Details
Mission and objectives
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone supports the United Nations system through its integrated offer, using a people-first approach centred on the ‘leave no one behind’ principle, and a human rights- and area-based development strategy.
In alignment with the 2030 Agenda, National Development Plan, United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the African Union Agenda 2063, the programme seeks to reduce multidimensional poverty and enhance justice, peace, social cohesion, and resilience with its focus on two pillars: (a) People-centred sustainable development and resilience, prioritising people’s well-being and planetary health and (b) Inclusive governance, peace, and prosperity, embodying harmonious development, effective resource management, and equitable governance.
Furthermore, the UNDP comparative advantage includes leveraging global and regional partnerships, working across economic, social, and environmental goals, strengthening good governance, and providing technical and policy-oriented support, all while ensuring national ownership for sustainable outcomes.
In alignment with the 2030 Agenda, National Development Plan, United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the African Union Agenda 2063, the programme seeks to reduce multidimensional poverty and enhance justice, peace, social cohesion, and resilience with its focus on two pillars: (a) People-centred sustainable development and resilience, prioritising people’s well-being and planetary health and (b) Inclusive governance, peace, and prosperity, embodying harmonious development, effective resource management, and equitable governance.
Furthermore, the UNDP comparative advantage includes leveraging global and regional partnerships, working across economic, social, and environmental goals, strengthening good governance, and providing technical and policy-oriented support, all while ensuring national ownership for sustainable outcomes.
Context
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sierra Leone is actively transforming the local innovation landscape through the timbuktoo University Innovation Pod (UniPod). This dynamic platform is designed to empower young people, university students, and grassroots innovators by providing them with critical access to practical learning environments, advanced prototyping tools, and comprehensive entrepreneurship support.
Building upon this robust foundation, the Samsung Mobile Circularity Initiative serves as a specialized, complementary program focused on the intersection of technology and sustainability. It is strategically designed to build specialized youth capacity in mobile technology and electronics. By teaching critical skills in device repair, reuse, and refurbishment, the initiative tackles the growing challenge of e-waste management while fostering a new generation of leaders in circular innovation.
At the heart of this initiative is the Samsung Mobile Circularity Innovation Lab, physically housed within the UniPod. This lab functions as a dedicated, practical workspace engineered for hands-on learning. It is a collaborative environment where aspiring technologists can engage in deep hardware diagnostics, experimentation, and the rapid prototyping of sustainable tech solutions.
To ensure the success of this space, the Facility Manager plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operational leadership of the Lab. Beyond managing the physical workspace, equipment, and daily hands-on activities, the Facility Manager acts as a vital bridge, seamlessly coordinating the Lab's specialized circularity projects with the broader programmatic goals and events of the wider UniPod facility.
Building upon this robust foundation, the Samsung Mobile Circularity Initiative serves as a specialized, complementary program focused on the intersection of technology and sustainability. It is strategically designed to build specialized youth capacity in mobile technology and electronics. By teaching critical skills in device repair, reuse, and refurbishment, the initiative tackles the growing challenge of e-waste management while fostering a new generation of leaders in circular innovation.
At the heart of this initiative is the Samsung Mobile Circularity Innovation Lab, physically housed within the UniPod. This lab functions as a dedicated, practical workspace engineered for hands-on learning. It is a collaborative environment where aspiring technologists can engage in deep hardware diagnostics, experimentation, and the rapid prototyping of sustainable tech solutions.
To ensure the success of this space, the Facility Manager plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operational leadership of the Lab. Beyond managing the physical workspace, equipment, and daily hands-on activities, the Facility Manager acts as a vital bridge, seamlessly coordinating the Lab's specialized circularity projects with the broader programmatic goals and events of the wider UniPod facility.
Task description
The National UN Volunteer Associate will support the safe, orderly, and effective operation of the Samsung Mobile Circularity Innovation Lab. Working under the direct supervision of the UniPod Manager and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project team, the incumbent is responsible for routine facility coordination, equipment accountability, activity readiness, and user support, including the following responsibilities:
A. Lab and Facility Operations
• Support the daily opening, closing, and general operational readiness of the Samsung Mobile Circularity Innovation Lab.
• Maintain a clear booking and activity schedule for training sessions, experimentation, circular innovation clubs, demonstrations, and partner visits.
• Coordinate safe, organized, and orderly access to the Lab by students, innovators, facilitators, and approved visitors.
• Ensure workstations, tools, and shared spaces are kept organized and tidy before and after all activities.
• Identify routine facility issues and promptly escalate maintenance, utility, connectivity, security, or infrastructure needs to the UniPod Manager.
B. Equipment and Asset Accountability
• Maintain an updated working inventory of project equipment, tools, electronics, and consumables assigned to the Lab.
• Support equipment sign-out, return, and general user accountability procedures.
• Carry out routine visual checks of hardware and promptly report damaged, missing, or malfunctioning equipment.
• Coordinate closely with the Mobile Computing Associate on the specific equipment needed for technical experiments and active sessions.
• Support periodic asset verification and physical inventory exercises in accordance with established United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) procedures.
C. Safety and Responsible Use:
• Support the implementation of laboratory safety rules, hazard containment, and user orientation procedures.
• Ensure safety signage, basic personal protective equipment (PPE), and operating guidance are clearly visible and accessible.
• Support the safe temporary handling, separation, and containment of electronic waste and reusable components.
• Record and immediately report any incidents, safety hazards, or unsafe equipment-use practices to supervisors.
D. Programme Delivery Support:
• Prepare the physical Lab space for Samsung Mobile Circularity trainings, workshops, bootcamps, hackathons, innovation challenges, and showcases.
• Coordinate space, specialized equipment, and materials with facilitators and incoming technical personnel.
• Assist and support Circular Innovation Clubs when they utilize the UniPod for practical experimentation and prototyping.
• Assist with exhibitions, live demonstrations, and institutional visits by UNDP, Samsung, university leadership, and external partners.
E. Records and Reporting:
• Maintain simple, accurate usage logs for the Lab, tracking active sessions, activities conducted, and participant demographics.
• Keep detailed records of equipment use, calibrations, and repairs.
• Provide concise monthly operational updates focusing on facility utilization rates, equipment status, safety indicators, challenges, and recommended follow-up actions.
• Provide relevant supporting information and qualitative data for overall project monitoring and reporting when requested.
4. Expected Results
• The Samsung Mobile Circularity Innovation Lab remains functional, organized, safe, and ready for programme use.
• Project equipment and tools are consistently accounted for and appropriately stored.
• Trainings and experimentation activities receive timely facility and logistical support.
• Circular Innovation Clubs and young innovators can access the Lab through clear and orderly procedures.
• Operational issues are documented and escalated in a timely manner.
A. Lab and Facility Operations
• Support the daily opening, closing, and general operational readiness of the Samsung Mobile Circularity Innovation Lab.
• Maintain a clear booking and activity schedule for training sessions, experimentation, circular innovation clubs, demonstrations, and partner visits.
• Coordinate safe, organized, and orderly access to the Lab by students, innovators, facilitators, and approved visitors.
• Ensure workstations, tools, and shared spaces are kept organized and tidy before and after all activities.
• Identify routine facility issues and promptly escalate maintenance, utility, connectivity, security, or infrastructure needs to the UniPod Manager.
B. Equipment and Asset Accountability
• Maintain an updated working inventory of project equipment, tools, electronics, and consumables assigned to the Lab.
• Support equipment sign-out, return, and general user accountability procedures.
• Carry out routine visual checks of hardware and promptly report damaged, missing, or malfunctioning equipment.
• Coordinate closely with the Mobile Computing Associate on the specific equipment needed for technical experiments and active sessions.
• Support periodic asset verification and physical inventory exercises in accordance with established United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) procedures.
C. Safety and Responsible Use:
• Support the implementation of laboratory safety rules, hazard containment, and user orientation procedures.
• Ensure safety signage, basic personal protective equipment (PPE), and operating guidance are clearly visible and accessible.
• Support the safe temporary handling, separation, and containment of electronic waste and reusable components.
• Record and immediately report any incidents, safety hazards, or unsafe equipment-use practices to supervisors.
D. Programme Delivery Support:
• Prepare the physical Lab space for Samsung Mobile Circularity trainings, workshops, bootcamps, hackathons, innovation challenges, and showcases.
• Coordinate space, specialized equipment, and materials with facilitators and incoming technical personnel.
• Assist and support Circular Innovation Clubs when they utilize the UniPod for practical experimentation and prototyping.
• Assist with exhibitions, live demonstrations, and institutional visits by UNDP, Samsung, university leadership, and external partners.
E. Records and Reporting:
• Maintain simple, accurate usage logs for the Lab, tracking active sessions, activities conducted, and participant demographics.
• Keep detailed records of equipment use, calibrations, and repairs.
• Provide concise monthly operational updates focusing on facility utilization rates, equipment status, safety indicators, challenges, and recommended follow-up actions.
• Provide relevant supporting information and qualitative data for overall project monitoring and reporting when requested.
4. Expected Results
• The Samsung Mobile Circularity Innovation Lab remains functional, organized, safe, and ready for programme use.
• Project equipment and tools are consistently accounted for and appropriately stored.
• Trainings and experimentation activities receive timely facility and logistical support.
• Circular Innovation Clubs and young innovators can access the Lab through clear and orderly procedures.
• Operational issues are documented and escalated in a timely manner.
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.