E- Learning Module Developer - Sri Lankans only

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

"Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustenance of Ecosystems Services in Environmentally Sensitive Areas" is a Global Environment Facility (GEF) fifth programme cycle project implemented by the Ministry of Environment (MoE) and UNDP. The primary objective of the ESA project is "To operationalize the concept of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) as a mechanism to mainstream Biodiversity (BD) in development planning and landscape management, especially in areas of high conservation significance." As such the Project develops and promotes the adoption of ESA concept based on ecological perspectives and related tools among agencies and stakeholders involved in managing landscapes or seascapes in the country.

Operationalizing and mainstreaming the ESA approach is designed as an integrated, community-centred and ecosystem-based initiative employing biodiversity-sensitive best practices into the development of forestry, agriculture and tourism sectors. The project facilitates effective, equitable and transparent sharing of environmental and social benefits by conservation and management of ESAs among stakeholder entities including the local communities.

Since the ESA Co-management concept being new in landscape management and present conservation agenda is very much driven by legislation, it is essential to adopt a strong commitment to capacity development for the paradigm shift. Supporting local communities and their conservation partners, such as provincial, district, divisional and local state institutions, conservation NGOs and private sector, to plan and manage their Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) is essential. It needs to strengthen communities and their partners in recognizing the requirements for managing ESAs so that they can reach a common understanding and consensus of the realistic and practical outcomes desirable from a local management approach. The modules need discussing the tools required in identifying, designing, implementing and managing ESAs and presents these in a step-by-step process that could serve as the basis for training of participants in the ESA process.

The Online Module is intended primarily for national level and regional level partner organizations that support communities and their local ESA management efforts. Partners may include government agencies (at local, divisional, district, provincial and national levels), non-governmental organizations, private sector and other interested groups. The online module is developed to be used by national entities interested in supporting the promotion of ESAs, researchers, conservationists who are interested to improve the practice of community-based conservation efforts outside government-owned protected areas, donor communities and the private sector institutions that support conservation efforts and academia that are interested in providing scientific support for the ESAs. It is anticipated to further promote the ESA concept and make it a widely recognized approach regarding improving support for conservation of species, ecosystems and natural habitats outside the protected areas, while ensuring benefits to local communities and the larger population in general.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

UNDP intends to commission an assignment to support the Ministry of Environment (MoE) to develop e-learning modules for the ESA identification, planning, management and monitoring. These modules will provide knowledge and skills to enable local governments and other partners of ESA level and key national stakeholders related to ESA identification, planning, management and monitoring.

The E-learning module to be developed according to following topics based on ESA Operational Manual and training session plans which are annexed;

Training Topic 1: A New Approach for Conservation of Biodiversity Outside Protected Area

Training Topic 2: Introduction to Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Concepts and Processes

Training Topic 3: Steps for Identification of Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Training Topic 4: Evaluation of Proposals for Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Training Topic 5: Governance in Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Training Topic 6: Institutional Arrangements for ESAs

Training Topic 7: Participatory Processes for ESAs

Training Topic 8: Mobilization and Orientation for Stakeholder/Community Engagement

Training Topic 9: Planning and Design of ESAs

Training Topic 10: Integration into Sub-national Planning and Budgeting Processes

Training Topic 11: Approaches for Implementation of ESA Management plans/interventions

Training Topic 12: Monitoring and Evaluation

Training Topic 13: Communication for Behavioural Change among ESA Dwellers

Training Topic 14: Conflict Mitigation

Training Topic 15: Product Selectivity and Marketing

Training Topic 16: Benefits of Economic Options for Local Communities as a Sustainable Alternative to Less Sustainable Large Business Interests in and around ESAs

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support MoE to synthesize the e-course’s learning modules in English, Sinhala & Tamil;
• Design the course contents based on ESA Operational Manual in E- modules to support the learning objectives and improve existing capacity of the target participants;
• The course design should incorporate mechanisms for participant feedback and consider ways of monitoring the impact of training;
• Work closely and provide guidance to a multi-media specialist in designing each module to include visually engaging graphic or other multi-media tools such as audio/visual clips, animation etc. to enhance learning;
• Transfer/ Link the final modules into a digital platform. (The Ministry of Environment uses Joomla which is a free and open-source Content Management System (CMS) for publishing web content and it is needed to link the final module into this and host e- learning module with a service provider).
• Provide training and guideline to PMU/ MoE staff in English/ Sinhala on techniques to develop e-learning modules, how to transfer modules into digital platforms and other related topics so that they can perform modification when needed;
• Support PMU/ MoE to test the modules with representatives of the target participants and make necessary revisions to improve the modules;
• Develop guidelines and manual on how to access and utilize the tools;
• Participate and facilitate discussions in relevant workshop(s) to test and refine the modules;
• Other related tasks as directed by PMU/ MoE. (In case it is required to the shift this module from the existing server to a new server, the contractor needs to provide necessary technical support).

The consultant’s duty station/location during the contract will be home-based. The consultant will be required to report/ virtually join for the progress review meetings and any other meetings related to this assignment convened by the PMU even if intermittent. (Based on success of assignment this could be extended to other areas at a second phase)

Expected Outputs/Deliverables

The following results are expected from the work of the service provider:

• Deliverable 01: A concept note detailing e-learning development planning – 15th January 2021

• Deliverable 02: Final draft of e-learning modules based on consultation with relevant stakeholders and users – 28th February 2021

• Deliverable 03: Prototype of e-learning modules, to be tested and finalized, that meet the stakeholders’ expectations – 15th March 2021

• Deliverable 04: Final ESA E-Learning modules in digital platform. -31st March 2021

• Deliverable 05: Inputs for improved content, visualization, structure and other aspects to improve learning objectives. -15th April 2021

• Deliverable 06: Guidelines/manual on how to access and utilize the e-learning tools in English - 30th April 2021

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged timeframe of the consultancy is 60 days over the course of 05 months starting 1st January 2021 and ending 30th May 2021.

Competencies

The prospective consultant should, as a minimum, have the following competencies and qualifications;

Technical competencies

• Strong industry knowledge of technology and developments in the field of e-learning.
• Knowledge and experience with remote/digital training approaches.
• Demonstrated knowledge in developing Learning Platform or Course Management System (CMS).
• Experience integrating microlearning, personalization, gamification, and social elements of e-learning.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other applications to create graphics, animation, audio, video etc. multimedia elements.
• Proficiency in coding interactive content (advanced learning activities, adaptive testing, games, and simulations using applications) with HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery and Animation.
• Familiarity with e-learning platform.

Partnerships

• Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior members of national and private sector institutions.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Excellent coordination skills and result oriented collaboration with personnel with different age groups, educational levels, backgrounds – especially for this case, the players in the district, divisional and community level.
• Excellent communication (both oral and written) and partnership building skills with multi-dimension partners.

Results

• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• A degree in Software Development, Instructional Design or Instructional/Educational Technology, Multimedia production or a relevant educational degree or qualification.

Experience

• Minimum 5 (five) years of experience at the level of expertise required to carry out the main duties and responsibilities of this position.
• Experience in applying instructional and engaging design and adult learning principles in training/e-learning.
• Experience in User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design should be added qualification.

Languages/ Other

• Excellent English language skills, working knowledge in Sinhala/ Tamil.
• Ability to manage time efficiently, effectively handle multiple tasks and competing priorities, as well as meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive and highly motivated.
• Knowledge of, and experience working with, Ministry of Environment/ Sri Lankan stakeholders and systems, particularly in the environmental sector, is desirable.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org.

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work.
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR. Please include the Financial Proposal (Format can be accessed via link Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability), along with above documentation, when applying online.
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP.

Not submitting of all above mentioned documents together with the CV, will be treated as a disqualification.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Or

All Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR (_____________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs._________________________________________________________)

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “*****All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee*” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily per diems and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones certified by the Technical Coordinator, Environmentally Sensitive Areas Project.

Payment milestones will be as follows:

1. 20% of total contract value upon submission of deliverable 01
2. 20% of total contract value upon submission of deliverable 02
3. 10% of total contract value upon submission of deliverable 03
4. 20% of total contract value upon submission of deliverable 04
5. 10% of total contract value upon submission of deliverable 05
6. 20% of total contract value upon submission of deliverable 06

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.