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1 week ago
SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
WE ARE HIRING
LEATHER TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT
(4 POSTS)
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO), a parastatal organization established under section 3 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Act of 2024 to regulate, promote and develop the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Malawi, intends to recruit well qualified and highly motivated individuals at its Leather Processing Factory that is located at Chatha in Chileka, Blantyre. The Leather Processing Factory operates with modern state-of-the-art machinery that produces various footwear and other leather products. It is operating under the Institution’s Chatha Enterprise Development Centre.
Interested applicants must be prepared to work even at odd hours to ensure around-the-clock production at the factory. Successful candidates shall be offered performance-based renewable employment contracts and shall undergo intensive on-the-job training in leather processing, including the production of footwear and other leather products using highly automated machinery.
Job Summary
- Employer: SMEDCO
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Blantyre, Malawi
- Category: Manufacturing
- Closing Date: 2026-10-21
Key Responsibilities
- Cutting and stitching leather hides according to designs and specifications;
- Carrying out lasting, cementing and sole-pressing operations while observing safety measures on both chemicals and machines;
- Handling production materials within the factory to ensure smooth and efficient processes;
- Always observing and complying with all factory safety protocol measures;
Requirements
- Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE). Applicants with experience in shoe making, mechanical textile and industrial tailoring shall have added advantages;
- 20 – 35 years of age;
- Excellent hand-eye coordination skills;
- Excellent team player.
How to Apply
Phone: 265 1 774 522
Address: Private Bag 393, Lilongwe 3.
Address: Private Bag 393, Lilongwe 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Leather Technician Assistant at Smedco?
Most employers in Malawi require a minimum of MSCE or equivalent, with preference for candidates holding a certificate or diploma in Leather Technology from institutions like the Malawi Polytechnic or vocational colleges. Practical experience in tanning, finishing, or footwear production is highly valued even without formal qualifications.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Leather Technician Assistant?
You will assist senior technicians in preparing hides and skins, operating tanning machinery, monitoring chemical processes, and ensuring quality standards are met. The role also involves maintaining equipment, recording production data, and keeping the workspace clean and safe.
How is the work culture and what expectations do Malawian manufacturing employers have?
Punctuality and respect for hierarchy are essential in Malawian workplaces; you are expected to arrive on time and follow instructions from supervisors diligently. Teamwork is valued, and many factories operate six-day weeks with overtime common during peak production periods.
What career progression opportunities exist for a Leather Technician Assistant in Malawi?
With experience and additional training, you can advance to Leather Technician, Production Supervisor, or Quality Control Officer roles. Some technicians eventually move into management or start their own small leather goods businesses, especially with support from institutions like the Malawi Leather Development Council.
What benefits are typically offered for this type of manufacturing role in Malawi?
Benefits vary by employer but commonly include annual leave as prescribed by Malawi labour law, sick leave, and sometimes medical aid or funeral insurance. Larger established companies may offer pension schemes, while smaller firms might provide meals or transport allowances instead.
How should I apply and what do Malawian employers look for in candidates?
Submit a concise CV and cover letter to the address specified in the job advertisement, ensuring you highlight any hands-on experience with leather or related materials. Employers prioritize reliability, willingness to learn, and references from previous supervisors or vocational instructors.