Learning Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Established to promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism, UNV operates in 160 countries each year. The organization is headquartered in Bonn, Germany, and has a field presence that includes six regional offices and over 50 field units. The Human Resources Section (HRS) provides a comprehensive range of HR services to the organization and its workforce, focusing on capacity development and learning programmes for UN Volunteers.

Job Overview:
The Learning Specialist position is integral to the Capacity Development Team (CDT) within the Human Resources Section. The role involves planning and designing both virtual and onsite learning activities, conducting training needs analyses to identify gaps and improvements, and developing detailed programme plans aligned with learning objectives. The Learning Specialist will create or source high-quality training materials, coordinate with facilitators and subject-matter experts, and ensure alignment with the UNDP-UNV Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The position requires managing the full cycle of project management, including communication, timeline management, budget oversight, and scope control. The Learning Specialist will also deliver virtual and onsite learning activities, adapting methods to meet the needs of diverse volunteer categories, and will be responsible for designing and maintaining e-courses on the Learning Management System (LMS). Additionally, the role includes supporting the revision and delivery of learning programmes, coordinating outreach and engagement activities, and providing technical guidance to designated personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and design virtual and onsite learning activities, conducting training needs analyses to inform programme design. Develop detailed programme plans, including curriculum design and assessment methods.
• Create or source high-quality training materials, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and incorporating appropriate learning technologies.
• Coordinate with facilitators and subject-matter experts to ensure the accuracy and relevance of learning content.
• Manage the full cycle of project management, including communication, budget oversight, and scope control.
• Deliver virtual and onsite learning activities, facilitating engagement and adapting methods to meet diverse needs.
• Design and maintain e-courses on the Learning Management System, ensuring content is current and accessible.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to revise learning programme content and delivery, analyzing evaluation data for improvements.
• Plan and coordinate communications and learner engagement activities, drafting reports on learning outcomes and impact.
• Provide technical guidance and supervision to personnel supporting learning portfolio activities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Education, Adult Learning, Human Resources Development, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the mentioned areas combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience with a master’s degree or 7 years with a bachelor’s degree in sustainable development, preferably within the United Nations or in learning and development, adult learning, instructional design, or related fields. Experience in managing learning programmes or projects through stages of the learning cycle is essential. HR Certification is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Education, Adult Learning, Human Resources Development, Educational Technology, or Instructional Design. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these areas, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, will also be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the principles of adult learning and instructional design necessary for the role.

Experience:
The Learning Specialist should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience if holding a master’s degree, or 7 years if holding a bachelor’s degree. This experience should be in sustainable development, preferably within the United Nations, and/or in learning and development, adult learning, instructional design, capacity development, or related fields. The relevant experience must include managing learning programmes or projects through the various stages of the learning cycle, demonstrating a strong understanding of the complexities involved in such initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UN Official Language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The Learning Specialist position is intended to provide technical leadership and vendor/resource oversight through subject matter expertise rather than through direct line management of UNV staff. The role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but involves significant collaboration with various stakeholders. The position is open to both internal and external applicants, and UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. The successful candidate will hold a UNDP IPSA contract, and the organization values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.