Staff Development Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) was established to enhance the effectiveness of the UN's development efforts. It operates under the oversight of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) and is responsible for coordinating the resident coordinator system. The DCO was transformed into a stand-alone office as endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution A/RES/72/27

• The office aims to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies a shift towards a data-driven, innovative, and mission-oriented organizational culture. The DCO employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to fostering sustainable development across various countries.

Job Overview:
The Staff Development Officer position is critical within the Resident Coordinator (RC) System Leadership Branch of the UNDCO. The incumbent will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating leadership development and learning programs tailored for Resident Coordinators and other key personnel. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure that learning initiatives align with the UN's strategic priorities, particularly in relation to the UN 2.0 capabilities. The officer will utilize a variety of learning methodologies, including face-to-face, virtual, and blended learning approaches, to cater to diverse audiences. The position also involves monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, ensuring continuous improvement based on feedback and data analysis. The Staff Development Officer will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the UN system, contributing to organizational change initiatives and the overall enhancement of leadership capabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Development Officer will undertake a comprehensive range of responsibilities, including:

• Designing and developing leadership development programs and learning initiatives for various stakeholders within the RC system.
• Implementing face-to-face, virtual, and blended learning programs, adapting methodologies to suit different audiences.
• Supporting the development of upskilling initiatives related to UN 2.0 capabilities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Providing expert advice on learning methodologies and tools, identifying best practices for leadership development.
• Developing learning products and resources in consultation with subject-matter experts.
• Coordinating with internal and external partners to implement learning initiatives, monitoring progress and recommending adjustments as necessary.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of programs through data collection and analysis, identifying lessons learned for future improvements.
• Contributing to organizational change initiatives and assessing their implications for leadership development.
• Keeping abreast of developments in leadership development and adult learning, applying relevant innovations to the RC system. 1
• Preparing analytical reports and documentation related to leadership development and learning initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of contemporary learning-related policies and practices, particularly in the context of leadership development. The ability to apply innovative learning methodologies and adapt them to organizational needs is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, including the ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, and make recommendations. A commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in all areas of work is also required. Strong planning and organizational skills are necessary to manage multiple priorities effectively, along with creativity in seeking improvements and new solutions.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human resources management, business or public administration, social sciences, education, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in learning and development is required. Candidates should have experience in needs assessment, instructional design, and the development and evaluation of learning programs using various methodologies. Experience in delivering face-to-face, virtual, and e-learning programs is desirable, as is experience working with senior UN leaders or equivalent. Familiarity with UN 2.0 capabilities and experience in the UN system or comparable international organizations is also advantageous.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset, although not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is open for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The recruitment process is subject to budgetary approvals and the availability of the post. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.