Instructional design and e-learning expert

Volunteering Teaching & Training Communications & PR

Overview

Support the design of online learning products for UN-Habitat.

You have:

• Experience in instructional design and e-learning management.
• Proficiency in e-learning software such as Articulate Rise.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems such as Moodle.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in multicultural teams.
• Understanding of urbanization and sustainable development issues.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.).

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UN-Habitat is the United Nations Programme for Human Settlements working towards a better urban future. Established in 1978, its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all.

Urbanization is one of the global megatrends of our time, unstoppable and irreversible. In 30 years from now, two-thirds of the world’s population is likely to live in urban areas. Ninety percent of urban growth will occur in less developed regions, such as East Asia, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, at a rapid pace and in situations in which capacity and resources are most constrained and development challenges most intense.

Urbanization in those parts of the world is largely unplanned, fuelling the continuous growth of informal or slum settlements. Although the world has made significant progress in reducing poverty since 2000, inequality is rising in the cities of both the developing and developed world.

Urban leaders, planners, and all stakeholders shaping cities and communities need to be equipped with the right concepts, skills, and tools to implement the New Urban Agenda and the urban dimension of the SDGs and tackle urban challenges in an efficient and integrated way. UN-Habitat designs and implements capacity-building initiatives, programmes, and products at the global, regional, and local levels across the world. The Capacity Development and Training Unit (CDTU) at UN-Habitat has the responsibility to oversee the production coordinate and share knowledge, tools, and skill development in training and capacity development. The Unit collaborates with partners including training institutions, university, and government at national and city levels on subjects that focus on cities, making use of all the knowledge and information generated from the agency.

In 2020, Member States adopted the UN-Habitat Capacity Building Strategy. It highlights five key areas of action:

A. Institutional anchoring of capacity building as a cross-cutting function; B. Integration into programming and quality assurance; C. Promotion of innovation and technologies for capacity building; D. Stakeholders engagement and partnerships;

The UN-Habitat Learn platform (Moodle) launched in 2020 supports all four components of the Strategy, as it offers an opportunity to design and produce online learning products in line with key programmes and approaches developed by UN-Habitat and its partners.

This UNV assignment is located at the CDTU, in support of the design of key learning products. More specifically, the IUNV will support the capacity-building component of the SDG Cities Flagship Programme which consist in creating a series of online learning materials on key urban development issues, that will complement the UN-Habitat Learn current offering. The Volunteer will collaborate with the SDG Cities team and thematic colleagues to transform the substantive content provided by experts into learning products using instructional design, e-learning, and content management skills.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer at the CDTU or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Instructional designer and e-learning expert will:

· Guide substantive teams within UN-Habitat in finalizing the concept and substantive content of envisaged training modules · Design interactive elements and learning pathways, using software such as Articulate Rise and Moodle · Deliver storyboards for learning modules using instructional design methodology · Deliver functional prototypes for learning modules · Deliver completed learning modules · Contribute to the conceptualization and delivery of training materials by CDTU · Package the instructionally designed digital learning resources into an LMS (Moodle) · Test modules and respond to feedback, and develop operational manuals where relevant · Support the development of various project documents related to capacity-building and learning · Support the preparation of reports to Member States and the Implementation of the Resolution on Capacity-building and the Strategy · Support the development and dissemination of key capacity-building initiatives developed by CDTU (NUA Illustrated toolkit and UN-Habitat Learn platform and others) · Any other tasks as discussed and agreed with relevant Programme Managers in the Unit.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

· Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); · Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; · Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities. · Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; · Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; · Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

13. Results/expected outputs

· As an active UN-Habitat team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UN-Habitat and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

1. Successful collaboration with relevant teams in the organization to integrate instructional design into the development of innovative and professional learning products
2. E-learning content fully developed in Articulate Rise and Moodle LMS
3. Contribution to the development of innovation for learning at the CDTU · Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment · A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UN-Habitat; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UN-Habitat’s procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgment; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where an appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; · Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UN-Habitat in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority; · Teamwork and respect for diversity: the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality, and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; · Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. · Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; · Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options, and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; · Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; · Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards UN-Habitat’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

the design and management of training, e-learning, capacity building, or other relevant experience; experience with working with digital content such as graphics and videos is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organizations;

· Experience working with e-learning software such as Articulate Rise is an advantage; · Experience working with Learning Management Systems such as Moodle is an advantage; · Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; · Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; · Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; · Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; · Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; · Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; · Have affinity with or interest in sustainable urbanization, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The incumbent will find his/her housing arrangements in Nairobi. Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services are available locally at a reasonable cost. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. The city is at a high altitude, with sunny days and cooler nights. There is a short rainy season before Christmas, and longer rains fall from March to May. November to February is generally warm. No need for central heating, however warm clothes are necessary during the rainy season. There are several transportation options in Nairobi, including taxis, buses, mini-buses, and mobile transport applications. Public healthcare in Nairobi is generally subpar, but there are private healthcare options that are of better quality. The city is widely connected through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 5,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both UN-HABITAT and UNEP and as the UN Regional Hub for the East and Horn of Africa region. Security is an issue in Nairobi, with incidents of carjacking and theft not uncommon. Safety and security in Nairobi vary depending on different neighborhoods, and it is important to become familiar with safety recommendations for the city. Telecommunication system in Nairobi is sufficient. Internet access is generally reliable. There are frequent power cuts, however, most of the shared compounds have generators. Water supply can also be an issue as Kenya often experiences drought. In these situations, expats may need to supplement their water supply by buying in water tankers or opting for housing with backup options. Kenyans are wonderfully friendly and tolerant to visitors. English is the first language spoken here, though most Kenyans are trilingual, using tribal languages and Kiswahili.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org