International Consultant for Design Thinking Training

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a significant presence in Ethiopia, where it collaborates with the government and various stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals. The UN Ethiopia 2025-2030 Cooperation Framework is a strategic plan that outlines the joint efforts of 28 UN agencies to support the Government of Ethiopia in achieving its national development priorities.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant for Design Thinking Training will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of UN staff in Ethiopia to develop high-impact, people-centered programs. This position involves designing a training methodology that aligns with the UN Ethiopia 2025-2030 Cooperation Framework, which aims to address transformative results such as building sustainable food systems, creating decent jobs, and digitizing development. The consultant will be responsible for delivering training sessions that introduce core design thinking concepts and methodologies, enabling UN staff to apply these principles in their program development efforts. The consultant will also facilitate workshops and provide ongoing support to ensure the effective implementation of design thinking practices within the UN framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Proposing an appropriate training methodology that assesses the current UN Cooperation Framework outcomes and transformative results.
• Developing comprehensive design thinking training materials tailored for UN staff, incorporating feedback and adjustments based on training experiences.
• Conducting three in-person workshops (design clinics) for 30-50 UN staff participants in Ethiopia, focusing on practical applications of design thinking.
• Preparing a final assessment report that includes recommendations and additional training suggestions.
• Ensuring that the training content is highly visual, participatory, and practice-oriented, with substantial hands-on exercises.
• Addressing additional areas deemed critical by the consultant to enhance the training experience.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Design, Innovation, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Certification in International Design Thinking is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of demonstrated expertise in design thinking, particularly in partnerships with reputable design thinking institutions or hubs. A strong understanding of design thinking methodologies in civil society and international NGOs, especially in non-Western contexts, is required. Excellent knowledge of social innovation techniques and experience in developing and delivering training programs for international development organizations in sub-Saharan Africa are essential. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to work under tight deadlines and collaborate effectively in teams, along with excellent oral and written communication skills, including report writing.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Design, Innovation, or a related field is required for this position. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Certification in International Design Thinking is considered an asset and would enhance the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of demonstrated expertise in design thinking, particularly in partnerships with reputable design thinking institutions or hubs, whether regional or international. Candidates should have a strong understanding of design thinking methodologies as applied in civil society and international NGOs, especially in non-Western contexts. Experience in developing and delivering training programs for international development organizations in sub-Saharan Africa is also essential, as is the ability to work under tight deadlines and collaborate effectively within teams.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to facilitate training and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 4 months, during which the consultant will engage in various training and workshop activities. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a proposed approach and methodology, including a work plan. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The UN also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.