Learning Specialist (Open to Tier 0, 1 and 2 candidates only)

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 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.

Scope of Work

- 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 subject-matter-experts to ensure accuracy, relevance, 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 for volunteer learning activities and 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.

- Provide technical guidance and supervision to designated personnel supporting assigned learning portfolio activities.

2. Deliver virtual and onsite learning activities

- Facilitate in-person, virtual, and blended learning activities 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.

- Coordinate or provide technical and learner support for virtual, blended, and onsite learning activities.

- Monitor volunteer engagement during sessions, making real-time improvements to optimize learning outcomes.

- Conduct pre- and post-workshop evaluations, recommending data-driven improvements.

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. Support the revision of and delivery of learning programmes

- Collaborate with stakeholders and domain experts to revise learning programme content and delivery, aligning with identified learning needs and corporate goals.

- Analyze learning evaluation data to identify areas of improvement and incorporate changes into learning programmes and products.

- Apply agreed quality standards, templates and review processes to learning products, digital content, facilitator materials and learner resources.

- Maintain version control, communicate updated/revised programme to stakeholders, and conduct Training of Trainers for relevant workshops.

5. Coordinate learning outreach, communications and engagement

- Plan and coordinate communications and learner-engagement activities for assigned learning portfolio and UNV region, using appropriate communication channels and digital platforms.

- Develop and implement programme information, guidance and stakeholder updates to support awareness, access to and participation in learning opportunities.

- 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 section and the organization.

Institutional Arrangement

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.

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 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.

- Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution and exchange

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 addresses 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

- Ability to swiftly build rapport with participants and create a safe space (on- and offline) where they feel comfortable sharing their views, concerns, experiences and reflections; supporting this with a range of tools to stimulate active participation

- Ability to facilitate inclusive conversations, ability to work with a diverse set of people with different backgrounds, seniority and expert levels, using different approaches tailored to fit the people in the room, drawing out the perspectives and ideas of each individual and making decisions through deliberation and discussion across a group

- Ability to pace a session, adjust to the abilities and energy levels of attendees and the nature or purpose 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:

- Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Education, Adult Learning, Human Resources Development, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, 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 a 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, adult learning, instructional design, capacity development, new learning technologies, or a related field 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 involving multiple stakeholders in an international 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.

- Working with volunteers or with a volunteer sending organization in implementing capacity development activities.

- Working in a global context such as the United Nations or similar 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 UNDP’s 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 www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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