Production Systems Engineering and Manufacturing Optimization Expert

sequa gGmbH is a globally operating non-profit development organisation. Since 1991 sequa has carried out programmes and projects of international cooperation in close collaboration with the German private sector. sequa offers know-how and long-term experience in capacity development for chambers and associations (BMOs), vocational education and training, private sector development and trade promotion. The organisation is based in Bonn, Germany. sequa employs more than 100 persons (2025) and reported a turnover of EUR 56 m in 2024.

We are offering a project-based assignment as 

Production Systems Engineering and Manufacturing Optimization Expert (m/f/d)

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Assignment Period: 08/26 – 11/26

Working time scope: 15 days

Project: Pilot SME assist Scheme targeting growth-oriented SMEs in Rwanda in the Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition"

Job Code: RW-1132 - Production Systems Engineering and Manufacturing Optimization Expert Kigali Tents

The Project

Within the Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition", implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, sequa implements the SME assist Scheme targeting growth-oriented SMEs in Rwanda. The project aims to facilitate business growth and decent job creation by increasing the competitiveness, productivity, and market readiness of Rwandan SMEs. The SME assist Scheme supports medium-sized enterprises, including Kigali Tents Tech Ltd., a manufacturing and service company specializing in locally made tents, tarpaulins, shades, parasols, rentals, repairs, and customized outdoor structures.

The scope of this assignment is to strengthen Kigali Tents Tech Ltd’s production capacity and manufacturing systems by diagnosing production bottlenecks, optimizing the workshop layout and workflow, developing SOPs, training the team on product improvements, and establishing production flow and quality-control tools.

Your Tasks / Responsibilities

• perform a comprehensive technical production diagnostic covering workflow, workshop layout, capacity, bottlenecks, material flow, quality-control practices, and machine utilization.
• create an optimized production layout and manufacturing workflow plan to increase output, reduce delays, enhance delivery reliability, and strengthen quality consistency for tents, tarpaulins, shades, parasols, and metal frames.
• create practical SOPs, quality-control checklists, production planning tools, and maintenance routines for production, welding/sealing, metal-frame preparation, installation, repair, rental, and finishing processes.
• Train production team on new technology and best practices used in Fabric Cutting, welding and Metal Fabrication. 
• Assess OSH and site-readiness requirements and train the production team on safe machine use, workflow discipline, quality control, maintenance responsibilities and performance monitoring.

Your Qualifications / Skills

• Education/training: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Production Management, Operations Management, Metal Fabrication, Textile/Tarpaulin Manufacturing, or a related technical degree. Training in lean manufacturing, quality management, OSH, or maintenance systems is an asset.
• Languages: Full proficiency in English is mandatory. Fluency in Kinyarwanda can be an advantage. 
• Other Skills: Strong knowledge of production systems, workshop layout, workflow optimization, equipment specification, SOP development, quality control, production planning, maintenance planning, and occupational safety; practical understanding of light manufacturing, PVC/tarpaulin welding, textile/tent production, or metal-frame fabrication is an advantage.

Your Working Experience

• General professional experience: Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, production systems, manufacturing optimization, operations management, or technical advisory assist to manufacturing SMEs.
• Specific professional experience: Demonstrated experience in production diagnostics, workshop layout improvement, workflow optimization, machinery specification/validation, SOPs, quality-control tools, installation readiness, and production-team training. Experience in tent/tarpaulin production, PVC welding, textile-based manufacturing, metal fabrication, or outdoor structures is a strong advantage.
• Regional experience: Experience working with or advising SMEs in emerging markets, preferably in Rwanda or East Africa. 

Please send us a cover letter, your CV in the EuropeAid format, relevant resumes, and your daily fee expectation in EUR/RWF. If you apply as a firm, please send your company profile and financial proposal.

In the case of comparable qualifications, disabled persons are given preference. 

Please send us your application no later thanJuly 22nd, 2026, to applications.rwanda@sequa.de with the Subject line "RW-1132 -Production Systems Engineering and Manufacturing Optimization ExpertKigali Tents".