Artisan Business Development Specialist - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Vanuatu • Pacific Islands - 12 months

About The Project

The Vanuatu Department of Industry seeks support to strengthen the handicraft sector—a vital part of the nation’s cultural identity and rural economy. Since integrating the Creative Industry Sector in 2021, the department has worked to formalize and sustain handicraft production across Vanuatu. However, rapid growth in stakeholder interest and demand has outpaced available resources, creating challenges in maintaining quality standards, addressing logistical barriers, and improving market access. Partnering with the Department will help bridge these gaps and empower communities, especially women. This can be a part of strengthening Vanuatu’s creative industries, drive rural economic growth, and unlock the country’s potential to compete in niche markets with premium products.

Activities

• Conduct an assessment of the handicraft sector to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Facilitate training sessions on quality standards and formal business practices.
• Support artisans in developing innovative designs for domestic and international markets.
• Aid in creating and implementing marketing strategies for handicraft hubs.
• Promote handicraft products through social media and other digital platforms.
• Develop a system for collecting and analyzing data on handicraft production and sales.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen the handicraft value chain.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, including social science, education, business, management and organizational development.
• Three or more years of technical expertise in organizational capacity development and training, strategic planning, or results-based project management and reporting.