Organizational context:
The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) is the primary provider of inter-agency training and
learning for the staff of the United Nations system. Its overall objective is to promote and support UN
inter-agency collaboration, increase the operational effectiveness of the UN system as a whole and
provide UN staff with the required skills and competencies to face today’s global challenges.
UNSSC conducts a variety of learning and training activities, in Turin and Bonn, UN Headquarters as
well as the regional and country levels. All such activities effectively respond to the cross-agency, farreaching
reform agenda of the United Nations.
The UNSSC Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development, officially opening in January 2016, is an
integral part of the United Nations System Staff College tasked to provide support to the UN system in
implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through learning, training and knowledge
management. It supports, in collaboration with relevant UN institutions and its partners, the policy and
operational work of the UN through the design and development of learning packages and tools,
platforms of interaction and executive programmes around the dimensions of the sustainable
development agenda.
This position is located at the UNSSC Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development. Under the
overall guidance of the KCSD Head of Office, and the direct supervision of the Learning Portfolio
Manager, the Associate Fellow will be responsible for the design, development, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation of e-learning and training programmes, knowledge processes and other
related activities.
Responsibilities:
Within delegated authority, the Associate Fellow will be responsible for the following duties:
Works with key clients, partners and resource persons to design, develop, implement and
evaluate assigned e-learning programmes and knowledge management projects; assists
in the development and distribution through web-based learning environments of learning
and reference material; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project
development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies
problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with
relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
Assists in facilitating learning sessions and knowledge processes in the framework of
workshops, online learning activities, webinars, retreats and other formal and informal
learning processes and events as needed.
Ensures quality and accuracy of e-learning/online courses by reviewing the self-paced
modules, course websites, documents, and learning management portals for pedagogical
quality and effectiveness.
Using appropriate e-learning authoring tools, such as but not limited to Articulate
products, audio and video editing software, update self-paced courses, modify, and
design or redesign as needed.
Carries out basic research on selected aspects of learning programmes, delivery methods
and other aspects connected to learning processes and activities, to include collecting,
analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse
sources.
Provides substantive support for e-learning programme design, development, coordination
and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends,
participation in needs assessment, learning and impact evaluations, as well as research
activities and studies.
Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data
collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and
prepares preliminary conclusions.
Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers,
analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings,
conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed
participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics,
etc.
Undertakes outreach, marketing and communications activities; participates in the
development of communications and marketing pieces, etc.; participates in and makes
presentations on assigned topics/activities.
Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative
support, data collection, etc.
Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and
submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related
documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
Performs other duties as required
Results Expected:
Provides timely and effective support and coordination for the design, development, implemen tation and evaluation of e-learning activities and knowledge processes within the respective portfolio.
Provides well-researched and sound analysis of issues and developments affecting design, development,
administration and implementation of learning and knowledge processes. Provides thorough, wellreasoned
written contributions.
Effectively, and in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues
and concerned parties internally and externally.
Qualifications and experience:
The position requires:
Education: A first-level university degree in instructional design, educational technology, adult learning
or a related field.
Experience: A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme
management in the field of learning and training, knowledge management, or a related area. Familiarity
with e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate, audio and video editing tools.
Language: Fluency in oral and written English is required. Ability to work professionally in other official
UN languages is desirable.
Competencies:
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of adult learning and training theories, concepts,
methodologies and approaches. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of
issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and
evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience
in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other
databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage
conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence
and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing
deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows
persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes
responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and
men in all areas of work.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets
messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in
having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by
genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before
personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions
may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint
responsibility for team shortcomings.
Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority
activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and
resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors
and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for
which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance
with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes
responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings
and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve
problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated
risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways
of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see
things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by
gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and
anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in the fields of adult learning, sustainable development, and leadership; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available learning and web technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to enhance learning; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new tools, methodologies and technology.
This vacancy is archived.