Interior Designer Expert Full Time NEW

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

Interior Designer Expert (m/f/d)

• Location: Arbaminch /Dorze Village, Ethiopia
• Assignment Period: Oct 2025 – Feb 2026
• Working time scope: up to 20 days
• Project: SME Support Scheme in the GIZ-Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition”
• Job Code: ETH-1013 Interior Designer Expert

The Project

Within the GIZ Program Special Initiative ” Capacity building training in tourism academy “, sequa implements the “Tourism sector Support Scheme targeting growth orientated SMEs” in the Arba Minch area in Ethiopia. With this, sequa aims to facilitate capacity building and enhancing the job quality and creating new jobs in the Ethiopian Tourism sector at service providers by increasing their competitiveness and quality service so that their services will satisfy the demand on local and international markets.

Benefiting companies and professional individuals receive flexible and demand-oriented funding consulting, technical training, on areas of different section of the general topics of capacity building. A special focus will be on to initiate, inform, and facilitate community participation in the operation of the lodge located in the Dorze village of Ethiopia. For further information visit the website Dorze Lodge.

sequa has selected Dorze Tsehai Lodge through a vetting process. Dorze Tsehai Lodge was founded in 2017 G.C and conducts tour operator services with partners specialized showcasing Ethiopia’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and historical heritage while prioritizing community-based tourism. Additionally, Dorze Tsehai Lodge operates with a special focus on the Southern People’s Nations Region to engage and empower local communities by providing sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism, cultural exchange, and employment opportunities in adopting and promoting eco-friendly practices and engaging the community all aspects of the operations, ensuring our tourism activities leave a positive environmental and benefit the community.

The objective of this assignment is developing a lodge that reflects a rich cultural identity, designed to offer guests a warm and authentic experience. The lodge will not follow a modern or minimalist aesthetic, but instead will celebrate local traditions, materials, and craftsmanship while ensuring comfort and functionality.

Your Tasks / Responsibilities

Design Concept Development

• Understand the cultural and environmental context.
• Propose a design concept including color palettes, furniture styles, lighting, textiles, art, and decorative elements.
• Present mood boards and 3D renderings or sketches.

Material and Sourcing Plan

• Recommend locally available, sustainable materials
• Identify craftspeople or vendors for furnishings, artworks, textiles, etc.
• Create a detailed Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and sourcing plan

Implementation Support

• Provide guidance during procurement and installation phases.
• Collaborate with the construction/project team to ensure the design is executed according to the vision.
• Conduct at least one mid-implementation and one final site check (in person or virtual.

Environmental Social Responsibility and Quality Assurance & Sustainability Monitoring

• Develop and apply mitigation strategies to protect biodiversity and minimize disruption to natural habitats
• Implement monitoring systems to track the environmental footprint, energy usage, and community impact.
• Prepare reports for stakeholders on project performance, compliance, and sustainability indicators

Your Qualification / Skills

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in interior design, Architecture or related field

Your Working Experience

• Minimum of 5–10 years of experience
• Proven portfolio of culturally inspired or heritage-sensitive design work.
• Experience working in rural or eco-tourism settings is an advantage.
• Knowledge of sustainable and local material use.