Background

The Bureau for Development Policy (BDP) is responsible for articulating UNDP’s development policy, using evidence gathered through country applications, regional experiences and global interactions. BDP has a key role to play in helping country offices accelerate human development by supporting the country offices in the design and implementation of programmes and projects that effectively contribute to national-level policies and results. Driven by demand, and working through the Regional Bureau and the RSC, BDP provides the tools, analysis and capacities that country offices need to make a real difference in UNDP’s practice areas.
 
BDP’s support of UNDP’s strategic plan 2008-2013 is focused in 4 practices (Poverty Reduction, Governance, Environment and Energy, HIV/AIDS) and 2 thematic areas (Capacity Development and Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment).
 
The Poverty Group (PG) of the Bureau for Development Policy is the institutional anchor of UNDP’s work on poverty reduction and MDG support, with gender equality and capacity development as cross cutting themes. Led by the Practice Director, the Poverty Group (PG) provides core services designed to support global, regional, national and local efforts to reduce poverty and reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These include technical and policy advice, policy analysis and advocacy and knowledge brokering. In line with the above, scaling up local development initiatives is an important initiative towards achieving the MDGs and sustainable human development.
 
“Scaling Up Local Development Innovations for Transformational Change” is a global programme that stems from the recognition that innovative interventions led by local stakeholders are instrumental in addressing critical constraints to the achievement of the MDGs and Human Development. Launched in 2010, this programme seeks to deliver higher development impact at the local level, address the knowledge gaps in different country contexts to move beyond “pilots,” and advocate for innovative and sustainable investments to directly benefit local communities and groups that are “left behind.” It is also underpinned by the human rights principles of promoting accessibility, availability and quality for key development services, and in the process of scaling up ensuring non-discrimination, participation and accountability.
 
The Scaling-up concept and approaches are not only applicable to local development innovations, but also can be applied to other work being undertaken by the poverty practice and other practices. It is about development effectiveness and result-based management, and as such is an important pillar to integrate into poverty practice work planning and results management.

The consultant will assist the Programme Team in producing an e-learning module on Scaling up for Development Impact. The e-learning course will be shared and viewed by all UNDP staff.

Reporting Requirement

The consultant will report to the Programme Team on a day-to-day basis. By managing the process of the production of the learning module, the consultant will contribute to the overall achievements of the results of the Poverty thematic area and in enhancing learning among UNDP staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the Design of UNDP Online Course

The consultant will ensure that the course developed by the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and Design Lab (vendor) follows the standards for each category of design. The consultant will work closely with the Design Lab Team Leader, the Programme Team, and online course vendors during different stages of the development process: Prototype, Storyboarding, Alpha, Beta and Gold versions.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop a positive relationship with vendors, LRC, and key support groups involved in the development life cycle in order to effectively manage the online development process; Define the learning objectives of the learning course in line with UNDP staff competency matrix so that staff would be equipped with knowledge and skills needed to build their competency and understanding of the subject matter on Scaling up local development;
  • Identify design options. The consultant will propose the appropriate online learning option amongst Rapid eLearning, Classic, High-end Design, and mock-ups, to discuss with vendors and the Programme Team;
  • Revise the High Level Design Documents, to ensure that they are compliant with the script provided by the Programme Team and simplified to make it understandable to the learner, without compromising its ability to effectively achieve the learning objectives of the course.
  • Maintain Instructional Design standards for the course deployed by Design Lab;
  • Ensure the design of the modules is compliant with technical standards and with the script provided by the Programme Team;
  • Ensure that the text of the Learning Module is presented in a clear and concise manner to the learner.
Supervise and Develop Multimedia Production
  • The consultant will ensure the multimedia elements in the course present ethical and cultural diversity policies and practices. S/He will also produce or provide ideas on multimedia visuals to supplement the content of the subject matter and text provided in the High Level Design Documents;
  • Provide, revise and approve graphic design, interface, functionalities, and course map;
  • Search for multimedia objects to support the instructional design such as pictures, videos, audio (music, voices), and provide guidance on the multimedia content to communicate important messages from the learning module; Coordinate the production of media files when needed.
Usability Testing and Course Assessment
  • Ensure that the course follow appropriate consistent design standards.
  • Revise, test and approve all materials developed with the external vendors (Prototype, SBs, Alpha, Beta and Gold versions) and liaise with Programme Team and LRC for revisions and approval;
  • Manage usability testing and prepare reports with feedback and follow-up on recommendations;
  • Liaise with Learning Management System (LMS) team for final testing, creation of assessment in LMS or in Articulate;
  • Troubleshoot basic technical functionalities.
Key Deliverables and Timelines

The consultant is responsible for the submission of the following deliverables to the Poverty Group according to the indicated deadlines and payments will be disbursed according to the allocation indicated for each deliverable. Payment will be based on satisfactory performance.

Deliverable 1: By 25 February 2013, review prototypes provided by vendor for lessons 1 and 2 and provide comments and suggest changes to the prototype in terms of the voiceover script, text and visual images presented on screen to vendor and LRC focal point. Ensure that the visual images are in line with the scaling up concept. Changes and suggestions must be reflected in the High Level Learning Document for lessons 1 and 2. (20%)

Deliverable 2: By 11 March 2013, Review and provide comments and feedback on the High Level Learning Document submitted by vendor for Lesson 3 based on the script that was provided by the Programme Team. Ensure that text and the suggested visual images are in line with the scaling up concept and the voiceover script. (20%)

Deliverable 3: by 25 March 2013, review prototypes provided by vendor for lesson 3 and provide comments and suggest changes to the prototype in terms of the voiceover script, presented text and visual images presented on screen to vendor and LRC focal point. Changes and suggestions must be reflected in the High Level Learning Document for lesson 3. (20%)

Deliverable 4: By 30 April 2013, conduct and finalize usability testing and assessment for all three lessons. (40%)

Competencies

Corporate Competencies
  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP mission, vision and values.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Leads or contributes effectively in team-based activities; displays open, co-operative behaviour
  • Focuses on impact and results for the client, promoting and living by an ethic of client service
  • Analyses problems carefully and logically, leading to fact-based and practical recommendations
  • Effectively applies existing knowledge to improve performance
Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Understanding and knowledge of eLearning methods and technologies such as content authoring tools.
  • Knowledge of e-learning standards for sharing and re-packaging content.
  • Knowledge of Instruction Design methodologies and learning solutions.
  • Ability to perform a broad range of specialized activities related to Learning
  • Design and production of multimedia assets compatible with UNDP Learning Management System.
  • Strong IT skills
  • Communicate effectively with LRC and vendors on design and functionality issues.
  • Strong organizational skills, time management and follow through skill and the ability to handle multiple tasks effectively.
  • Technical knowledge of Synchronous and Asynchronous virtual classrooms deliveries

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Advanced University degree in Education, Learning Technology, Education Technologies or other related discipline with a direct relationship to building and delivering e-learning products and services
Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years professional experience Designing online courses, Assessment engines, Synchronous and Asynchronous Virtual Tools with Web 2.0 components and various learning technology software applications and authoring tools.
  • Relevant experience in at least one of the following areas: Instructional technology, Instructional design, Development/Learning.
  • Previous work within the UN system is an advantage.

Language requirements:

  • Fluency in English required.

Evaluation Process:

The contract will be awarded to candidates who receive the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria: Technical Criteria weight: 70% + Financial Criteria weight: 30%.
Institutional consultants will be evaluated based on cumulative analysis.

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract will be made to the institutional consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

  • Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
  • Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation (technical criteria 70% + financial criteria 30%).
Technical Evaluation Criteria
  • Extensive experience and practical knowledge in developing e-learning courses with a focus on development : 40 points
  • Samples of previous work: 20 points
  • Writing skills: 10 points