Sustainable Airport Logistics Specialist

Volunteering Engineering Logistics & Procurement

Overview

Support green and digital transformation at KMIII.

You have:

• At least 5 years' experience leading projects in airport or industrial energy systems, cold chain/cargo logistics, Internet of Things (IoT)/digital operations, or complex infrastructure environments.
• Proven track record in managing the development and quality assurance of technical specifications and Statements of Work (SoWs).
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder implementation processes across airport authorities, customs, freight operators, and technical teams.
• Strong experience in overseeing procurement processes, vendor performance, and contract execution.
• Experience working within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region in managing partnerships relevant to regional aviation and logistics ecosystems.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Eswatini has invested in King Mswati III International Airport (KMIII) to catalyze trade and regional connectivity under AfCFTA, yet high electricity costs, carbon‑intensive operations and inefficient cargo handling constrain performance. The project “Demonstrating Japanese Green and Digital Solutions for Sustainable Airport Logistics in Southern Africa” deploys GX (greening) and DX (smart logistics) solutions to reduce operational risks, safeguard livelihoods and improve export readiness at KMIII in partnership with ESWACAA and airport operators.

Under the guidance of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and day-to-day supervision of the UNDP Sustainable Development Programme Specialist, and in close coordination with the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA ) and relevant ministries, the UN Volunteer will support end-to-end green transformation (GX) and digital transformation (DX) delivery at King Mswati III International Airport (KMIII):

Technical delivery – Green airport systems (GX) • Provide technical oversight for the design review and implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy systems—including solar photovoltaic (PV), battery storage, energy management systems (EMS ), and LED solutions—ensuring alignment with engineering standards, project requirements, and ESWACAA operational needs. • Lead the development and quality assurance of technical specifications and Statements of Work (SoWs) and provide expert technical input throughout procurement and evaluation processes in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures. • Oversee site readiness, system commissioning, and testing activities, ensuring that contractors meet performance and safety standards; coordinate verification and approval of operations and maintenance (O&M ) protocols and final handover documentation with ESWACAA.

Technical delivery – Smart logistics & digitization (DX) • Provide technical oversight for the end-to-end mapping of cargo and cold chain processes, ensuring accurate documentation of current workflows, bottlenecks, and system requirements. Guide the design and integration of Internet of Things (IoT) track and trace solutions, paperless workflows, and operational dashboards, ensuring they meet performance, interoperability, and operational efficiency standards. • Define and enforce data standards, system architecture requirements, and user acceptance testing (UAT) criteria for all digital and IoT components. Oversee training design, change management planning, and rollout, ensuring operational staff transition smoothly to new green and digital systems and that adoption risks are identified and mitigated.

Stakeholder coordination & capacity development • Convene a technical working group (ESWACAA), customs, airlines, freight, Special Economic Zone (SEZ)) to establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for green and digital cargo handling. • Ensure delivery of targeted trainings on energy O&M, cold chain reliability, and data-driven operations. Results management, safeguards & inclusion • Set baselines and manage key performance indicators (KPIs ) including energy cost and CO2 reduction, temperature excursions avoided, cargo dwell time, and digital adoption. • Ensure environmental and social (E&S ) safeguards, occupational health and safety (OHS), data protection, and gender and youth inclusion are mainstreamed throughout project implementation.

Knowledge, visibility & replication • Produce technical briefs and a case study; contribute to launch and visibility events and regional knowledge exchange platforms such as the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). • Document replicable designs and implementation playbooks (e.g., KMIII 5 MW roadmap).

Partnerships & resource mobilization • Support engagement with Government and Japanese technology providers; contribute inputs for co-financing to underpin project extension.

Professionalism, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Accountability, Communication, Teamwork, Client Orientation, Innovation & problem‑solving; ability to translate technical designs into operational gains, Gender equality & social inclusion

•Candidates with at least 5 years' experience leading projects in airport or industrial energy systems, cold chain/cargo logistics, Internet of Things (IoT)/digital operations, or complex infrastructure environments, with demonstrated responsibility for planning, coordination, and delivery oversight. •Proven track record in managing the development and quality assurance of technical specifications and Statements of Work (SoWs), and in overseeing procurement processes, vendor performance, and contract execution to ensure compliance with technical, financial, and operational requirements. •Strong experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder implementation processes, including collaboration across airport authorities/Special Economic Zones (SEZs), customs, freight operators and technical teams, and steering organizational change initiatives such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) development, training rollouts, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT). • Experience working within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is an asset, particularly in managing cross-institutional partnerships and navigating regulatory and operational contexts relevant to regional aviation and logistics ecosystems.

Mbabane is a family duty station. Frequent road travel to KMIII (~1 hour). Personnel must comply with UNDSS guidance and complete mandatory trainings.

UN Volunteers receive the below monthly entitlements:

• Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): S2340.85 per month, • Once-off entry lumpsum of $3500, • Comprehensive health and life coverage for the UNV and up to 3 eligible dependents, • Family allowance of $250 per month for one dependent and $450 per month for two or more dependents.

Leave: • Annual: 2.5 days per month • Certified leave: 30 days • Uncertified leave: 7 days • Access to all learning platforms • Exit Lumpsum: paid on completion of the assignment.

Candidates from Japan are encouraged to apply.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: unv.org