficiency in English and/or French is a strong advantage.

• Eligibility: A valid Police Clearance/Criminal Record Certificate is required before appointment. RTB-registered Trainer/Assessor status or a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) certificate is an added advantage.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application documents: Updated CV (with 3 references), signed cover letter, relevant degrees/diplomas/TVET certificates, and proof of professional experience (work certificates or recommendation letters).

2. Obtain a Police Clearance/Criminal Record Certificate, or prepare a signed commitment to provide it before appointment.

3. Address your application to the Acting Executive Director of Impanuro Girls Initiative (IGI).

4. Send your complete application exclusively by email to: recruitment@impanuro.org

5. Copy (CC) your application to: info@impanuro.org

6. Use the exact email subject line: "Application for Leathercrafting and Crafting Teacher – IGI"

7. Submit your application before the deadline: 20 September 2026 at 5:00 PM Kigali Time