Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Manager, PTPU, Division for peace, the Senior Programme Specialist is responsible for the following duties (in compliance with the Institute relevant policies, guidelines, procedures and processes)

Coordinating UNITAR activities related to the topic area: “Online Learning and Education” (OLE) by:

• Formulate, coordinate, and oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on the activities of the education and online learning projects with a view to foster coherence and alignment with the overall strategic framework of UNITAR;
• Develop and explore partnerships with potential, including non-traditional, donors, seeking to encourage their commitment and support to UNITAR programmes and initiatives in the field of online Learning and Education;
• Ensure that the education activities are coordinated across UNITAR and with the UN System, governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector, media etc.;
• Handles academic related tasks as they emerge or are assigned by the supervisor;
• Assess training needs, designing, organizing and delivering learning interventions in collaboration with academic partners;
• Provide academic strategies in line with the programme’s long-term plan and implement the strategy within the Unit;
• Manage and oversee the performance of the staff of the Online Learning and Education Section;
• Participate in external marketing, open days, public relations, and relationship building with academic partners with the view of increasing the Programme’s visibility and harnessing new partnerships;
• Coordinate the development of outreach material / organization of outreach events;
• Identify potential areas for further development at the Programme level and incubate new initiatives and methodologies with the goal to enhance the diversity and effectiveness of the programme’s Education and Learning portfolio;
• Oversee the implementation of the latest technologies and methodologies across the Programme and ensure that learning materials and reports meet established quality standards.

2. Support to the Programme Manager by:

• Provide substantive support to the Programme Manager among others through the preparation of documents, briefing points, and presentations;
• Deliver training courses as requested;
• Provide various written outputs as requested.

• Team members in the Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit;
• Partner’s Universities’ officials specific to academic and quality assurance management;
• Other relevant Officials in Member’s States governments and Local and international humanitarian organizations.

In the execution of the above tasks, the incumbent may supervise junior professionals, consultants, experts and interns.

• Effective coordination and implementation of education learning activities;
• Effective strategic and technical contribution provided to the programme;
• Effective advice provided on the identification of relevant synergies and funding opportunities;
• Effective support provided in advocating and disseminating the programme’s products and services;
• Relevant inputs provided in the different areas of work of the programme and successful representation of the Programme at different OLE events / meetings including at UN Secretariat.

Professionalism: Expert knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches in the areas of Online Learning and Education (OLE), Higher Education institutions, Project management, ability to formulate new strategies and manage projects in the above subjects. Strong research, analytical skills, and ability to analyse and integrate diverse information, up-to-date knowledge of contemporary topics and issues in the broad field humanitarian operations. Ability to conduct 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.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, effective time management and ability to plan own work and the pillar’s work to meet designed deadlines. Sound skills and ability to identify priority activities and assignments and supervise colleagues; and ability to adjust priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Advanced ability to work under pressure with frequent and tight deadlines. High level of judgment and discretion in accomplishing the job. Uses time efficiently.

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 the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing other’s 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. Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats persons of any gender equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operate 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 then work unit, where applicable.

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.

Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.