**Expanded Human Resources Strategy for Boaz Trading PLC’s Dry Cleaner Project**
Boaz Trading PLC’s HR strategy prioritizes **fair labor practices**, **gender equity**, and **skill development** to align with Ethiopia’s socio-economic goals. Below is a detailed breakdown of roles, wages, recruitment, and retention strategies:
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### **1. Team Structure & Roles**
**Total Staff**: 10 full-time employees (FTEs), with a focus on empowering women and youth from underserved communities.
| **Role** | **Number** | **Responsibilities** | **Qualifications** |
|-------------------------|------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| **Cleaning Technicians** | 6 | Operate solvent-free machines, handwash *habesha kemis*, perform quality checks. | Vocational training in garment care; fluency in Amharic. |
| **Delivery Drivers** | 2 | Manage last-mile delivery via motorcycle fleet, track orders via app. | Valid driver’s license, knowledge of Addis Ababa routes. |
| **CSR Officers** | 2 | Handle customer inquiries, SMS feedback, loyalty program management. | Diploma in communications, bilingual (Amharic/English). |
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### **2. Wage Structure & Benefits**
**Ethical Compliance**:
- **Base Wages**: Align with Addis Ababa’s **minimum wage (1,900 ETB/month)** but exceed it for skilled roles to attract talent:
- **Technicians**: 2,500 ETB/month (+31% above minimum).
- **Drivers**: 2,200 ETB/month (+16%).
- **CSR Officers**: 2,300 ETB/month (+21%).
- **Overtime**: 1.5x hourly rate for work beyond 48 hours/week (per *Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019*).
**Benefits Package**:
- **Health Insurance**: Cover 50% of premiums via partnerships with *Nib Insurance*.
- **Transport Allowance**: 300 ETB/month for drivers and technicians.
- **Performance Bonuses**: Up to 500 ETB/month for defect-free service records.
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### **3. Recruitment & Training**
**Target Demographics**:
- **70% Women**: Prioritize hires from low-income areas (e.g., Merkato, Kolfe Keranio) via partnerships with *Addis Ababa Women’s Association*.
- **Youth (18–35 years)**: Partner with vocational schools (e.g., Ethiopian Technical University) to recruit graduates.
**Training Programs**:
- **Technical Skills**:
- 4-week course on solvent-free machines and traditional garment care, certified by the *Ethiopian Fashion Institute*.
- Solar equipment maintenance workshops to support green operations.
- **Soft Skills**:
- Customer service training (Amharic/English) for CSR roles.
- Financial literacy sessions on saving and budgeting.
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### **4. Gender Equity & Social Impact**
**Women Empowerment**:
- **Leadership Pathways**: Top-performing female technicians promoted to supervisory roles (e.g., Quality Control Lead).
- **Childcare Support**: Partner with local daycare centers to subsidize 30% of costs for working mothers.
**SDG Alignment**:
- **SDG 5 (Gender Equality)**: 70% female workforce vs. Ethiopia’s national average of 35% in formal sectors.
- **SDG 8 (Decent Work)**: Wages 20–30% above minimum for skilled roles.
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### **5. Retention & Motivation**
- **Career Growth**: Annual skill assessments for promotions (e.g., Technician → Trainer).
- **Employee Recognition**: “Eco-Champion of the Month” awards (1,000 ETB bonus) for sustainability initiatives.
- **Feedback Channels**: Monthly town halls to address grievances and ideas.
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### **6. Compliance & Safety**
- **Labor Laws**: Adhere to *Occupational Safety Proclamation No. 115/2019* for:
- Protective gear (gloves, masks) for chemical handling.
- Ergonomic workstations to reduce physical strain.
- **Workplace Safety**: Fire drills, first-aid training, and generator safety protocols.
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### **7. Challenges & Mitigation**
| **Challenge** | **Mitigation Strategy** |
|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|
| **High Turnover** | Retention bonuses (500 ETB) for 1-year commitments. |
| **Skill Gaps** | Partner with NGOs for subsidized vocational training. |
| **Cultural Resistance** | Engage community leaders to advocate for women in technical roles. |
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### **8. Budget Allocation**
| **Category** | **Annual Cost (ETB)** | **Notes** |
|-----------------------|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| **Salaries** | 3,000,000 | 10 FTEs @ avg. 25,000 ETB/month. |
| **Training** | 500,000 | Workshops, certifications, materials. |
| **Benefits** | 600,000 | Health insurance, transport allowances. |
| **Total** | **4,100,000** | |
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**Conclusion**
Boaz’s HR strategy transforms dry cleaning into a vehicle for social progress. By offering fair wages, prioritizing women’s empowerment, and investing in green skills, the project not only complies with Ethiopian labor standards but also drives inclusive growth. This approach fosters employee loyalty, enhances service quality, and cements Boaz’s reputation as a responsible employer in Addis Ababa’s competitive market.