Consultancy: Collaborative Game-Based Learning Designer (Home-Based/Remote)

Contract

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a Future

Humanitarian Evidence and Learning (HELS) team in the Office of Emergencies as well as the Learning and Knowledge Exchange unit (LKE) in the Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring (DAPM) at UNICEF is currently transforming the Core Commitments for Children (CCC) learning programme by piloting innovative collaborative game based learning products that aim to increase UNICEF and its partners ability to deliver principled, timely, quality and child-centered humanitarian response and advocacy in diverse types of crises .

How can you make a difference?

The purpose of this consultancy is to support design of Programme Learning playlists as part of the CCC learning strategy by adapting new and existing humanitarian related scenarios and case studies into game-based learning experiences with opportunities for virtual and human to human sharing.

The main tasks are as follows;

1. Deliver expertise and game based learning products that support delivery of ;

· immersive learning with mixed reality interactions that benefit from the strengths of both digital self-guided learning as well as human interactions & feedback.

· multi role scenarios that include social elements in the games allowing for practice-based learning in teams. This should Include situational games and role-playing practice activities that drive positive behavioural change.

· narratives to motivate players to accomplish goals, both fictional and real to drive collaboration.

· peer-to-peer co-learning activities at scale that make learning memorable, engaging and fun.

2. Provide training and coaching support to the UNICEF project team in HELS and DAPM to gain expertise in the creation of collaborative game-based learning experiences.

NOTE: Candidates should formulate which software they propose to use for the creation of the game based learning products. Information about the software can be provided in the proposal but the financial proposal should only focus on the deliver of services described in these TORs. UNICEF may contact candidates to discuss the choice of software .

Scope of Work:

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. The CCCs form the core UNICEF policy and framework for humanitarian action and are mandatory for all UNICEF personnel. Grounded in global humanitarian norms and standards, the CCCs set organizational, programmatic and operational commitments and benchmarks against which UNICEF holds itself accountable for the coverage, quality and equity of its humanitarian action and advocacy. The CCCs have been revised and on track to be launched in Quarter 4 2020.

As part of the CCC learning strategy, online Programme Learning playlists will be designed to increase the abilities of Programme Staff to practice, apply and implement the new Core Commitments for Children in their work programs. The collaborative game-based learning scenarios will be included in these playlists to enhance the user experience and promote immersive learning exchange between peers and staff in the programmes. The consultancy shall facilitate the delivery of a series of work-products and outcomes listed under “Expected Deliverables/Results” section below.

The consultant is expected to work closely with the Humanitarian Evidence and Learning (HELS)team in the Office of Emergencies as well as the Learning and Knowledge Exchange unit (LKE) in the Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring (DAPM) under the overall supervision of the Learning Specialist in Humanitarian Evidence and Learning Team. This is a remote / home-based consultancy.

Task/Milestone 1: To provide innovative design ideas, expertise and hands on technical support to adapt new and existing case studies and scenarios into game-based learning experiences that can be deployed easily In the UNICEF LMS (Agora) system. Due 31 October 2020

Deliverables: • Reviewed draft scenarios and case studies with recommendations on game design that incorporates digital human-to-human learning components • Storyboard templates that align with agreed recommendations and reviewed based on inputs.

Rate: 4 days at $900 = $3600

Task/Milestone 2: Lead acceptance and testing of 1st collaborative virtual game version

Deliverable/Output Game created and published on game interface/workspace that can be deployed at scale via URLs in Agora and within virtual CCC TOT workshops/ sessions using a game code. Due 1st Nov 2020

Rate: 6 days at $900 = $5400

Task/Milestone 3: To facilitate sessions with UNICEF HELS and LKE team to ensure key learnings and reflections of the games are adapted to a virtual environment. This includes training key staff on these teams on use of select game- based Interface, in a way that the staff feel competent and confident to create future game concepts. Due 15, Nov 2020

Deliverable/Output Online training sessions provided Help guides and videos shared Feedback sessions on participant game prototypes held/conducted.

Rate: 4 days at $900 = $3600

Task/Milestone 4: Lead acceptance and testing of second collaborative virtual game version

Delievrable/Output Game created and published on game interface/workspace that can be deployed at scale via URLs in Agora and within virtual CCC TOT workshops/ sessions using a game code. Due 30th Nov, 2020.

Rate: 6 days @ 900 =$ 5400

Task/Milestone 5: Coach team on prepared game concepts following the training, support, testing and collecting feedback, including lessons learned and recommendations on the way forward.

Deliverable/Output • Feedback provided on UNICEF drafted initial game concepts. • Input on design of evaluation questions, approach and feedback loop into design provided Due 31st December 2020

Travel (international if applicable) or Local - please include travel plan and quote.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Masters's degree in instructional design, educational technology or similar relevant field • At least 5 years of working experience in instructional and/or game design • Previous experience in designing and delivering humanitarian learning. • In-depth knowledge of learning theories and instructional design models • Ability to communicate complex messages through storytelling and compelling graphics • Expertise in content authoring and rapid design game tools • Familiarity with software tools for learning games content creation • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Instructions for the consultant:

1. Submit a daily rate and confirm availability. 2. Rates shall be all-inclusive and include all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR. 3. Please provide examples learning games you have designed. 4. The applications will be assessed as follows: 5. 40% on the quality and originality of examples, 6. 30% on the profile of the candidate/interview and 7. 30% on the price proposal. 8. Payment schedule is according to deliverable acceptance.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.