Intern – Timbuktoo Project

Background

UNDP’s timbuktoo initiative is designed to help create more opportunities and bridge financing gaps in order to turn Africa into a tech knowledge and innovation powerhouse. Inspired by the best ecosystems in the world and adapted to the realities of the continent, timbuktoo will set up high-performance pan-African Innovation Hubs across Africa with the aim of nurturing and investing in thousands of techs and tech-enabled startups solving core problems facing the continent over a ten-year period. This pan-African approach helps ensure greater success and true ownership across the continent.

UNDP is partnering with host African governments, public and private foundations, corporates, universities, and innovation ecosystem partners to support the establishment of a network of these thematic hubs and invest in startups that can become unicorns under timbuktoo’s bold and unique model. These pan-African hubs will be focused on a single vertical focus (fintech, health tech, aggrotech, green tech/energy/climate, trade tech/logistics, smart cities/mobility, creatives, tourism tech/edtech and ManuTech) to provide expertise driven support and will be managed by a private consortium of ecosystem operators. Addis Ababa joined the first cohort of African cities to host the timbuktoo ManuTech hub because of the unique advantages that Ethiopia can offer the continent in the manufacturing sector and the potential of a large market size.

The hub in Addis Ababa will seek to revolutionize the Pan-African manufacturing technology landscape. Its scope encompasses a wide range of practical, relevant, and cutting-edge technologies, including advanced robotics, automation systems, digital fabrication, and IoT applications, all tailored to address uniquely African challenges and opportunities. With a strong emphasis on agro-industrialization and value addition to the continent’s abundant natural resources, it will welcome startups from all African countries working in sectors such as textile manufacturing, leather processing, and food production.

The hub’s mission extends beyond technological advancement to promote sustainable practices, create skilled employment opportunities, and drive overall industrialization and economic diversification. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem that harnesses the collective ingenuity of African entrepreneurs, we aim to boost Africa’s global competitiveness, promote intra-African trade, and position the continent as a leader in manufacturing innovation, ultimately driving economic growth and technological self-reliance across all regions of Africa. Currently the timbuktoo project is in the process of putting the various mechanism and activities in place to launch the first bootcamp program for the hub with partner agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Team Leader for Inclusive Economic Transformation Unit, the intern will provide support to the team in the following functions:

• Support the team for the smooth onboarding of startups to the bootcamp and follow up activities
• Communications and correspondence with relevant stakeholders ensuring timely responses and follow-ups
• Support the operational activities of the project such as following up on procurement activities, and following up on work delivery form venders.
• Gather and manage information on the hub and related matter that can support the programmatic design for the hub and other timbuktoo related initiatives like Unipod
• Assist in organizing high level events such as the Hub Launch events including venue bookings, coordinating with event manages and material preparation.
• Support the organization of meetings with national stakeholders and implementing partners, webinars, etc; prepare meeting minutes/notes to file, and undertake follow-up actions as needed.
• Apart from the above the Intern will also be required to execute other duties and assignments as entrusted by her/his supervisor.

Learning Objectives

• Increase understanding of UNDP’s work and the UN system
• Gain improved knowledge about the startup ecosystem both in Ethiopia and in Africa particularly in the manufacturing sector
• Gain knowledge and understanding of project management, administrative and operational rules, policies and regulations of UNDP
• Develop professional relationships with UNDP colleagues and colleagues from other UN agencies
• Build experience working as a team member in a multicultural setting

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback
• Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Technical/Functional Competencies/Skills:

• Able to take initiative and work independently, with minimum supervision
• Good writing and research skills
• Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills
• Excellent organizational, inter-personal, communication and administrative skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants must be enrolled a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) OR have recently graduated with a first-level university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and robotics Engineering and Manufacturing Technology. The applicants are eligible only if graduated within the past one-year.

Experience:

• Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.
• Understanding of private sector and inclusive market development would be beneficial
• Basic understanding of Manufacturing Technology.
• Experience with students and community organization on event planning and management, and engagement in school innovation activities is desirable.
• Proficiency in advanced computer software for design and data analysis is an advantage.
• Ability to work for 6 consecutive months.

Experience:

• Proficiency in English and Amharic (Written and oral) is required

Application:

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

• Updated CV and cover letter (in English)

* Please note that you will have to provide educational credentials at a later stage.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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