Makerspace Coordination Associate

Volunteering Communications & PR Engineering

Overview

Support the operationalization of the ManuTech hub in Addis Ababa.

You have:

• 1+ month experience working in Makerspace/ Fabrication labs 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

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

In 2025, ManuTech hub will open a 1200m² 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.

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 platform

☒ 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

 •   1+ month experience working in Makerspace/ Fabrication labs with experience in prototyping tools, technical labs and workshops.
 •    Practical exposure to basic prototyping tools (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC, elec-tronics 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 ac-tivities
 •    Familiarity with safety protocols for tools, machinery, and shared workspaces is de-sired
 •    Exposure to product design, mechanical/electrical engineering, industrial design, or re-lated fields.
 •     Proficiency in advanced computer software for design and prototyping analysis is an advantage.

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.”

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unv.org