About AFRIpads

AFRIpads is a pioneer and leader in the menstrual health movement in Africa.  We are the leading manufacturer and supplier of reusable sanitary pads, with over 3.5 million products distributed worldwide and over 10 years of experience.  We are founded on the belief that if we can overcome menstrual barriers, we are one step closer to gender equality.  AFRIpads is committed to advancing development through Africa-based manufacturing and our inclusive social business model.  All of our products are manufactured in our state-of-the-art production facility in rural Southwestern Uganda where we employ over 150 local staff (90% female).  To learn more about our integrated menstrual health and hygiene solutions and how we drive change through our products, education and evidence, please visit: www.afripads.com

Position Description

If you are interested in Product Design/ Apparel Design / Textiles Design or Engineering then this role is for you!  We are looking for a talented and passionate Product Developer to join our Research & Development team in Kampala, Uganda.  Our R&D Department is responsible for all aspects of product at AFRIpads, from monitoring and improving our existing products, to investigating and launching new high-impact menstrual health products.  Your role will be pivotal in the creation, development, testing, and implementation of products.  This role is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of user centered design and social impact, leveraging your skills to improve the lives and dignity of women and girls around the world. You will report directly to the R&D Manager, and will collaborate closely with other departments and team members about product needs, coordinating with our Consumer Researcher to gain insights about product experiences, and working with our Head of Production to deliver technical design packages.

The Product Developer role includes a wide scope of responsibility, so we are seeking candidates who have experience OR a degree in one of the following areas:

Product Design/ Apparel Design/ Textiles Design/ Textile Engineering / Lab Testing / Experience working in a sample room

This position is a unique opportunity to grow your skills and gain experience across the R&D spectrum, from product design and development, to being directly involved in the development process and testing of high quality, Ugandan-manufactured products. The role provides opportunity to travel around Uganda, including regular travel to the AFRIpads factory in Masaka and other areas of the country.

Qualifications

• Degree in Design, Engineering, Textiles, or a related technical degree (required)

• Minimum 2+ years’ experience* working in a manufacture, textiles, clothing, lab testing, sample room, or product design role.  *Applicants who lack the minimum work experience will be considered for an internship at AFRIpads, with the potential of developing into a future position.

Core Skills and Requirements:

• Experience working with prototypes and working to measurements
• Superb attention to detail
• Creative and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills (English)
• Interest for product design
• Good capability in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Experience working in an office environment

Beneficial Skills and Requirements (desired):

• Understanding of the product design process
• Ability to use a sewing machine
• Experience with any type of lab testing
• Strong organizational skills
• Entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative nature

Key Responsibilities

(Responsibilities of the role may be adjusted based on final candidate’s experience and capabilities)

Product Design Responsibilities:

• Explore and investigate product improvements
• Explore design ideas for new product concepts
  
• Concept generation of new product ideas based on consumer research or company strategy
  
• Prototype new product concepts in coordination with Design Manager and Head of Production
  
• Refine design ideas through information from user feedback, user centered design, and other product tests
  
• Explore new fabrics
  
• Work with suppliers in China to explore variations of textiles
  

Technical Responsibilities:

• Create tech-packs for new products
• Oversee in-house technical product testing
  
• Product usage investigations
  
• Advise and write technical requirements for any external product testing required
  
• Review inspection and lab reports of raw materials
  
• Provide guidance on external testing standards, requirements and test methods
  
• Monitor and support product quality assessments

Compensation

• The compensation package is commensurate with experience.
• A 1-year contract upon signing, with opportunity for performance-based extension.