Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

In support of the national development objectives for achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth and transformation, UNDP Lesotho is collaborating with the Lerotholi Polytechnic and the wider academic ecosystem in Lesotho to implement the Lesotho University Innovations Pod (Lesotho UNIPOD project). The Lesotho UNIPOD is part of the UNDP Africa UNIPOD Timbuktoo initiative that was launched in 2022, aimed at promoting collaborations within African Universities and positioning them as centres of influence for economic transformation and development intelligence. The Lesotho UNIPOD will be hosted by the Lerotholi Polytechnic and partner with the local institutions of higher learning to cultivate and expand innovation and creativity for Lesotho’s economic transformation and development intelligence.

Specifically, Lesotho UniPod is expected to achieve the following objectives:

• To establish a national ecosystem for innovations, anchored on local knowledge and solutions, research and learning by creating linkages between academia, industry, and grassroots to ensure responsive and relevant development policy and programming.
• Establish the institutions of higher learning as think tanks and encourage proactive and transformative development research, innovations, and creativity.
• Foster youth entrepreneurship and advance value creation and economic transformation through the development of local value chains and diversification.
• Accelerate acquisition and integration of technologies in local innovations.

In this regard, UNDP is looking for a Mechanical Technician, who will be responsible for performing various mechanical, maintenance and repair tasks, as well as assisting in the design, fabrication, and installation of mechanical systems and components. The Technician will also be responsible for managing the mechanical fabrication lab and extending support to various fab labs within UNIPOD that require mechanical engineering expertise. He will work closely with mechanical engineers/ supervisors and other technical staff to ensure the smooth operation of mechanical equipment and contribute to the overall success of UNIPOD’s research projects. The technician shall also assist with various UniPod programs, which include training sessions and practical guidance on machine operations for members.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implementing standard operating procedures including workshop rules and regulations.
• Supporting and orienting workshop users and enforcing procedures, rules and regulations of the workshop.
• Perform regular maintenance and inspections on mechanical equipment and systems to ensure optimal functionality and safety.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues, and repair or replace faulty components as needed.
• Assist in the design, fabrication, and installation of mechanical prototypes/products and systems.
• Collaborate with innovators and researchers to support research projects by providing technical assistance and expertise.
• Follow established procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Participate in training and professional development activities to enhance skills and stay updated with emerging technologies.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring that tools and equipment are properly stored and maintained.
• Assemble, install, configure, and maintain mechanical workshop hardware components.
• Provide professional support to supervisors in organizing and facilitating various training sessions and workshops within the UNIPOD.

Core Competencies 

Achieve Results:          LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
Think Innovatively:       LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously:       LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility:       LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, and is flexible.
Act with Determination:   LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in the face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner:       LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, and forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:   LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, be aware of unconscious bias, and confront discrimination.

Cross-functional and Technical Competencies

Business and Risk Management: Ability to identify and organize action around mitigation proactively managing risks.
Business Management Satisfaction /Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency; provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs; provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy; look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests; ability to participate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.
Business Development and Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.

Education  
High School Education, with a specialized Diploma in mechanical engineering, mechanical technology, or any other related field OR a University Degree in mechanical engineering, mechanical technology, or any other related field is desirable but not a requirement.

Experience
6 years of hands-on experience in mechanical maintenance, repair, or related work is required OR a bachelor’s degree with 3 years of relevant working experience is required. The following are also required:

• Experience in maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems.
• Practical knowledge of mechanical fabrication techniques and processes.
• Experience in personal or freelance mechanical projects, demonstrating custom design and construction skills.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and procedures in a technical environment.

Language Requirement  
Proficiency in written and spoken English and Sesotho.

Working Conditions

• The position is based at the University Innovation Pod at the Lerotholi Polytechnic premises. However, work may involve both indoors and outdoors, depending on the project requirements.
• Working hours: Monday-Friday, 08:00 – 17:00.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for maintenance, critical system support, training, and mentorship sessions.