UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme (GCPU) develops the capacities of individuals and training institutions in developing countries to advance green and climate resilient development in support of Agenda 2030. The Programme offers a range of services, including executive training, capacity development for education and training institutions, support for national learning strategies, learning methodology development, and knowledge-sharing. Activities are carried out through partnerships with other UN organizations, bilateral development partners, as well as leading learning institutions and think tanks.

An important element of GCPU’s offer are high-quality distance-learning products for adults. The programme hosts the e-learning platform of the One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership (UN CC:Learn) which currently counts more than 600,000 registered users (http://www.unccelearn.org/). GCPU also delivers complementary trainings and supports learning institutions in partner countries to develop their e-learning portfolio.

The Training Specialist, Instructional Design, provides planning, implementation and programme management support for the maintenance and development of GCPU’s learning portfolio, including the flagship UN CC: Learn e-learning platform. The post will help to raise the visibility of GCPU’s learning offer and to ensure that the programme is able to sustain its place as a leading global provider of online courses on climate change and green economy in multiple languages. It will strengthen GCPU and the Division’s overall management structure helping to improve work flow arrangements and ensure more autonomous operations during the occasional absences of the Director and other key staff.

Under the supervision of the Senior Specialist, Green Development and Climate Change Programme Unit, Division for Planet, the incumbent will:

1. Support the management of the UN CC:Learn e-learning platform by:

• Providing lead technical, coordination and project management support for the maintenance and further development of the UN CC: Learn e-learning platform, including coordination with team members and external service providers, quality control and development of innovative features, formats and financing mechanisms (e.g. enhancing the existing voluntary donation system);
• Building and strengthening partnerships with key partners and stakeholders to sustain and upgrade the UN CC: Learn e-learning platform, as well as expand its reach;
• Coordinating the systematic reporting on number of beneficiaries, learning outcomes and evaluation results.

2. Support the development of GCPU’s learning products by:

• Providing lead technical, coordination and project management support for the design, implementation, translation, and evaluation of GCPU’s new learning products;
• Providing direct and management support for the development of specific face-to-face trainings, e-courses, tutorials, webinars and other products, ensuring that they are aligned with the latest industry standards and learning methodologies and effectively achieve the defined learning objectives.

3. Support quality control and innovation for all GCPU e-learning products by:

• Providing oversight and quality control on GCPU’s and affiliated climate change and green economy related e-learning products, including ensuring alignment with internal and external quality standards and certification criteria;
• Providing lead technical, coordination and project management support to ensure that existing products remain up-to-date and relevant and that e-learning design continues to evolve and innovate.

4. Provide capacity development support to national partner institution in the area of adult learning by:

• Providing direct and management support to training institutions in partner countries for the development and implementation of effective online and face-to-face learning for adults;
• Providing direct and management support to facilitate partnership development and experience-sharing among national institutions interested in climate change and green economy learning.

5. Support programme and project management by:

• Carrying out background research;
• Drafting project proposals and developing MOUs;
• Identifying and providing guidance to consultants, individual contractors and service providers;
• Designing and monitoring work plans and detailed budgets;
• Monitoring and evaluating projects and activities;
• Drafting reports for submission to partners and donors;
• Support overall programme planning and resource mobilization efforts.

• Outputs are delivered in a timely fashion and of high quality
• Communications with partners which are professional and systematic
• High quality inputs to guidance and training material development
• Demonstrated competence to lead within a team and build positive spirit and within the structure of the institute
• Capacity to identify problems/issues and identify workable solutions
• Ability to represent programme interests in internal and external meetings
• Ability to identify potential resource mobilization opportunities
• Ability to prioritize, take initiatives and take responsibility for work plan delivery.

• Professionalism: Good understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change and green economy. Sound knowledge of training methodologies, the instructional design process, technology-enhanced learning solutions and the use of collaborative tools and techniques to support learning activities; good understanding of the principles of knowledge-management and knowledge-sharing processes, tools and methods. Training and facilitation skills. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. 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.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is able to coordinate effectively teams composed of various colleagues working on a specific task; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings; very good inter-personal skills.
• Respect for Diversity: Demonstrated capacity to deal with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, and proven ability to function in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making.
• Planning & Organizing: Based on the guidance received, develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments with minimal supervision; adjusts priorities and formulates plans 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 and resources efficiently.
• Accountability: Acts in full consultation and in compliance with instructions, takes responsibility for delegated assignments; is accountable and trustworthy on administrative and financial matters requiring professional discretion and restraint; honors commitments by delivering outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports colleagues and takes personal responsibility for her/his own shortcomings.
• Technological Awareness: Proficient in the use of e-learning software (in particular Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise); sound knowledge of learning management systems (such as Moodle or Open edX). Keeps abreast of technology development and its implications for training methodology and delivery techniques; understands applicability and limitations of different e-learning technologies; shows willingness to learn new technology applications.

The incumbent will report to the Senior Training Specialist, Green Development and Climate Change Programme Unit.