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1 week ago
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: Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation
- 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
Apply online: www.smedco.mw
Phone: 265 1 774 522
Address: The Chief Executive Officer, SMEDCO, Private Bag 393, Lilongwe 3
Phone: 265 1 774 522
Address: The Chief Executive Officer, SMEDCO, Private Bag 393, Lilongwe 3
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Leather Technician Assistant at SMEDCO in Malawi?
A Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) or equivalent is typically required, with preference given to candidates holding a certificate or diploma in leather technology from institutions like the Malawi Polytechnic or vocational colleges. Practical experience in tanning, leather finishing, or footwear production is highly valued. Some employers may accept extensive hands-on experience in place of formal qualifications.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Leather Technician Assistant?
Daily tasks include assisting senior technicians in leather processing, operating tanning and finishing machinery, quality checking raw and finished hides, maintaining equipment, and recording production data. You may also help train informal sector artisans and support product development for local SMEs. Workplace safety compliance and proper chemical handling are essential responsibilities.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ in Malawian manufacturing roles like this?
Malawian manufacturing employers expect punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and strong teamwork given the collaborative nature of SME development work. Demonstrating initiative while remaining deferential to supervisors is important. Many roles require flexibility to travel to rural areas to support artisan clusters and willingness to work beyond standard hours 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 within SMEDCO or private tanneries. Some technicians transition into entrepreneurship by establishing their own leather goods businesses with SMEDCO support. Further specialization in footwear design, industrial leather engineering, or training coordination opens additional pathways.
What benefits are typically offered for this type of role in Malawi?
Public sector and parastatal employers like SMEDCO usually provide pension contributions through the National Pension Scheme Authority, annual leave entitlements, and medical assistance through the Medical Aid Society of Malawi or similar schemes. Private sector benefits vary considerably by employer size and profitability. Professional development opportunities and tool allowances are sometimes available in technical roles.
How should I apply for a Leather Technician Assistant position, and what do Malawian employers prioritize in candidates?
Monitor the Malawi Public Service Commission website, SMEDCO announcements, and national newspapers like The Nation for vacancies; applications typically require a detailed CV, certified copies of certificates, and references. Employers prioritize demonstrated practical skills, reliability, and genuine interest in Malawi's leather value chain development. Highlight any experience working with rural artisans, cooperatives, or informal sector groups to strengthen your application.