Afghanistan: Ceramics Consultant

May 12, 2015 | Turquoise Mountain Foundation
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In order to raise Afghan ceramics to export quality, and generate sustainable jobs in the Afghan ceramics sector, it is necessary to have an international ceramics expert who is able to tackle the technical challenges Afghanistan’s potters face, while also establishing professional procedures and project management systems in order to ensure long term adherence to international export quality standards. Turquoise Mountain aims to transform the Afghan craft industry into a significant driver of national economic growth. One of the principal ways Turquoise Mountain aims to achieve this goal is through the export of crafts to international markets. Ceramics is one of the key crafts Turquoise Mountain wishes to target.

Background:

Turquoise Mountain is a non-profit, non-governmental organization specializing in urban regeneration, business development, and education in traditional arts and architecture. We seek to provide jobs, skills, and a renewed sense of national pride to Afghan men and women. Since 2006 Turquoise Mountain has cleared 30,000 cubic meters of rubbish from the streets, restored 112 historic and community buildings, created a primary school and a clinic, and installed water, electricity and sanitation through the historic traditional craft neighbourhood of Murad Khani. It has created the internationally-accredited Institute for Afghan Arts & Architecture, training the next generation of craftsmen and women in woodwork, jewellery and gem cutting, calligraphy and miniature painting, and ceramics. Finally, it has sold over 3,000,000 USD in traditional crafts internationally to support the craft industry.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Project manages samples and production of ceramics for international clients. This includes order management, and quality control.
• Liaise with Turquoise Mountain’s Head of Business Development on issues of workshop setup, machinery, quality control, production management, assessing feasibility factors, and sampling and prototyping.
• Support a selected number of ceramics businesses. This will involve helping businesses understand and convey to them practically the following:
• how to setup a professional workshop
• the standard of work required by the international market and how to develop a check list for quality control
• how to manage time and resources in planning and executing work methodically and according to a set framework
• how to calculate expenses to remain competitive in the market
• international and regional pricing models in the ceramics industry; and how to develop a fair and realistic pricing model.
• Help identify the most promising talent, and those that will be best suited for further training schemes or business support.
• Offer guidance on ceramics design and product development.
• Focus on raising quality, with a particular emphasis on the improved production of Turquoise Ishkar glaze.
• Organize international quality assurance tests and certification for T.M. products.

Skills and Experience:

• English language proficiency.
• Extensive experience producing ceramics for international markets and working in and managing a professional ceramics workshop.
• Experience teaching ceramics in a foreign environment.
• Adaptability to a complex and shifting environment, with preference given to experience within a developing country.
• Understanding and familiarity with ceramics traditions similar to Afghanistan’s.
• Cultural and political sensitivity, with preference given to experience within an Islamic culture.

HOW TO APPLY:

The successful candidate will be offered an initial 4-6 week contract, with the possibility of extending.

Please send CV and covering letter to: vacancy@turquoisemountain.org
Further information about the work of Turquoise Mountain is available at www.turquoisemountain.org