Learning Specialist

Job Identification

21701

Locations

Bonn, Germany

Posting Date

10/29/2024, 11:38 AM

Apply Before

11/12/2024, 10:59 PM

Job Schedule

Full time

Agency

UN Volunteers

Grade

IPSA-10

Vacancy Type

International Personnel Service Agreement

Practice Area

Management

Bureau

UNV

Contract Duration

1 Year

Education & Work Experience

Master's Degree - 5 year(s) experience OR Bachelor's Degree - 7 year(s) experience

Required Languages

English

Desired Languages

Working knowledge of another UN language

Mobility required/no mobility

no mobility required

Job Category

Communications

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Office/Unit/Project Description

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is active in 160 countries every year. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). UNV is headquartered in Bonn, Germany, with a field presence comprising 6 regional offices and 50+ field units.

The Human Resources Section (HRS) provides a full range of HR services to the organization and its workforce. As part of the Human Resources Section, the Capacity Development Team (CDT) designs capacity development and learning programmes for UN Volunteers. The team supports the implementation of the UNV Learning Portfolio which consists of five comprehensive learning experiences: 1. onboarding 2. skills surge 3. empowerment for change 4. connect and learn 5. career craft.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Plan and design virtual and onsite learning activities

• Conduct training needs analysis to identify gaps and improvements, informing programme design.
• Develop detailed programme plans aligned with learning objectives, including curriculum design, content outlines, instructional strategies, and assessment methods, utilizing prototyping principles.
• Create or source high-quality accessible training materials and resources, incorporating appropriate learning technologies and methodologies. Coordinate with facilitators and technical focal points to ensure content accuracy and quality.
• Ensure alignment with UNDP-UNV M&E Framework and implement data-driven improvements.
• Perform the full cycle of project management, including communication, timeline management, budget oversight, and scope control.
• Prepare terms of reference and procure professional services from vendors and consultants based on scope of work and business requirements for volunteer learning activities and related projects.
• Coordinate logistics, and administrative arrangements for the timely delivery of the thematic workshops.
• Organize and monitor the delivery of services by external consultants and vendors in line with project plans, timelines and budgets.
• Conduct a thorough review to capture lessons learned and best practices for future projects.

Deliver virtual and onsite learning activities

• Facilitate in-person, virtual, and blended learning events in collaboration with stakeholders and domain experts, and the capacity development team using appropriate platforms.
• Adapt learning delivery methods to meet the needs of diverse volunteer categories, incorporating interactive and participatory techniques to increase engagement and retention.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to expand co-delivery of volunteer learning initiatives.
• Engage with facilitators to ensure understanding and finalization of learning content and methods for effective program delivery.
• Provide technical and helpdesk support for virtual and onsite learning events.
• Monitor volunteer engagement during sessions, making real-time improvements to optimize learning outcomes.
• Conduct pre- and post-workshop evaluations, recommending data-driven improvements.

Manage and update mandatory courses, ensuring compliance and engagement

• Ensure all mandatory courses are current, relevant and accessible on e-Campus.
• Track completion of mandatory courses and collaborate with Volunteer Solutions Section to ensure the update of BI for corporate reporting.
• Stay abreast of the status of mutual recognition of mandatory learning programmes completion through the UN Inter-Agency Group.
• Update and maintain other courses on e-Campus as applicable.
• Liaise with external vendors to resolve technical issues with accessing and completing courses, while improving user experience and interface.

Support the revision of programme content and delivery of all workshops

• Collaborate with stakeholders and domain experts to revise learning programme content and delivery, aligning with Volunteers’ needs and corporate goals.
• Analyze volunteers’ evaluation feedback to identify areas of improvement and incorporate changes into Global Programmes.
• Maintain version control, communicate updated/revised programme to stakeholders, and conduct Training of Trainers for relevant workshops.

Coordinate CDT Outreach and Communications Efforts

• Develop a communication plan for the Capacity Development team, leveraging social media and digital platforms, and coordinate internal and external communication on Capacity Development Team activities.
• Develop and implement promotional materials and campaigns targeting diverse UN Volunteer groups and regions.
• Draft relevant reports on learning activities, outcomes and impact as required.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

The Learning Specialist reports to the Team Leader, Capacity Development and Learning, and works closely with the rest of the CDT and as a member of the Human Resources Section.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
• Think Innovatively: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
• Learn Continuously: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
• Adapt with Agility: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
• Act with Determination: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
• Engage and Partner: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

People Management

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

• Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
• Knowledge facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information, and ideas.
• L&D planning: Ability to identify organizational learning priorities aligned with the business strategy using key stakeholder involvement to ensure appropriate learning and optimal return-on-investment.
• L&D design: Knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, learning styles, and learning programmes delivery modalities; ability to identify and design effective learning paths, programmes and initiatives.
• Digital L&D: Knowledge of digital learning methods and ability to design and develop digital learning programmes.
• Creative facilitation: Ability to design workshops that consider and address multiple interests, agendas, worldviews; set out clear objectives and engaging activities; select appropriate tools, materials, resources that are needed to enable or support the activities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Public or Business Administration, Humanities or related fields is required, or
• A first level University Degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the Advanced University degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in sustainable development, preferably within the United Nations, and/or in learning and development, training design and delivery, new learning technologies, or related field.

Required skills:

• Designing and implementing learning solutions that are accessible and inclusive, using a variety of delivery methods.
• Planning and facilitating virtual and in-person workshops and events.
• Using virtual collaboration tools such as Zoom, MS Teams or similar software.
• Coordination of multiple stakeholders in an international context.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Designing, developing, implementing strategies to measure impact of learning programmes is desirable.
• Experience in delivering onboarding programmes (virtual and in person) is an asset.
• Experience in reporting on learning initiatives is an asset.
• Working with volunteers or volunteer sending organization in implementing capacity development activities.
• Working in a global context such as the United Nations or similar organizations.

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Professional Certificates:

• HR Certification is an asset.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders): Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters: Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination: UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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