Overview
Post Title: Associate Learning Officer, P2
Duration: 1 year; extensions are subject to satisfactory
performance and availability of funds
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At the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), the paramount consideration in the
recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of
efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All
employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs.
UNSSC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.
The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual
orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable
accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in
the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
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Organizational context
The United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) is dedicated to serving the
learning and knowledge needs of the UN system and partner organizations. We
create first-rate learning experiences grounded in the bedrock values of
multilateralism and dignity for all enshrined in the UN charter. Participants in our
programmes rely on UNSSC to enhance their knowledge and skills across
organizational transformation, leadership and management, sustainable
development, and peace and security. UNSSC is headquartered in Turin, Italy with
offices in Bonn, Germany and, from August 2026, Madrid, Spain.
The UNSSC Hub for UN Transformation supports system-wide transformation
efforts in line with UN reform agendas. It focuses on strengthening capabilities,
culture, connections, and organizational approaches required to deliver in a rapidly
changing environment.
The Hub works across three interconnected service areas (learning and
development, research and knowledge management, and advisory services),
supporting individuals, teams, and organization in building skills such as innovation,
foresight, behavioural science, and digital transformation.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief of the Hub for UN Transformation, the Associate
Learning Officer will provide technical and programmatic support to the UNSSC’s
work. The incumbent will contribute to the design, development, coordination, and
evaluation of learning, ensuring alignment with client needs and organizational
priorities.
The Associate Learning Officer will ensure effective project coordination and delivery
of learning programmes, thus contributing to a cohesive and coordinated team
approach to the overall team’s workplan and objectives.
Considering the above, in particular, they will perform the following duties:
Learning Programme Development & Delivery:
• Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of online
learning programmes on transformation-related themes (e.g. innovation,
behavioural science, foresight, leadership, cultural transformation).
• Support the delivery and facilitation of online and face-to-face learning for
UN and external audiences.
• Apply innovative instructional design approaches, including experiential and
applied learning methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of learning journeys, workshops, and peer-
based learning formats.
Project Coordination & Portfolio Support:
• Coordinate and support implementation of learning and knowledge
initiatives within UNSSC’s work, ensuring alignment with its priorities and
client needs.
• Monitor and evaluate programme performance, impact, and effectiveness,
providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the development of new learning offerings based on emerging
team priorities and transformation needs across the UN System.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:
• When requested, engage with a range of stakeholders, including UN entities,
partners, and suppliers, ensuring learning programmes meet the needs of
UN and external partners.
• Maintain partnerships with key stakeholders that are important for UNSSC’s
work and contribute to the impact of its activities (e.g. UN entities, academic
institutions, public sector and private sector organizations).
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts, including drafting project
proposals for transformation-related initiatives.
Knowledge Management & Research:
• Conduct research on relevant organizational/social transformation and
related learning trends, including AI and digitalization, adaptive systems, and
future skills, contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Contribute to the development and updating of toolkits, frameworks, and
learning materials on transformation-related themes.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, case studies, and communication
materials.
• Maintain and update learning materials, ensuring their relevance to evolving
UN priorities and best practices.
Administrative & Other Duties:
• Contribute to internal coordination, reporting, communications, and data
management related to learning programmes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with learning and
capacity development approaches related to organizational transformation,
including innovation, behavioural science, foresight, and culture; practical experience
in project/programme coordination; knowledge and experience in instructional
design and capacity development, good research, analytical and problem-solving
skills; willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from
others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance
with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own
position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for
team shortcomings.
Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and
different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades
others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks
“outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not
bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients”
and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains
productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies
clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing
developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and
anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Qualifications required:
Education
Advanced degree in international relations, public policy, education, organizational
development, management, or equivalent relevant field.
Experience
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in learning, capacity development, or
organizational development, including in the design of learning offerings on
topics such as design thinking, innovation, foresight, behavioural science,
and/or related areas (required).
• Proven work experience in instructional design, online course creation and
facilitation in online and face-to-face environments for UN audiences
(required).
• Experience in designing, delivering, and coordinating learning initiatives
linked to UN 2.0 or similar transformation agendas (desirable).
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English is essential. Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is
an advantage.
Other skills
• Familiarity with the UN system and its reform priorities is required.
• Strong research, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment supporting
complex, system-wide initiatives.
How to apply
The application (in English) should include the following:
• a duly completed, updated and signed P11 form
(http://www.unssc.org/sites/unssc.org/files/p11un.doc)
• a motivation letter elaborating in a concise style why you consider yourself
qualified for this position
Please apply through the online application form available at:
https://www.unssc.org/about/employment-opportunities.