Project Lead - Samsung Mobile Circularity Innovation Project
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone operates with a people-first, human rights-based approach, aligning with the 2030 Agenda and national development plans. UNDP focuses on sustainable development, resilience, inclusive governance, peace, and prosperity. It leverages global partnerships and provides technical support for national ownership. Specifically, the timbuktoo UniPod supports an innovation ecosystem for youth, entrepreneurs, and innovators, fostering practical learning and market pathways.
Job Purpose
This role provides day-to-day leadership for the Samsung Mobile Circularity Innovation Project within the UNDP Sierra Leone timbuktoo UniPod. The project aims to enhance youth capacity in circular economy principles, mobile technology, electronics, and e-waste management through a dedicated Innovation Lab and partnerships. The Project Lead will ensure seamless coordination of project activities, partnerships, deliverables, budgets, risks, and results, aligning with UNDP requirements and commitments from Samsung and other stakeholders. The objective is to foster practical learning, prototyping, experimentation, and entrepreneurship support for young innovators.
Responsibilities
The Project Lead will oversee project planning and delivery, translating project documents into actionable plans and tracking progress against milestones and budgets. Responsibilities include coordinating daily execution of circularity activities across the UniPod and innovation clubs, sequencing trainings and experimentation, and managing inputs from various stakeholders. The role involves team coordination, task management for UN Volunteers, and fostering a collaborative environment. Additionally, the Project Lead will serve as the primary interface with Samsung and partners, preparing updates and maintaining constructive relationships. Technical oversight of innovation and experimentation, ensuring alignment with circular economy principles and promoting responsible technology practices, is crucial. The role also encompasses monitoring, reporting, quality assurance, budget management, and risk management, ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and safeguarding standards.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required. This includes experience in electronics, microcontrollers, embedded systems, hardware troubleshooting, mobile device repair, prototyping, IoT, digital fabrication, e-waste management, or circular economy principles.
Skills
Key skills include strong project planning, coordination, and implementation abilities, with capacity for managing multiple workstreams and stakeholders. Essential competencies involve analytical and problem-solving skills, effective team coordination, and translating objectives into practical tasks. Strong written communication, reporting, and presentation skills are necessary. A sound understanding of innovation, digital technology, and circular economy programming, coupled with robust partnership and stakeholder engagement skills, is vital. High levels of organization, accountability, initiative, and attention to detail are expected, along with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups and a commitment to UN values.