Makerspace Coordination Associate

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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.

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Context

In 2025, ManuTech Hub will open a 1,200m² space in Klaity, Addis Ababa with work areas, a Pitch Garage, and Maker spaces, in partnership with the Ministry of Industry. The hub has hosted residency programs for pan-African startups and held themed events and visits so far and in 2026 aims to welcome more Ethiopian startups and ecosystem partners with a sustainable operational model. Therefore, UNDP is looking to hire a Makerspace Coordination Officer to support the operationalization of the hub.

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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 hands-on 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 co-creation (e.g., capstone projects, research to prototype pathways, or innovation challenge series)

D. Makerspace Administration and Operation

• Support in the development of a sustainable operation plan for the hub's Makerspace
• Maintain basic inventory lists for the makerspace 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 hub's 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 platform

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Assignment Requirements

• Relevant Experience: 1 month
• Required Education Level: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, or Manufacturing Technology

Languages

• English — Fluent (required)
• Amharic — Fluent (required)

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Competencies and Values

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Client Orientation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Knowledge Sharing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

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Skills and Experience

• 1+ month experience working in a Makerspace/Fabrication lab with experience in prototyping tools, technical labs and workshops
• Practical exposure to basic prototyping tools (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC, electronics benches) through internships, university labs, bootcamps, etc.
• Experience supporting technical workshops or training sessions for startups
• Experience supporting events, workshops, networking sessions, or university club activities
• Familiarity with safety protocols for tools, machinery, and shared workspaces is desired
• Exposure to product design, mechanical/electrical engineering, industrial design, or related fields
• Proficiency in advanced computer software for design and prototyping analysis is an advantage

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Areas of Expertise

• Communication
• Engineering and Construction
• Facility Management

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