Technical Support Consultant – Humanoid Robots in Education

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and gender parity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.

To provide short-term technical support to Resource Centres (RCs) in Serbia for the diagnosis, troubleshooting, and resolution of technical issues affecting the functionality and effective use of humanoid robots (“Voli”) in educational settings, with the aim of ensuring their reliable operation in both RCs and mainstream schools, on the request of Ministry of Education. Technical issue resolution and software update-related support will be delivered in accordance with guidance and instructions provided by the external vendor, which continues to maintain the backend infrastructure, as well as the Android and web applications, through the UNICEF Office. All necessary documentation available will be provided to selected consultant by UNICEF and RCs. Access to robots will be provided by the RCs.

Scope of Work:

Technical Diagnostics & Assessment

• Conduct a rapid technical assessment of all 11 robots across RCs (hardware, software, connectivity, tablets, batteries, sensors).
• Identify all issues and classify all findings as per most likely root causes for future follow-up, such as:
• System freezes and delays (configuration issues)
• Command execution failures (movement, speech)
• Software instability post-update (patching issues)
• Internet connectivity loss (Wi-Fi and other connectivity issues)
• Language-related performance differences (localization issues, TTS)
• Hardware issues/damage (e.g. tablet issues)

Troubleshooting & Software update

• Support RCs to ensure all robots are updated with the latest stable software version, to make it functional.
• Test and stabilize software performance post-update
• Address bugs (e.g. “DOT” speech issue, limited song functionality).
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting (remote and on-site where needed).
• Recommend immediate fixes and temporary workarounds for unresolved technical constraints, as per assessment findings for optimize performance
• Identify and propose solutions for internet dependency issues (offline modes, hotspot configuration, network requirements, independent 5g/4g router options).
• Support proper configuration and provide guidance for RCs and schools related to connectivity for using robots outside RC environments.

Capacity Building and training

• Develop and keep up-to-date practical troubleshooting guidelines (user-friendly manual).
• Train RC staff on:
• Basic maintenance
• Troubleshooting procedures
• Effective classroom use
• Provide quick reference tools (checklists, FAQs).

Recommendations for Sustainability

• Provide technical recommendations for long-term system improvements and build of new local app
• Advise on technical specification for new local app development and procurement needs.
• Contribute and provide feedback for future UNICEF-supported digital innovation initiatives.

Contract duration: 2 June – 31 December 2026 (up to 30 workdays)

Tasks and Deliverables:

Task 1. Technical Assessment

• Technical Diagnostics & Assessment report on all robots, classified as per most likely root causes for future follow-up (status, issues, root causes) – Word report
• Until 30th June 2026

Task 2: Troubleshooting & Software update

• Updated and stabilized software on all robots – Delivered detailed verification report with technical note on connectivity and
• Troubleshooting log (Excel sheet tracking issues and fixes)
• Until 31st December 2026

Task 3: Capacity Building and training

• Training sessions delivered (agenda + materials + participant lists)
• Improved troubleshooting manual created for RC staff (user-friendly guide)
• Until 31st October 2026

Task 4: Final Recommendations

• Final report with recommendations for sustainability, procurement, and system improvements
• Until 31st December 2026

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Requirements:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, or IT related disciplines.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in robotics, IT systems, or related technical support roles.
• Proven experience working with:
• Humanoid robots or similar programmable devices
• Software troubleshooting and debugging
• Hardware diagnostics and repair coordination
• Experience in education technology or school environments is an asset
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to translate technical issues into practical guidance for non-technical users
• Experience delivering training and user support
• Fluency in Serbian and English.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing the following information:

• An all-inclusive daily fee in RSD.

Important notes:

• Please remember to specify your name in the financial proposal file while saving (to be uploaded online under the “Financial Proposal” tab).
• Please do not indicate financials anywhere else in the online application form, please mark "n/a” or “00" under the fee-related questions in the online application form.
• Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advanced to the next stage of the selection process.

For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

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 and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.