EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Digital Fabrication Lab and Innovation Specialist

GIZ is a federally owned enterprise operating worldwide, assisting the German Government in achieving its policy objectives in the field of international cooperation. It offers demand-driven, tailor-made and effective services for sustainable development worldwide. In Tanzania and across the region GIZ supports the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the EAC in attaining their development goals.

The Digital Transformation Centre Tanzania aims to strengthen the expertise in applying digital approaches in the fields of gender equality and human rights among key stakeholders in Tanzania. By tackling local digital transformation challenges and prioritizing participatory processes it bolsters both the economy and society. To achieve this the Digital Transformation Centre amalgamates innovative capacity, technical expertise, IT knowledge, research, and a start-up mentality. Unlike private-sector initiatives, which often cater to elites, the DTC in Tanzania prioritizes the advancement of women and girls, as well as marginalized populations affected by the digital divide.

The project is seeking to recruit a Digital Fabrication Lab and Innovation Specialist to coordinate, train and supervise the digital fabrication and innovation lab (makerspace) equipped with 3D printers, CNC machines, power tools, laser cutters, and a computer lab. The makerspace will host digital fabrication trainings, digital literacy workshops, and emerging technology programmes including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity with a strong emphasis on promoting gender equality. Among others, this role combines hands-on technical expertise with training, innovation and networking activities. The Specialist ensures that all machines and tools are safely operated and well maintained, guides participants in using digital fabrication equipment, delivers structured training programmes, networking activities, and supervises the maintenance of a clean and safe workspace.

Duty station: Dar es Salaam

Contract Type: Fixed term contract

Band: 4

Responsibilities and Tasks

Machine Operation and Participant Guidance

• Guide and support participants in the safe and effective use of all digital fabrication machines and power tools including 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and computers.
• Provide hands-on demonstrations and step-by-step instructions for all digital fabrication equipment.
• Supervise participants during workshop sessions to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic machine errors or malfunctions in a timely manner.
• Ensure all equipment is correctly set up before each session.

Housekeeping and Machine Safety

• Maintain the general cleanliness and orderliness of the makerspace and computer lab.
• Conduct routine inspections and maintenance of all machines and tools, logging maintenance activities and flagging issues requiring technical repair.
• Uphold all safety procedures and rules within the makerspace at all times.
• Manage and stock consumables and materials used in fabrication (filaments, cutting materials, etc.).
• Ensure all machines are safely powered down, covered, and secured after each session.

Digital Fabrication Training and Networking Events

• In collaboration with key stakeholders, plan, develop, deliver and supervise digital fabrication training sessions for diverse groups including women and youth.
• Design and update training manuals covering 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, computer-aided design (CAD), and digital literacy.
• Coordinate and manage FabLab events, workshops, open days, and community activities.
• Collaborate with other trainers and facilitators on emerging technology programmes including AI and Cybersecurity.
• Track participant progress and provide constructive feedback to improve learning outcomes.
• Assist in the development of project ideas and prototype challenges for participants.
• Maintain training records, attendance, and outcome reports (M&E) for all programmes.

Communication, Knowledge Management and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with partner institutions such as government agencies, development partners, universities, NGOs, and community groups.
• Support the mobilization and recruitment of participants for training programmes.
• Assist in onboarding new participants and orienting them to the makerspace environment and rules.
• In collaboration with partners, ensure the development of the makerspace online presence through content creation (photos, videos, posts) from events and training sessions.
• Contribute ideas to improve Gendering makerspace to ensure inclusiveness, quality, and participant experience. Collect and analyse participant feedback to continuously improve programme delivery.
• Liaise with external trainers, partners, and guests in a professional manner.

Qualifications and Professional Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Industrial Design, Mechatronics, or a related field is preferred.
• Must have prior experience working in a makerspace, innovation hub, or digital fabrication learning environment with hands-on experience with:
  • 3D modelling software and printers
  • CNC programming software and machines
  • Laser cutting software and machines
• Must have basic knowledge of AI tools and cybersecurity concepts.
• Strong teaching and coaching ability.
• Strong ability to collaborate with stakeholders in Tanzania's innovation ecosystem and beyond.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent tools.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of digital fabrication technologies is an advantage.
• Must be fluent in both Swahili and English (spoken and written).

Applications:

Interested candidates should send applications through the following link:

https://www.fuzu.com/jobs/digital-fabrication-lab-and-innovation-specialist-giz-tz

Closing date for submission: 31.03.2026.

GIZ RESERVES ALL RIGHTS.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

GIZ Tanzania is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their gender, origin, religion/belief, disability, or any other minority group.