International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Asia-Pacific Centre for Technology Transfer (APCTT), which is a regional institution established to promote technology transfer and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization focuses on enhancing the capacity of technology transfer offices (TTOs) and related intermediaries to foster sustainable development and innovation ecosystems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). APCTT operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, working closely with various stakeholders including governments, academic institutions, and private sector entities to facilitate technology transfer and innovation.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant involves designing and developing a comprehensive e-learning module focused on technology transfer for TTOs and innovation intermediaries in the Asia-Pacific region. The consultant will be responsible for creating a scalable, interactive, and high-quality e-learning experience that spans approximately 8 to 10 hours. This module aims to address the unique institutional and developmental contexts of TTOs in developing countries within the Asia-Pacific, ensuring that it supports SDG-aligned innovation ecosystems. The consultant will leverage existing resources from organizations like WIPO and AUTM while ensuring that the new module complements rather than duplicates these materials. The role requires a blend of instructional design expertise and a deep understanding of technology transfer operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including: (a) Conducting a rapid review of existing training resources and identifying gaps for the new e-module; (b) Engaging in virtual consultations with APCTT Governing Council members and TTOs to refine the e-module's scope and objectives; (c) Developing a detailed curriculum framework that outlines the module's structure, learning outcomes, and assessment strategies; (d) Creating structured content that covers essential aspects of technology transfer operations, including management of TTOs, commercialization, intellectual property, and stakeholder engagement; (e) Incorporating case studies and regionally relevant examples to enhance the module's applicability; (f) Designing interactive elements such as quizzes and scenario-based learning for asynchronous delivery; (g) Providing technical inputs for other capacity-building activities under the APCTT work programme as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as innovation management, technology transfer, intellectual property law, or science and technology policy. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in technology transfer operations, intellectual property management, or related fields is required, along with proven experience in developing e-learning modules. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in instructional design and curriculum development, particularly in creating practice-oriented training materials that include case studies and interactive learning elements. Familiarity with the technology transfer landscape in the Asia-Pacific region and knowledge of WIPO tools for IP management is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as innovation management, technology transfer, intellectual property law, or science and technology policy. A first-level university degree may be acceptable if accompanied by additional qualifying experience, highlighting the importance of both formal education and practical experience in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in technology transfer operations, intellectual property management, or closely related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing e-learning modules and instructional design, as well as experience in creating training materials that incorporate case studies and interactive elements. Prior experience working with United Nations organizations or international development agencies is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the technology transfer landscape and innovation ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific region.

Languages:
An excellent command of the English language is mandatory, with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 6 months, with a total consultancy fee of USD 24,000, which will be paid upon acceptance of specific deliverables throughout the contract period. The payment schedule includes milestones tied to the acceptance of various deliverables, such as the Inception Report, Stakeholder Consultation Summary, Curriculum Framework, Draft E-Module Content, and Final E-Module Package. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or pay any fees.