Learning and Capacity Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a UN agency established to lead global efforts in ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's mission is to empower women, adolescents, young people, and marginalized populations, including Persons with Disabilities (PWD), to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on improving health outcomes and promoting gender equality. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, addressing unmet family planning needs, and combating gender-based violence. The organization is committed to building back better in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that the rights and health of women and girls are prioritized in recovery efforts. UNFPA's work in Afghanistan is particularly critical, given the ongoing humanitarian crisis that threatens to reverse two decades of development gains.

Job Overview:
The Learning and Capacity Development Specialist will play a pivotal role in enhancing the learning and development framework within the UNFPA Afghanistan Country Office. This position involves the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of learning initiatives that align with UNFPA's corporate standards and the specific needs of the Afghanistan Country Programme. The specialist will be responsible for conducting needs assessments to identify capacity gaps, developing tailored learning solutions, and promoting a culture of continuous learning within the organization. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure that learning interventions are relevant and effective, ultimately contributing to the overall mission of UNFPA in Afghanistan. The specialist will also be tasked with enhancing onboarding processes and ensuring that all personnel have access to necessary training and development opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Learning and Capacity Development Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: A. Learning Strategy, Planning, and Coordination: Leading the development and implementation of the Country Office Learning Plan, conducting gap analyses to align training priorities with operational needs, managing the planning and budgeting of learning activities, and tracking key performance indicators related to learning outcomes. B. Training Needs Assessment and Learning Interventions: Conducting regular Training Needs Assessments (TNAs) to identify capacity gaps, recommending evidence-based learning interventions, creating or sourcing high-quality training materials, and maintaining a repository of learning resources. C. Learning Delivery and Facilitation: Facilitating various learning sessions, providing technical support for learning events, and organizing Learning Hours on relevant topics. D. Support on National Female Strategy: Implementing learning recommendations for female personnel as outlined in the National Female Strategy and facilitating virtual induction sessions for those unable to attend in person. E. Compliance and Mandatory Learning: Monitoring completion of mandatory corporate learning courses, managing updates regarding these courses, and providing compliance reports with action plans for improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Learning and Capacity Development Specialist position should possess a strong background in learning and development, with a focus on adult learning principles. They should have excellent analytical skills, knowledge of Results Based Management, and the ability to conduct field supervision and desk reviews effectively. Strong report writing abilities are essential, along with a commitment to promoting a culture of learning within the organization. The ideal candidate should also demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and professionalism in their approach to capacity development.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in education, human resources, organizational development, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in learning and development or related disciplines are highly desirable, as they provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in capacity building and training.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience in learning and capacity development, ideally with at least five years of relevant professional experience in a similar role. Experience working in humanitarian or development contexts, particularly in challenging environments, is highly valued. Familiarity with UNFPA's mission and objectives, as well as experience in conducting training needs assessments and developing learning strategies, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNFPA. Knowledge of local languages, such as Dari or Pashto, is considered a strong asset, as it enhances communication and engagement with local personnel and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, which is classified as a non-family duty station. The working conditions can be challenging, requiring flexibility and a willingness to adapt to a volatile security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security situation. UN personnel are accommodated in UN guesthouses within secure compounds, and there are restrictions on travel outside these areas. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for the unique cultural and environmental conditions of Afghanistan. The UNFPA offers a range of benefits and entitlements, which can be reviewed on their official website.