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We have years of experience with back strap weavers, producing and exporting accessories. The area that we need help in is design; designing goods that are fashionable and at the same time sustainable.
This is a great opportunity for someone who has just graduated from design school or has years of experience and would like to share their expertise with Maya women. You would be working closely with our production team and directly with Maya weavers to develop samples and transfer your knowledge about design processes.

Responsibilities
You would be working a four-day week:
Willingness and ability to teach design process to local staff.
Research Fair Trade, Museum Store markets.
Design and develop products that complement our current line from the sample to the finished product.
Document the development of products.
Analysis of current production system and implementation of improvements.
Applying existing techniques of the artisans including; backstrap weaving, crochet, hand embroidery and basketry to the development of new products.

Attributes
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work in a team and when necessary independently
Experience in working/living in a cross-cultural environment.
Creativeness with ability to problem solve.

Qualifications
Experience in designing accessories and or Degree in Fashion Design.
Familiarity with the current fashion trends North American/European/Asian fashion trends.
Computer skills- word, excel, PowerPoint.
Knowledge of hand-woven textiles would be a bonus.
Intermediate Spanish speakers are preferred however beginners willing to take intensive Spanish will be considered. (Private tutors charge on average US$4 an hour).


Fundacion Tradiciones Mayas offers housing in a beautiful bungalow in Panajachel when it is available.

Please send application letter and resume to guatemala@mayatraditions.com