Staff Development Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Language and Communication Training Unit (LCTU) of the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS), which is part of the Office of Support Operations (OSO) in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) of the United Nations. The DOS was established to provide comprehensive operational support and advisory services to various entities across the UN Secretariat, including field missions and regional commissions. The LCTU specifically focuses on staff development and language training in all six official languages of the UN, ensuring that all Secretariat staff have access to necessary language and communication training resources.

Job Overview:
The Staff Development Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of staff development programs related to language and communication. This position requires collaboration with the Unit Chief to oversee a team dedicated to delivering language training in accordance with UN mandates on multilingualism. The officer will be responsible for preparing budget proposals for training programs, ensuring that language program objectives are met with appropriate materials and methodologies, and contributing to recruitment activities within the unit. The role also involves assessing training needs, designing training programs, and conducting research to support policy development in capacity building. The officer will maintain partnerships to enhance learning opportunities and keep abreast of developments in staff development and language training.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Development Officer will oversee the delivery of language training programs, manage the budget for training and development, and ensure that program objectives are aligned with UN mandates. Responsibilities include supervising the language teachers and consultants, preparing budgetary reports, monitoring the performance of unit colleagues, contributing to recruitment processes, and providing advice on human resources matters related to language training. The officer will assess training needs, design training programs, conduct research, prepare written outputs such as reports and analyses, and maintain external partnerships to enhance training opportunities. Additionally, the officer will keep informed about developments in staff development and language learning, and perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human resources policies and practices, particularly in the context of learning programs and capacity development. The ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, and make recommendations is essential. The officer should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in all areas of work. Strong planning and organizational skills are required, along with a client-oriented approach that prioritizes the needs of those receiving services. The officer must be able to develop clear goals, allocate resources effectively, and monitor progress towards objectives.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in training and development, human resources management, business or public administration, education, social sciences, or applied linguistics is required. A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, finance, budgeting, or administration is required. Candidates should have experience in capacity development or training within an international organization, as well as experience in preparing and executing operational and programmatic budgets. Experience in liaising with stakeholders and partners to advance initiatives is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in all skills.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year and is financed by the regular budget. The renewal of the appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds and budgetary approval. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and candidates from diverse backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process will not involve any fees, and candidates must provide accurate information in their applications.