Learning Specialist (Open to Tier 0, 1 and 2 candidates only)
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Job Summary
Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
- Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments whose posts will be abolished or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
- Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
- Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) personnel on regular PSA contracts and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
- Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title if any and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
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 theUNV Learning Portfoliowhich consists of five comprehensive learning experiences: 1. onboarding 2. skills surge 3. empowerment for change 4. connect and learn 5. career craft.
Scope of Work
- Plananddesignvirtualandonsitelearningactivities
- Conducttrainingneedsanalysistoidentifygapsandimprovementsinformingprogramme design. Develop detailed programme plans aligned with learning objectives including curriculum design content outlines instructional strategies and assessment methods utilizing prototyping principles.
- Createorsourcehigh-qualityaccessibletrainingmaterialsandresources incorporating appropriate learning technologies and methodologies. Coordinate with facilitators and subject-matter-experts to ensure accuracy relevance and quality.
- EnsurealignmentwithUNDP-UNVM&EFrameworkandimplementdata-driven improvements.
- Performthefullcycleofprojectmanagementincludingcommunicationtimeline managementbudget oversight and scope control.
- Preparetermsofreferenceandprocureprofessionalservicesfromvendorsandconsultants for volunteer learning activities and projects.
- Coordinate logistics and administrative arrangements for the timely delivery of the thematic workshops.
- Organizeandmonitorthedeliveryofservices byexternalconsultantsandvendorsinlinewith project plans timelines and budgets.
- Conductathoroughreviewtocapturelessonslearnedandbestpracticesforfutureprojects.
- Provide technical guidance and supervision to designated personnel supporting assigned learning portfolio activities.
2. Delivervirtualandonsitelearningactivities
- Facilitatein-personvirtualandblendedlearningactivitiesincollaborationwithstakeholders and domain experts and the capacity development team using appropriate platforms.
- Adapt learning delivery methods to meet the needs of diverse volunteer categories incorporatinginteractiveandparticipatorytechniquestoincreaseengagementandretention.
- Buildandmaintainrelationshipswithkeystakeholderstoexpandco-deliveryofvolunteer learning initiatives.
- Engagewithfacilitatorstoensureunderstandingandfinalizationof learningcontentand methods for effective program delivery.
- Coordinate or providetechnicalandlearnersupportforvirtual blendedandonsitelearningactivities.
- Monitorvolunteerengagementduringsessionsmakingreal-timeimprovementstooptimize learning outcomes.
- Conductpre-andpost-workshopevaluationsrecommendingdata-drivenimprovements.
3. Design and maintain e-courses on Learning Management System
- Ensure catalogue e-courses are current relevant and accessible on UNV Learning Management System (e-Campus);
- Track completion of e-courses including mandatory ones in collaboration with relevant UNV sections;
- Stay abreast of the status of mutual recognition of mandatory learning programmes completion through the UN Inter-Agency Group;
- Design develop update or maintain priority digital and blended learning products on eCampus using learning technologies and authoring tools including storyboards instructional scripts interactive activities and multimedia resources..
- Liaise with external vendors to resolve technical issues with accessing and completing courses while improving user experience and interface.
- Support the administration and continuous improvement of learning platforms and digital learning environments to strengthen learner access usability engagement and reporting.
4. Supporttherevisionofanddeliveryoflearning programmes
- Collaboratewithstakeholdersanddomainexpertstoreviselearningprogrammecontentand delivery aligning with identified learning needs and corporate goals.
- Analyzelearningevaluationdata toidentifyareasofimprovementandincorporate changes into learning programmes and products.
- Apply agreed quality standards templates and review processes to learning products digital content facilitator materials and learner resources.
- Maintainversioncontrolcommunicateupdated/revisedprogrammetostakeholdersand conduct Training of Trainers for relevant workshops.
5. Coordinatelearningoutreachcommunications and engagement
- Plan and coordinate communications and learner-engagement activities for assigned learning portfolio and UNV region using appropriate communication channels and digital platforms.
- Developandimplement programme information guidance and stakeholder updates to support awareness access to and participation in learning opportunities.
- Draftrelevantreportsonlearningactivitiesoutcomesandimpactasrequired.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the section and the organization.
Institutional Arrangement
TheLearningSpecialistreportstotheTeamLeaderCapacityDevelopmentandLearningandworks closely with the rest of the CDT and as a member of the Human Resources Section.
Core Competencies
Achieve Results
- Set and align challenging achievable objectives for multiple projects have lasting impact
Learn Continuously
- Proactively mitigate potential risks develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Adapt with Agility
- Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons diversify experiences
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: The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. The role is intended to provide technical leadership and vendor/resource oversight through subject matter expertise architecture guidance quality assurance and management of vendor-delivered outputs not through line management of UNV staff.
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Systems Thinking
- Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgementtounderstandhowinterrelatedelements 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 andexternallyandtodesignandfacilitateactivities toshareandexchangeknowledgeinformationand ideas.
- Knowledgeoftoolsandapproachestostimulate active participation contribution and exchange
L&D Planning
- Abilitytoidentifyorganizationallearningpriorities aligned with the business strategy using key stakeholder involvement to ensure appropriate learningandoptimalreturn-on-investment.
L&D Design
- Knowledgeofadultlearningprinciplesinstructional design learning styles and learning programmes delivery modalities; ability to identify and design effectivelearningpathsprogrammesandinitiatives.
Digital L&D
- Knowledgeofdigitallearningmethodsandabilityto design and develop digital learning programmes.
Creative Facilitation
- Ability to design workshops that consider and addresses multiple interests agendas worldviews; set out clear objectives and engaging activities; selectappropriatetoolsmaterialsresourcesthatare needed to enable or support the activities
- Ability to swiftly build rapport with participants and createasafespace(on-andoffline)wheretheyfeel comfortable sharing their views concerns experiences and reflections; supporting this with a range of tools to stimulate active participation
- Abilitytofacilitateinclusiveconversationsabilityto work with a diverse set of people with different backgrounds seniority and expert levels using different approaches tailored to fit the people in the roomdrawingouttheperspectivesandideasofeach individual and making decisions through deliberation and discussion across a group
- Ability to pace a session adjust to the abilities and energylevelsofattendeesandthenatureorpurpose of an exercise. Being flexible and able to improvise; adapting and changing approaches in response to the needs while staying true to the intent and objectives of the session
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- AdvancedUniversitydegree(mastersdegreeorequivalent)in Education Adult Learning Human Resources Development Educational Technology Instructional Design or related fields is required or
- AfirstlevelUniversityDegree(bachelorsdegree) intheareas mentioned above in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience will be given a due consideration in lieu of the Advanced University degree
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years (with masters degree) or 7 years (with bachelors degree) of relevant professional experience in sustainabledevelopmentpreferablywithintheUnitedNations and/or in learning and development adult learning instructional design capacity development newlearningtechnologiesor arelatedfield is required.
- The relevant experience must include managing learning programmes or projects through stages of the learning cycle.
- HR Certification is an asset.
Required skills:
Experience in:
- Conducting learning needs assessment and designing learning programmes assessments and evaluations
- Facilitating participatory virtual and in-person learning for diverse adult learners worldwide.
- Developing interactive e-courses using digital technologies and authoring tools.
- Learning management system (LMS) administration and troubleshooting.
- Managing learning projects and budgets involvingmultiplestakeholdersinaninternational context.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:
Experience in:
- Programme design and delivery for diverse skill proficiency disability and connectivity needs is desirable.
- Designing and delivering training using digital technologies and tools is desirable.
- Using authoring tools such as Articulate Synthesia HP5 or similar is desirable.
- Administering Moodle activities such as course catalogues enrolments learning activities and evaluation is desirable.
- Designing evaluations and analyzing data for improvements is desirable.
- Delivering Training of Trainers and managing quality assurance review is an asset.
- Workingwithvolunteersorwith a volunteer sending organization in implementing capacity development activities.
- Working inaglobalcontextsuchastheUnitedNationsorsimilar organizations.
Languages:
- Fluency in English and French is required.
- Working knowledge of another UN Official Language is an asset.
Disclaimer:
- Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
- The successful candidate will hold a UNDP IPSA contract.
- This vacancy announcement is open to Tier 0 1 and 2 candidates only.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and as such we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission are valued can thrive and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment exploitation and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment sexual harassment exploitation discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates therefore undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
Use of AI by candidates
Applicants are invited to read UNDPs guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information please see #LI-DNI
Required Experience:
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About Company
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life for themselves.
