Project Background

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 intiative that was launched in 2022, aimed at promoting collaborations within African Universities and to position 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.

Job Purpose

The Electrical and Electronics Technician will have diverse responsibilities, encompassing electrical and electronics maintenance, repair tasks, and active participation in the design, fabrication, and installation of electrical and electronic systems and components. This role involves managing the day to day activities of the rapid prototyping and electronics fabrication lab, extending support to different fab labs across UNIPOD. Working closely with engineers, supervisors, and technical staff, the technician ensures the seamless operation of the fab labs, while playing a vital role in contributing to the success of UNIPOD’s research projects and service delivery. The technician shall also provide assistance to 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.
• Implementing, enforcing occupational, health and safety systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical and electronic systems, including but not limited to lighting, power distribution, communication systems, audiovisual equipment, and control systems.
• Conduct inspections and tests to identify faults, malfunctions or potential safety hazards in electrical and electronic equipment.
• Install, upgrade, and modify electrical and electronic systems according to specifications and applicable codes.
• Assist in the design, fabrication, and installation of electrical prototypes/products and systems.
• Collaborate with innovators and researchers to support research projects by providing technical assistance and expertise.
• Stay updated with industry trends, electronic techniques, and best practices to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Provide professional support to supervisors in organizing and facilitating various training sessions and workshops within the UNIPOD.
• Maintaining inventory of all workshop resources. Document work activities, including maintenance records, repair reports, and project progress updat

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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

High School Education, with specialized  Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Electronics engineering, Electrical Technology or a related field, a University degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering or related field is desirable but not a requirement.

Experience : 

6 years of experience in electrical or electronics maintenance or related field  or a Bachelors degree in electrical or electronic maintenance with 3 years experience.  The following are also required:

• Experience working with electrical circuits, wiring, controls, and instrumentation.
  Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing faults in electronic components and systems.
  Familiarity with electrical codes, regulations, and safety procedures
• Desired skills :
  Proficient in reading and interpreting electrical and electronic schematics and diagrams.
• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose faults in electrical and electronic systems.
• Skilled in using various tools, instruments, and equipment for testing and repair.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with colleagues and stakeholders. Solid computer skills, capable of learning CAD, CAM, and ECAD software

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.

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