UniPod fab master

Volunteering Engineering

Overview

Support the implementation of the Prototype Development Program and facilitate knowledge sharing.

You have:

• At least 2 years of experience in a Fab Lab or makerspace, with demonstrated hands-on expertise in the use of fabrication and prototyping tools.
• Proficiency in managing 3D printers, CNC machines, electronics, etc.
• Experience in training youth and staff in a lab environment.
• Strong communication skills in both French and English.
• Familiarity with innovation hubs or youth entrepreneurship programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
• Sound security awareness; flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort.

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

In 2021, UNDP Africa launched timbuktoo, an ambitious initiative aimed at empowering young Africans as innovators and entrepreneurs tackling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative is based on a hub-and-spoke model, with University Innovation Pods (UniPods) as key nodes hosted within major public universities. These UniPods provide young people with access to advanced labs—including design, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, sustainable technologies, creative arts, AI, and robotics—to help them transform their ideas into market-ready prototypes and solutions.

By 2025, UniPods are present in over 20 countries and aim to cover all 54 African nations. One of the flagship programs of the UniPods is the Prototype Development Program (PDP), which aims to develop 80 MVPs led by youth by the end of 2025, while strengthening technical capacities and peer learning. As part of this effort, a Fab Master position has been launched to support the implementation of the PDP and facilitate knowledge sharing.

· The UniPod Fab Master will be responsible for providing programmatic and technical support to the UniPod. The main objective of this role is to strengthen the operational capacity of the Mauritania UniPod through the Fab Master's expertise, who will play a key role in implementing the Prototype Development Program (PDP). This includes enhancing local technical skills, mentoring young innovators, and optimizing lab management.

1. Equipment Installation

· Supervise and ensure the functional installation, testing, and calibration of all lab equipment (e.g., 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, electronics benches, etc.).

· Coordinate with the university infrastructure team and suppliers to resolve technical installation issues.

· Prepare and document installation guides and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

· Set up a system for equipment logging, usage tracking, and maintenance scheduling.

2. Technician Training

· Conduct a skills assessment of the UniPod technical staff.

· Train UniPod personnel, interns, and youth on digital fabrication tools and prototyping processes (CAD, 3D printing, CNC machining, electronics, etc.).

· Introduce best practices in design thinking, rapid prototyping, and fabrication.

· Develop a national maker network linking the UniPod to other spaces such as Orange Digital Centers for continuous learning.

3. Establishment of Student Clubs

· Create and support a student innovation club that promotes practical innovation using the UniPod.

· Collaborate with faculty and student leaders to define the club’s structure, leadership roles, and membership model.

· Develop an activity calendar including weekly workshops, ideation challenges, and mini-projects.

· Organize at least three innovation workshops or challenges with the club during the contract period.

4. Implementation of the Prototype Development Program (PDP)

· Design and lead a full PDP cycle for young innovators.

· Support participants from problem definition to MVP development, ensuring prototypes are technically sound, user-centered, and well-documented.

· Facilitate weekly coaching sessions, milestone reviews, and design feedback.

· Monitor project outcomes, mentorship progress, and lessons learned.

· Collaborate with the UniPod Coordinator and the regional PDP team to ensure alignment with reporting frameworks and formats.

Accountability

· Adaptability and flexibility

· Creativity

· Judgement and decision-making

· Planning and organising

· Professionalism

· Self-management

At least 2 years of experience in a Fab Lab or makerspace, with demonstrated hands-on expertise in the use of fabrication and prototyping tools.

· Proficiency in managing 3D printers, CNC machines, electronics, etc.

· Experience in training youth and staff in a lab environment.

· Strong communication skills in both French and English.

· Familiarity with innovation hubs or youth entrepreneurship programs. Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge

· Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

· Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

· Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

· Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

· Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;

· Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

· Sound security awareness;

“Mauritania is a unique country and it provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: unv.org