Cluster designer ( Program Officer - Design )

Position Summary - Program Officer The Program Officer - Design is responsible for developing innovative craft-based product designs that align traditional techniques with contemporary market trends. The role includes training artisans, collaborating with stakeholders, managing design projects, Collateral, Documentation and ensuring market readiness of craft products.

Role Details

1 Role Program Officer - Design

2 Location Venkatagiri, Tirupati (Dt), Andhra Pradesh

3 Association Consultant Contract

Stake holders

Relationship (Within Organization) : Cluster Team, State Program Lead, Program Design team, Finance & Admin team.

Relationship (Outside Organization) : Artisans, Subject matter experts, Government Departments, Business houses, Development sector partners.

Brief Job Description & Job Specifications

1.Design & Product Development: Develop innovative product designs that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern market trends. Research global and local market trends to identify potential product opportunities and styles.

2.Artisan Education & Skill Enhancement: Organize and conduct training sessions for artisans to enhance their design skills and understanding of contemporary markets. Educate artisans about sustainable design practices and quality control standards. Promote collaboration among artisans to foster innovation and knowledge-sharing.

3.Marketing Collateral: Coordinate with marketing teams to create visually compelling and informative collateral, including catalogs, brochures, and social media content for the cluster. Provide input on brand identity elements such as logos, packaging, and promotional designs that reflect the clusters heritage with both artisans and program team. Collaborate with photographers, content creators and service providers to showcase products effectively.

4.Cluster Management: Work closely with craft clusters team to identify challenges and opportunities in design and production. Act as a bridge between artisans, production teams, and marketing departments. Maintain documentation of design processes, artisan engagement, and product outcomes.

5.Product Curation and Development: Identify market trends and provide design inputs to ensure craft products align with contemporary consumer preferences. Work with artisans to curate and develop collections for exhibitions, fairs, and retail. Ensure product designs respect traditional aesthetics while meeting modern quality and usability standards.

6.Event Planning and Management: Plan and coordinate with artisans and teams for craft exhibitions, marketing events, and buyer/seller meetings. Organize product launches and promotional campaigns to maximize visibility for artisan crafts. Facilitate cluster representation at regional and national fairs.

7.Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement the design objectives as per the program frameworks and report to assess project impact, artisan income growth, and community engagement. Generate periodic reports to track the impact of design education to artisans.

8.Collaboration and Networking: Collaborate with expert designers, NGOs, private entities, domain experts to refine and enhance the quality, usability, and aesthetics of products. Ensure design prototypes align with the clusters unique identity, materials, and techniques. Engage with buyers, designers, and retail outlets to create market linkages for artisans.

9.Perform other duties as required to align with organizational priorities or donor requirements.

Key Deliverable's:

• Design and develop market-ready design collections aligned with consumer preferences and contemporary trends.
• Organise and deliver artisan education programs focused on design, color, market trends, and product diversification.
• Conduct field research and produce detailed reports, case studies, and documentation of traditional craft techniques and cluster dynamics.
• Design and distribute marketing collateral, including brochures, catalogs, and social media content, to promote artisan products and craft stories.
• Successfully plan and execute exhibitions, craft fairs, and promotional campaigns to enhance visibility and create market linkages for artisan clusters.

Skills & Competencies:

Design & Development: Expertise in traditional crafts, contemporary design trends, and market-driven product curation.
Research & Analysis: Skilled in field research, artisan needs assessment, and documentation of craft techniques.
Marketing & Branding: Strong understanding of marketing strategies, branding, and storytelling across digital and offline channels.
Communication & Technology: Excellent verbal and writing skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and other related tools.
Multi-Tasking: Proficient in planning, executing, and monitoring multiple initiatives such as training, events, and product launches.
Creativity & Problem-Solving: Innovative approach to overcoming challenges and adapting to evolving artisan community needs.

Experience & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors/Masters degree in Design from NIFT/NID or any reputed institution.
• Experience: 2-3 years of experience in working with crafts, artisan development, or related field.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with traditional weaving techniques and handloom processes, design, and business development

Admin Office: D. No. 48-18-8A, 3rd Floor, CNR Complex, Near Ayush Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Nagar, Vijayawada, AP- 520008
CIN: U85190AP2017NPL105972 | www.vijayavahini.org