sequa gGmbH is a globally operating non-profit development organization. Since 1991, sequa has carried out programme 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 organization is based in Bonn, Germany. sequa employs more than 100 persons (2023) and reported a turnover of EUR 60 m in 2023.

The Project

Within the GIZ Program Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition", sequa implements the "SME Support Scheme targeting growth-orientated SMEs" project in Ethiopia. With this, sequa aims to facilitate business growth and job creation of Ethiopian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by increasing their competitiveness and productivity so that their products and services will satisfy the demand on local and international markets. A specific focus will be provided on women-owned SMEs, job creation, and employability training for women. 

Benefiting companies receive flexible and demand-oriented funding (management consulting, technical training, financial competence/business plan development, qualification, applied research activities, etc.). A particular focus will be on advisory services to improve access to finance. The support scheme will contribute to SMEs' change management and business growth.

sequa has selected Best Clean PLC through the grant-support vetting process. Best Clean PLC is a manufacturing company specializing in cleaning materials. The company produces liquid soap, Ajax, bleach, hand wash, and acid for cleaning ceramics. The company serves a diverse range of customers, including commercial, industrial, and residential clients. Its services are designed to meet the cleaning and hygiene needs of different sectors in the market.

The objective of the assignment is to enhance the quality of the existing products by standardizing the formulation process and upskilling with bar soap production process. 

We are offering a project-based assignment as 

Location: Dire dawa, Ethiopia

Assignment Period:       01.01.2025 - 31.03.2025

Working time scope:      up to 15 working days

Project:SME Support Facility in the GIZ-Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition"

Job Code: ETH-1013- Detergent and Bar Soap Chemist 

Duties & Responsibilities                  

• Designing, testing, and optimizing the chemical formulations and mixing ratios of bar soap and liquid detergent products based on the customer needs and market trends of the region, 

• Conduct assessments and chemical formula surveys to evaluate the performance, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of products and provide manuals for unique chemical mix ratios,

• Deliver onsite product prototypes and samples with unique chemical mix ratios for improved quality and provide on-the-job training for the team,

• Improve the working conditions of the factory, ensuring that it is well-equipped, safe, and clean,

• Improve product quality and standardize the formulation and production process for a wide range of bar soap and detergent products,

• Provide theoretical training on designing and testing recipes for different types of bar soaps (e.g., beauty, medicated, cleansing, or specialty soaps),

• Provide training on identifying and sourcing high-quality raw materials (e.g., palm oil, coconut oil, shea butter),

• Develop SOP for selected soap and detergent products,

• Provide a list of chemicals for dry soap and liquid detergent, with their properties that can be substituted in times of scarcity or price fluctuations based on the availability and compatibility of the alternatives (e.g., soap noodles),

• Prepare and present reports on product development, testing, optimization processes, results, and recommendations.

Job Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field,

• Excellent knowledge in detergent (liquid soap, Ajax, bleach, hand wash) and bar soap production,

• Ability to analyze chemical properties, perform tests, and interpret results,

• Quality Control: Understanding of quality control processes and techniques,

• Awareness of safety protocols and practices within a laboratory environment,

• Excellent writing and reporting skills in English.

Your Working Experience

• 7 Years or more experience in detergent and soap production, experience in international corporates is preferred,

• Formulation experience: knowledge of formulating chemical mixtures, specifically for detergent products,

• Familiarity with alternative local chemicals that can be substituted during scarcity or price fluctuations,

• Laboratory Experience: Prior work in a laboratory setting, especially related to chemical analysis, formulation, and testing. Familiarity with laboratory equipment and instruments.

How to Apply

Please send us a cover letter, your CV in the EuropeAid format, relevant resumes, and your daily fee expectations in ETB. The CV template can be downloaded using THIS LINK. 

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

Please send us your application by no later than December 31th, 2024, to vacancies.eth@sequa.de with the Subject line "ETH-1013- Detergent and Bar Soap Chemist"