Mission and objectivesUNDP, as a global development network, aims among other things to promote gender equality and encourage the development and exchange of experiences between countries. Mauritania has signed and ratified the conventions dedicated to the protection of children's rights (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The country has also committed, through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to achieving all seventeen goals, including Goal No. 5, which seeks to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. However, the persistence of inequality and lack of equity remains a barrier to the country鈥檚 sustainable development. These imbalances鈥攁cross political, economic, legal, social, and cultural spheres鈥攈inder the enjoyment of equal human rights for all. As a result, women, who make up more than half of the population, are prevented from fully playing their role in the country鈥檚 growth and development process.
ContextIn 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鈥攊ncluding design, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, sustainable technologies, creative arts, AI, and robotics鈥攖o 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.
Task Description路 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 路 Supervise and ensure the functional installation, testing, and calibration of all lab equipment (e.g., 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, electronics benches, etc.). 路 Coordinate with the university infrastructure team and suppliers to resolve technical installation issues. 路 Prepare and document installation guides and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 路 Set up a system for equipment logging, usage tracking, and maintenance scheduling. 2. Technician Training 路 Conduct a skills assessment of the UniPod technical staff. 路 Train UniPod personnel, interns, and youth on digital fabrication tools and prototyping processes (CAD, 3D printing, CNC machining, electronics, etc.). 路 Introduce best practices in design thinking, rapid prototyping, and fabrication. 路 Develop a national maker network linking the UniPod to other spaces such as Orange Digital Centers for continuous learning. 3. Establishment of Student Clubs 路 Create and support a student innovation club that promotes practical innovation using the UniPod. 路 Collaborate with faculty and student leaders to define the club鈥檚 structure, leadership roles, and membership model. 路 Develop an activity calendar including weekly workshops, ideation challenges, and mini-projects. 路 Organize at least three innovation workshops or challenges with the club during the contract period. 4. Implementation of the Prototype Development Program (PDP) 路 Design and lead a full PDP cycle for young innovators. 路 Support participants from problem definition to MVP development, ensuring prototypes are technically sound, user-centered, and well-documented. 路 Facilitate weekly coaching sessions, milestone reviews, and design feedback. 路 Monitor project outcomes, mentorship progress, and lessons learned. 路 Collaborate with the UniPod Coordinator and the regional PDP team to ensure alignment with reporting frameworks and formats.
Competencies and valuesAccountability 路 Adaptability and flexibility 路 Creativity 路 Judgement and decision-making 路 Planning and organising 路 Professionalism 路 Self-management
Living conditions and remarks鈥淢auritania 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.