Technical Associate (Warehouse Automation and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Servicing), G-6, Temporary Position, 364 days, Supply Division, Copenhagen, Denmark #00138794 (Open to EU citizens and valid Danish work permit holders)

Duty station: Copenhagen

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to Deliver

UNICEF Supply Division operates a major humanitarian supply hub supporting the procurement, storage and distribution of essential supplies to children and families worldwide. The Copenhagen warehouse uses automated material handling equipment (MHE), warehouse management systems, conveyors, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), packaging equipment, and associated electrical and control systems. High system availability is essential to maintaining safe and uninterrupted warehouse operations. To strengthen in-house technical capability, support business continuity and improve knowledge retention, the Technical Associate supports daily maintenance, troubleshooting and continuous improvement in an automated warehouse environment, working alongside UNICEF colleagues and external service providers, including SSI Schaefer and Dematic where applicable.

How can you make a difference?

The Technician Associate (Warehouse Automation and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Servicing) provides hands-on technical support for automated warehouse equipment and related infrastructure to help ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of material handling systems and associated equipment. The position reports to the Senior Technical Associate, WIMC, and collaborates with Warehouse Operations, technical colleagues, Engineering and Quality functions, and external maintenance and automation service providers. Contributes to maintaining compliance with applicable international and regulatory standards in supply chain operations, especially for regulated products such medicines. Adherence to mandatory training requirements and internal procedures to maintain product safety and quality throughout the supply chain.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Maintenance and equipment reliability
• Perform planned preventive maintenance on warehouse automation and material handling equipment.
• Carry out corrective maintenance, adjustments and repairs within the incumbent's level of authorization and competence.
• Inspect material handling equipment and associated equipment.
• Identify root causes of recurring equipment failures and support sustainable corrective actions.
• Document completed maintenance activities in accordance with applicable UNICEF procedures and systems.

2. Troubleshooting and incident response
• Provide first-line support for mechanical, electrical and equipment-control faults.
• Respond promptly to breakdowns and operational incidents, with due regard to safety and operational priorities.
• Interpret equipment alarms and diagnostics at PLC/HMI user level.
• Escalate complex or safety critical issues to the appropriate UNICEF technical focal point or specialist service provider.
• Support recovery, testing and validation following failures or repairs before equipment is returned to operation.

3. Operational support
• Support warehouse operations during critical activities and periods of increased workload.
• Monitor equipment condition and performance and flag emerging risks before they affect operations.
• Participate in operational reviews, technical meetings and handovers.
• Support spare-parts and wear parts control, including identification, documentation and stock monitoring.

4. Contractor and vendor coordination
• Work constructively with resident technicians, contractors and equipment suppliers.
• Support coordination and follow-up of external maintenance interventions.
• Assist in verifying that contracted work has been completed, tested and documented.
• Ensure outstanding defects, recommendations and follow-up actions are recorded and escalated.

5. Documentation, safety and compliance
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, fault records, service reports and related technical
documentation.
• Work in accordance with applicable safety requirements, permits, lockout/tagout arrangements and local procedures.
• Support relevant GDP/GSDP principles and UNICEF quality requirements where maintenance may affect stored products or controlled warehouse conditions.
• Participate in audits, inspections, qualifications and technical assessments as required.
• Contribute to technical work instructions, checklists and maintenance procedures.

6. Continuous improvement and knowledge transfer
• Identify failure trends and propose practical improvements to system availability, maintainability and workplace safety.
• Support testing of equipment modifications, software changes and automation enhancements.
• Share technical knowledge through structured handovers and on-the-job guidance.
• Contribute to technical readiness and knowledge transfer relevant to Campus 4 and future warehouse automation solutions.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  JD - Technical Associate (Warehouse Automation and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Servicing)_GS6.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Completion of secondary education supplemented by a recognized vocational or technical qualification in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial maintenance, automation technology, mechatronics, or another relevant technical discipline. Additional certification in industrial maintenance, electrical safety or automation is an asset.
• Work Experience: At least 6 years of relevant hands-on experience in industrial maintenance, automated logistics, manufacturing or a comparable technical environment.
• Demonstrated experience with fault diagnosis, preventive maintenance and repair of automated or electro-mechanical equipment.
• Documented hands-on experience from an automated warehouse, logistics or industrial site of comparable complexity.
• Skills:
• Mechanical and electrical fault recovery and maintenance of automated or electro-mechanical equipment.
• Preventive maintenance of material handling equipment.
• PLC interaction at HMI/operator level, including alarm interpretation and equipment diagnostics.
• Technical documentation of maintenance activities, faults, incidents, spare parts and wear parts using a CMMS or equivalent system.
• Root-cause analysis support and prevention of recurring equipment failures.
• Safe working practices, including permits and lockout/tagout arrangements.
• Knowledge transfer and clear communication of technical information.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Danish language knowledge is desirable.

Desirables:

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
• Experience with conveyor systems, automated warehouse equipment or high-bay storage systems is highly desirable.
• Experience coordinating with external service providers or maintenance contractors is an asset.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, humanitarian, logistics, manufacturing, airport or distribution-centre operations is an advantage.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, fraud, corruption and other forms of serious misconduct.UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference, safeguarding and background verification checks. These checks may include verification of academic credentials and employment history, screening against relevant United Nations misconduct databases, and requests for misconduct disclosures from current and former employers, professional associations, other relevant organizations and participating organizations under inter-agency safeguarding initiatives, including the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), where applicable.Appointment, selection and continued engagement are subject to the satisfactory completion of all required checks. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information and consent to enable UNICEF to undertake these checks.Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments are conditional on the selected candidates willingness to comply with current or future vaccination requirements, should UNICEF mandate it for personnel. Failure to comply with such requirements, where applicable and without a duly approved medical exemption from the relevant UN authority, will result in the cancellation of the selection or may lead to other administrative measures, including separation from service.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

Visa residence requirements: i.e. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.