Support with Research on Emerging Trends in Learning and Development

Volunteering

Overview

Provide research support on emerging trends in learning and development.

You have:

• Relevant academic background or experience in international development, education, organizational learning, communications, or a related field.
• Strong English writing and analytical skills, with the ability to draft and summarize briefs, concept notes, and research outputs.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in learning and development, skills development, or adult and lifelong learning.
• Basic skills in communication and outreach, including preparation of presentations and simple visual materials (e.g. using Canva).
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting, conduct desk research, and support coordination of virtual meetings and events.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The Talent Development Unit (TDU) at the Office of Human Resources (OHR) enables and fosters a culture of continuous learning and develops talent at all levels across UNDP. TDU designs and implements programmes, processes, experiences, and tools to develop learning ecosystems, stimulate learning, catalyze innovation, and create knowledge to improve individual and team performance. The vision is to contribute to UNDP’s mission by embedding learning as a core aspect of the 2 organization’s operations. Through our work, we are implementing the People Development Strategy 2026-2029, aligned with UNDP’s Strategic plan and the People for 2030 strategy, and which positions UNDP as a learning organization where professional growth is an integral part of how we work. To facilitate the coordination of strengthening UNDP as a learning organization and associated partnerships of the OHR’s TDU, we are seeking an online volunteer to support the work of the unit. The selected volunteer(s) will work under the supervision of a Partnerships Analyst, People and Career Development.

To provide research support through desk-based analysis of emerging trends, innovative approaches, and good practices in skills development, organizational learning, adult and lifelong learning, and digital learning, including the application of Artificial Intelligence to support trends research, with relevance to UNDP’s learning and development agenda.

Final products:

1) Research Summary Document (Minimum 5 pages)

A structured document presenting:

• An overview of 10 industry leaders in learning and development and their demonstrated good practices.

• Key insights and lessons relevant to UNDP learning and talent development priorities.

• References and source links supporting the analysis and findings.

2) Summary Document on AI Application in Trends Research (Minimum 2 pages)

• A concise document outlining one illustrative example of how an AI-based tool (e.g. an AI agent) can be used to identify and map relevant learning and development innovations.

• The example should demonstrate how the tool can support trend identification across the following areas: a) Learning tools and platforms; b) Global or regional events and communities of practice; c) Emerging learning methodologies and delivery models.

The candidate is expected to provide weekly updates and contribute 6-10 hours of research support per week.

Relevant academic background or experience in international development, education, organizational learning, communications, or a related field.

Strong English writing and analytical skills, with the ability to draft and summarize briefs, concept notes, and research outputs.

Experience or demonstrated interest in learning and development, skills development, or adult and lifelong learning.

Basic skills in communication and outreach, including preparation of presentations and simple visual materials (e.g. using Canva).

Ability to work independently in a remote setting, conduct desk research, and support coordination of virtual meetings and events.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 7 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: unv.org