Mission and objectives
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System. It serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a continuous spectrum of in-depth local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UN Guiding Principles) is widely recognized as the most authoritative, normative framework guiding efforts to reduce or eliminate the adverse impact of business operations on human rights. Experts have described it as the single most important innovation in promoting sustainable business practices in the last 25 years – a role that is reinforced by its inclusion as one of the Means of Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda).Context
Task Description
Under the supervision of the Team Leader for the Inclusive Economic Transformation Unit and in close collaboration with the hub Program Manager, the Makerspace Coordination Associate will provide support to the team in the following functions: A. Makerspace Operations & Maintenance • Support day-to-day operations of the makerspace, ensuring equipment, tools, and materials are functional and accessible. • Maintain inventory: track tools, consumables, and supplies; support procurement as needed. • Assist with equipment reservation systems and user access management. • Ensure the makerspace is clean, organized, and compliant with health and safety guidelines. B. User Support & Training • Provide basic orientation sessions for first-time makerspace users (safety, equipment uses, workflow). • Assist technical trainers in delivering Handson workshops, skill-building sessions, and prototyping bootcamps. • Provide first-line troubleshooting for common equipment issues (3D printers, CNC machines, electronics tools, etc.). • Support participants during hackathons, masterclasses, and startup sprints hosted at the hub C. Partner Engagement for Training & Capacity Building Programs • Support the identification and engagement of universities, technical colleges, vocational schools, and innovation departments that can co-deliver makerspace training programs. • Coordinate with academic partners to design and run hands-on workshops, skills sessions, and curricula that leverage the makerspace’s tools and capabilities. • Assist in scheduling joint training sessions, guest lectures, faculty-led labs, and student innovation challenges hosted inside the makerspace. • Maintain regular communication with university focal points, providing updates on available training opportunities, equipment capabilities, and capacity building needs. • Help identify additional opportunities for cocreation (e.g., capstone projects, research to prototype pathways, or innovation challenge series). D. Maker space administration and operation • Support in the development of a sustainable operation plan for the hub’s Marker space • Maintain basic inventory lists for the maker space and fabrication labs, and ensure availability for startups • Collaborate with the Community Engagement Associate to ensure successful visibility and documentation of partner-delivered training activities. • Encourage inclusive participation, especially women, youth, and underrepresented groups. • Coordinate with the hubs Community coordinator to integrate makerspace activities into broader hub events. • Document activities, photos, and share stories for hub communication channels. E. Reporting, Data & Knowledge Sharing • Maintain datasets on participation, ecosystem interactions, and communication outputs • Provide input for quarterly and annual hub reports. • Upload relevant materials to the Timbuktoo digital platform and ensure that all startups are signed up on the platformCompetencies and values
Living conditions and remarks
Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia. The population is estimated at 5 million or so. Addis Ababa is located in the Ethiopian highlands at an altitude of 2,500-2,700 meters. The climate is sunny, but it can be very cold at night, with freezing temperatures at times. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and/or log fires when necessary. Addis Ababa is the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as the African Union. Thus, there is a very large community of expatriates from all over the world. There are some 80 embassies/diplomatic missions. Housing is most of the time readily available and the rents are, on average, reasonable. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from the Middle/Far East, South Africa and Europe, or local brands, can be found, although they can be expensive. Meat, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables are cheap and abundantly available. The basic infrastructures - roads, utilities, and telecommunications - are below standard, as are medical facilities, which are still largely inadequate, although a few private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. There are lots of tourist attractions to visit around the country, although the amenities are often poor to average. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and cultural events throughout the year organized by the international and local communities. Sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) exist in the major hotels or different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Addis Ababa city limits. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing, other living essentials and will already be fully conversant with the living conditions in Ethiopia. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”
