Programme Management – Senior Officer [Online trainer in intercultural dialogue], Multiple positions
Job categories: Programme Management
Vacancy code: VA/2020/B5004/19934
Level: ICS-9
Department/office: NYSC, SDC, Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio
Duty station: Home based
Contract type: International ICA
Contract level: IICA-1
Duration: ASAP – 31 December 2020 (retainer contract)
Application period: 08-Jun-2020 to 22-Jun-2020
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
Click here to apply for this vacancy
Background Information – Job-specific
Guided by the principle that youth are key actors to achieve peace and prevent violent extremism, as stated by UN conflict resolutions 2250 and 2419 and the United Nations Secretary General’s Plan of Action on Preventing Violent Extremism, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) develops educational programming to enhance the ability of young civil society leaders to foster mutual respect, understanding and long-term positive relationships between peoples of different cultures and religions.
The Fellowship Programme aims at fostering intercultural exchange and interfaith understanding by engaging with young civil society leaders and professionals from Europe, North-America (EUNA), the Middle East and North-Africa (MENA). Framed around two-week exchange trips between EUNA and MENA countries, the Programme sends participants from each geographic area to their counterparts’ region. The Fellowship provides participants with first hand exposure to diversity and with the opportunity to experience cultural immersion while interacting with a wide range of local actors and partners. In every country visited, participants are being provided with crucial comprehension tools to help them understand the plurality of their surroundings, and to get an extensive grasp of host countries’ culture, politics, society, religion, media and more.
This is a position in UNOPS for supporting projects carried out for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
During the programme, 24 selected participants will:
- Learn to deconstruct stereotypes and how to critically analyze them to reduce their prevalence;
- Understand different perspectives and cultural sensitivities in identity-based conflict and gain tools to develop solutions at local, national and regional level to engage in intercultural collaboration;
- Develop competencies and learn good practices to engage in intercultural dialogue with the aim to reduce polarization and promote inclusion;
- Learn how to engage in cross-cultural conversations around current global challenges.
Programme components:
PLAN A – In-person Fellowship Programme:
- Part 1: Online engagement (2 weeks). Participants from both cohorts start interacting through online collaborative modules provided by UNAOC. UNAOC and trainers facilitate the discussion, giving an opportunity to participants to get to know each other. They also start getting exposed to tools and concepts related to intercultural engagement and prepare for the first webinar. Time commitment: 2 to 3 hours per week.
- Part 2: Webinar (2 hours). All participants take part in a webinar during which they exchange on intercultural dialogue, cultural sensitivities, deconstruction of stereotypes and cross-cultural collaboration.
- Part 3: Travel (2 weeks). Participants from each geographical area travel to their counterparts’ region. They interact with a wide range of local stakeholders on issues related to intercultural dialogue and the theme of the 2020 Fellowship “Building Peace in the Age of New Media”.
- Part 4: Online engagement (1 week). Participants from both cohorts interact through an online collaborative module provided by UNAOC. UNAOC and trainers facilitate the online exchange to help participants prepare for the second webinar. Time commitment: 2 to 3 hours per week.
- Part 5: Webinar (2 hours). All participants take part in a webinar during which they debrief their experience and assess the lessons learned and how to use them.
PLAN B – All-online Fellowship Programme:
- Part 1: Online engagement (2 weeks). Participants from both cohorts start interacting through online collaborative modules provided by UNAOC. UNAOC and trainers facilitate the discussion, giving an opportunity to participants to get to know each other. They also start getting exposed to tools and concepts related to intercultural engagement and prepare for the first webinar. Time commitment: 2 to 3 hours per week.
- Part 2: Virtual exposure (10 days). Participants from each geographical area interact with a wide range of local stakeholders from their counterparts’ region. Together they work on issues related to intercultural dialogue and the theme of the 2020 Fellowship “Building Peace in the Age of New Media”. They also take part in engage in virtual activities that introduce them to the cultural diversity of the destination countries.
- Part 3: Webinar (2 hours). All participants take part in a webinar on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue during which they exchange on intercultural dialogue, cultural sensitivities, deconstruction of stereotypes and cross-cultural collaboration.
- Part 4: Online workshops (4 days). All participants take part in a series of online workshops using various pedagogical methods and revolving around the theme of Intercultural and Interreligious dialogue.
- Part 5: Online concluding module (3 hours). All participants take part in a concluding module during which they debrief their experience and assess the lessons learned and how to use them.
Functional Responsibilities
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
In close collaboration with the UNAOC Project Management Specialist – Intercultural Engagement, the trainer will:
- Review and analyze information provided to customize the content of the curriculum to the trainees’ needs, the objectives of the Fellowship Programme and UNAOC’s mandate;
- Develop content, educational materials and pedagogical methods for the online modules, webinars and online workshops in order to meet the proposed objectives and the learning needs of participants (August – October 2020);
- Develop baseline and end-line online surveys to measure the evolution of participants’ intercultural perceptions and competencies. Surveys will be shared with participants before and after their trip / virtual exposure (September – November 2020);
- Facilitate a two-week online engagement phase on the interactive platform in preparation of the first webinar (September – October 2020);
- Facilitate a webinar on intercultural engagement relevant to the context of the Fellowship Programme (October 2020);
- Be available to attend meetings and activities during the virtual exposure phase as needed (October 2020);
- Facilitate online workshops using various pedagogical methods and revolving around the themes of Intercultural and Interreligious dialogue (November 2020);
- Facilitate a one-week online engagement phase on the interactive learning platform in preparation of the second webinar (October – November 2020);
- Facilitate a webinar on intercultural engagement to assess lessons learned by participants during the Fellowship Programme (November 2020);
- Facilitate a concluding online workshop to assess lessons learned by participants during the Fellowship Programme (November 2020);
- Submit a post-training report summarizing the activities conducted (online engagement modules, workshops and webinars), results of the online surveys, lessons learned and recommendations.
All content and materials are subject to UNAOC’s approval. UNAOC will be responsible for sharing content and material with Fellowship participants and relevant partners as a resource and free of costs, for further use in their activities, including the possibility to share with their organization and beneficiaries.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Experience
- A Master’s Degree in peace and conflict, international relations, development studies or a related field. A Bachelor’s Degree may be accepted with additional two years of experience in lieu of an advance degree.
Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in intercultural and/or inter-religious engagement and in facilitating online workshops for multicultural youth;
- General knowledge or understanding of the cultural and religious diversity in Europe and the MENA region is desirable;
- Experience in developing and analyzing data collection tools is desirable;
- General knowledge or understanding of peace-building, capacity development and/or international UN policy frameworks related to these fields is an asset
- Able to use a gender and intercultural approach;
- Be able to work in a team.
Language
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English (Arabic is an asset);
Competencies
- Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
- Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
- Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
- Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
- Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
- Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
- Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
- Contract type: International Individual Contractual Agreement
- Contract level: IICA-1/ ICSC-9
- Contract duration: ASAP – 31 December 2020 (retainer*)
*A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Considerations
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Background Information – UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.