Background

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is active in around 130 countries every year. With field presences in over 80 countries, UNV is represented worldwide. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). UNV is headquartered in Bonn, Germany, with a field presence through 6 regional offices and 50+ field units. 

Organisational setting

The Capacity Development team, as part of the Human Resources Section (HRS), leads the design and delivery of all learning activities for UN Volunteers serving with UN agencies globally. The HR Management team, also part of the HRS, leads the delivery of learning activities for the employees of the organization. The UNV Programme actively supports learning and capacity development for all volunteers as well as for its staff by providing an enabling environment and opportunities to develop key skills and competencies.

UNV provides serving UN Volunteers and staff with access to learning programmes and services which include but are not limited to learning platforms (e.g. UNV e-Campus),  onboarding portal, UN mandatory courses (online) and UNV e-courses, LinkedIn Learning, Rosetta Stone, Coursera, UNITAR online courses and individual coaching. Workshops and learning programmes are delivered onsite and virtually to specific target audiences at the local and regional levels. Depending on business priorities learning programmes to support strategic initiatives or UN partners are delivered as well.

Objectives, responsibility and description of work

The consultant will contribute to the work of the Capacity Development team in the Human Resources Section by supporting the design and delivery of learning programmes for UN Volunteers. In 2021 these will include: 1) virtual learning programmes; 2) onsite learning programmes (depending on evolution of COVID-19 pandemic in 2021) 3) blended learning initiatives for specific target audiences (e.g. youth volunteers; donor-funded volunteers; volunteers serving with a specific agency or region).

The consultant will be briefed on the learning programmes and services available for UN Volunteers serving with UN agencies globally. Tasks will include the coordination of virtual workshops, guidance of subject matter experts; communication with participants, collaboration with external trainers and vendors, review of workshop materials, analysis of surveys results and training delivery. The consultant will work remotely (home-based) reporting to the Team Lead Capacity Development and to the Learning Specialist in the team. S/he will be a full member of capacity development team and work as part of the broader Human Resources Section.

Scope of work

Specific deliverables include the following:

Deliverable 1 - Planning and design of virtual and onsite learning events, trainings and workshops.

Deliverable 2 - Delivery of virtual and onsite learning events, trainings and workshops

Deliverable 3 - Analysis, reporting and communication on virtual and onsite events, trainings and workshops.

Institutional arrangements

The Consultant will work in the Human Resources Section which is part of UNV Headquarters Management Services Division located in UNV Headquarters.

The Consultant will perform tasks remotely (home-based).

The Consultant will be provided access to relevant software/systems.

The Contractor will be paid a daily rate for the days worked. The maximum days the contractor could work is 110 days. The payment will be done based on the actual number of days worked, there is no commitment for the 110 days.

Duration of work

The duration of this assignment is 11 months. The expected start date is 8 February 2021.

Duty station

The assignment will be home-based.

Competencies

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing - Developing tools and mechanisms

• Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches;
• Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise - In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter

• Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
• Strong drafting, presentation and reporting skills;
• Excellent written communication skills.

 Client Orientation - Contributing to positive outcomes for the client

• Anticipates client needs;
• Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;
• Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective.

Qualifications

Education University Degree in Adult Education, Human Resources, Social Sciences, Law, Business Administration or other relevant areas.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years work experience in designing, planning, coordinating and/or delivery capacity development initiatives, projects or training for international audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in working in development or humanitarian environments such as with the United Nations, International organizations, NGOs or similar entities.
• Prior experience in using virtual collaboration tools such as Zoom, MS Teams, Go-to-Meeting, Webex or similar software is an advantage;

Language requirement:

Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement. Fluency in French or Spanish is an advantage.

Criteria for Selection of the Best offer

The selection of the best offer will be based on the combined scoring method – where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted – 70% and combined with the price offer which will be weighted 30%. UNV may conduct interviews with the shortlisted candidates prior to final evaluation.

Key selection criteria are:

Application procedure

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications

• Motivation/Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the work.  Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.

• Latest personal CV, including past experience from similar projects and at least three references

• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability-please fill in the attached form  https://popp.undp.org/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/UNDP_POPP_DOCUMENT_LIBRARY/Public/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx&action=default); . The financial proposal shall consist of all-inclusive lump sum in USD for the maximum duration of the contract period (110 days) and shall include the daily consultancy fee. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR FURTHER EVALUATION 

Any queries should be sent in a separate e-mail and addressed to: procurement@unv.org clearly marking Consultant Volunteer Learning and Capacity Development in the subject line

How to Submit the Application:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

• Merge your Cover Letter, CV and Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability (including the financial proposal) into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded;
• Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement);
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;”
• Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above);
• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.