Project Officer for Wood & Furniture Manufacturing Processes in SMEs

Duty Station: Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Contract duration: 01. December 2025 until 31. September 2028

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct shop floor diagnostics for wood & furniture SMEs to map end to end processes (receiving & grading; kiln drying; cutting/nesting; CNC/machining/edgebanding; sanding; finishing/coatings; assembly; packaging/dispatch);

• Identify and implement no/low cost process improvements (layout tweaks, setup/changeover reduction, yield optimization, defect prevention, WIP control, visual management);

• Establish simple KPI tracking and data capture (OEE, first pass yield, scrap/rework, cycle time, material yield, kWh per unit, VOC/adhesive usage) using spreadsheets; introduce basic digital tools (barcode/WIP, counters, simple dashboards) where appropriate;

• Set up and manage SME digitalization support programs with phased assistance: sensitization/diagnostics/action plans/verification of savings;

• Provide operations oriented advisory that links wood processing steps with energy & resource efficiency (compressors, dust extraction, kiln control, spray booths), circular economy practices (offcut optimization, sawdust valorization) and EHS compliance;

• Develop and roll out SOPs, work instructions, and Train the Trainer materials (e.g., sanding grit progression, glue line checks, edgebander run up, kiln drying logs, finishing defect checklists);

• Translate SME needs into clear vendor scopes; procure and manage contractors (machine/tool vendors, coatings/adhesives experts, basic digital integrators) and oversee pilot implementations;

• Design and facilitate SME trainings and coaching sessions focused on process stability, quality control, and basic data literacy;

• Lead monitoring & evaluation of improvements with before/after baselines; document savings in yield, quality, lead time, and energy/resource intensity;

• Produce knowledge products (playbooks, case studies, SOP packs);

• Drive strategic partnerships with SME associations, clusters, training institutes, vendors/integrators, and international networks; organize learning journeys;

• Prepare strategic communications and briefs for donors, partners, beneficiaries, and public audiences;

• Handle procurement and invoicing per GIZ regulations; ensure operations planning and project implementation stay on track;

• Coordinate closely with ministry partners on activity design, timelines, and SME selection criteria;

• Fulfill other corporate focal point functions as needed (e.g., corporate health management, records, security, working groups).

Minimum requirements:

• More than 5 years hands on experience in wood/furniture manufacturing operations (e.g., process/industrial engineer, production supervisor, quality/CI engineer) covering at least four steps: lumber grading & kiln drying; cutting & nesting; CNC/machining; edgebanding; sanding; finishing/coatings; assembly; packaging/dispatch;

• Proven track record in process mapping and improvement (value stream mapping, layout changes, setup reduction, yield/FPY improvemen, rework reduction, WIP control);

• Ability to set up basic data systems (paper forms/spreadsheets) and analyze shop floor data (OEE, FPY, pareto/downtime codes, yield, energy per unit) to drive decisions; familiarity with simple digital tools is sufficient—no deep IT development required;

• Experience coordinating vendors and drafting clear scopes for machines, tooling, coatings/adhesives, or simple digital solutions; managing pilots to measurable outcomes;

• Strong communication and coaching skills with operators, supervisors, and SME managers; ability to turn technical topics into practical steps;

• Working proficiency in Vietnamese and English (spoken/written); willingness to travel domestically and occasionally abroad;

• Bachelor’s degree in technology of forest product processing, furniture/wood technology, industrial/production/mechanical engineering, or equivalent. (Other degrees accepted with strong plant experience);

• Nice to have: Exposure to Lean/Kaizen/Six Sigma (5S, TPM basics); familiarity with ERP/MES concepts (BOMs, routings, work centers, barcode/WIP); understanding of energy systems (compressors, dust extraction, kiln control, spray booths) and EHS/VOC compliance;

experience with international donors.

GIZ is committed to create an appreciative work environment, irrespective of age, ethnic background and nationality, gender and gender identity, physical and mental abilities, religion and worldview, sexual orientation and social background. We ensure human resource processes live up to the diverse competencies and talents of all employees, as well as satisfy our performance expectations.

What we can offer to the successful candidates:

• Good working environment;

• Competitive compensation and