1. Purpose (justification for request)
1.1 Explain the requirement for a consultant / individual contractor including the reference to the work programme (corresponds to box 1 of P.104/A):
Disasters and conflicts often result in significant environmental impacts. Therefore, a key element of emergency response is the rapid identification and mitigation of environmental risks.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) respond as one UN to the environmental dimensions of emergencies. Since 1994, the UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit (JEU) has successfully coupled UNEP’s environmental know-how with OCHA’s humanitarian mandate. Member States affected by disasters and conflicts can request environmental assistance to the JEU. Whether in response to natural hazards, human-induced hazards or a combination of them, the JEU can mobilise technical expertise at short notice (within 48 hours) for deployment to affected countries, conduct rapid environmental assessments and provide remote support.
The JEU relies on a roster of partner institutions to identify experts for dispatch, operating through a network of network model. Readiness is a key element of effective response. To foster readiness for response, the JEU runs its flagship Environment and Emergencies Training (EET), designed for deployable environmental experts to foster the knowledge and skills required to confidently deploy on UN emergency response missions. The EET is a face-to-face training of six days, including a one-day, outdoor simulation exercise (SIMEX).
Further to the COVID-19 pandemic, the JEU has successfully launched and run a Global Webinar Series on Environment and Emergencies to maintain network engagement while not being able to deliver trainings in person. As face-to-face courses are now restarting, the JEU is looking at hybrid approaches to digitalise its training portfolio so as to enhance its effectiveness while remaining relevant and up to date with today’s technology. As part of these efforts, the JEU is hiring a Consultant to review the EET training materials and identify entry points for automatisation and digital transformation (including the enhanced use of pre-recorded materials, online platforms for interactive engagement and group work, scenario/timeline management, etc.) that will help in visualising the training scenario (environmental experts deployed to a fictitious country affected by an earthquake followed by a tsunami), sticking to it throughout the six days of the training, minimising human error by facilitators and enhancing the overall training experience for participants.
Another Consultant is being hired to specifically look at opportunities for integration of virtual/augmented reality technology into the EET. These opportunities will only be scoped out, with no implementation at this stage. It is expected that the two Consultants will work closely together, but the deliverables under this contract will not incorporate any proposed uptake of virtual/augmented reality technology.
1.2 Ultimate result of services (corresponds to box 1 of P.104/A):
The Consultant will deliver a revised EET training package that builds on the EET’s current format and delivery modality to enhance the digital experience by introducing more automatised features, including pre-recorded materials (videos, e-learning features, etc.), digital tools for scenario/timeline management, online group work, etc.
As a result of the consultancy services, the JEU will be able to deliver an enhanced version of the EET that integrates more digital and automatised functions. The revised training package should include the concept note to send out with calls for applications; the training agenda; the outline, learning objectives and content for each proposed session, with a focus on interactive activities, participatory learning and group work; handouts; template of certificate of participation; and proposed evaluation survey.
2. Qualifications / special skills or knowledge
(Indicate what expertise and experience, i.e. special skills or knowledge are required / essential to perform the specific tasks and responsibilities stipulated above and the level of expertise required) Corresponds to box 1 of P.104/A
Academic
• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in education, environmental science, emergency management or any other relevant discipline.
Essential
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in training design for professional applications;
- Experience in designing, developing and delivering training programmes for environmental education and/or emergency management;
- Fluency in English and strong report writing skills;
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and actionable recommendations;
- Demonstrated capacity to manage tasks toward work plan deliverables and deliver high quality technical /analytical information;
- Ability to work independently and remotely.
Desirable
- Previous experience with the United Nations system;
- Experience with integration of virtual/augmented reality and immersive media into training design;
- Enthusiasm for, and commitment to, environmental and humanitarian work.
3. Objectives, output expectations and performance indicators
(Include the final and intermediate results and outputs of services which should be measurable; performance indicators should allow for the evaluation of the results; include details as to how the work must be delivered (e.g. electronic submission, hard copy, etc.))
Objective:
The objective of the consultancy is to review the design of the EET and identify entry points for automatisation and digital transformation (including the enhanced use of pre-recorded materials, online platforms for interactive engagement and group work, scenario/timeline management, etc.) that will help in visualising the training scenario (environmental experts deployed to a fictitious country affected by an earthquake followed by a tsunami), sticking to it throughout the six days of the training, minimising human error by facilitators and enhancing the overall training experience for participants.
Activities:
• Review the EET training materials and discuss with JEU’s Programme Management Officer to develop a clear understanding of the objectives of the training and its current format and delivery modality.
• Identify entry points for automatisation and digital transformation (including the enhanced use of pre-recorded materials, online platforms for interactive engagement and group work, scenario/timeline management, etc.).
• Design and deliver a revised training package that incorporates any proposed improvements. The training package should include the concept note to send out with calls for applications; the training agenda; the outline, learning objectives and content for each proposed session, with a focus on interactive activities, participatory learning and group work; handouts; template of certificate of participation; and proposed evaluation survey. The training package should be ready for delivery.
Deliverables:
• By 31 December 2021, the final training package in the form of an online folder accessible by the JEU Programme Management Officer containing all of the following: the concept note to send out with calls for applications; the training agenda; the outline, learning objectives and content for each proposed session, with a focus on interactive activities, participatory learning and group work; handouts; template of certificate of participation; and proposed evaluation survey. The training package should be ready for delivery. The training package should be ready for delivery, with all training materials already developed (including any proposed online activity) and finalised.
Performance Indicators for evaluation of results:
• Outputs are delivered in a timely fashion and of high quality;
• Communications in dealing with partners are professional and systematic;
• Problem/issues for achieving results are identified early on and workable solutions are proposed.
4. Reporting lines
(Indicate whom the consultant / individual contractor is reporting to and who will evaluate the outputs of the consultant / individual contractor)
The consultant will report to JEU’s Programme Management Officer.
6. Duration
(The timeframe, including the delivery dates, should be clear and realistic; the planned starting date is considered realistic if the ToR are finalized at least four weeks before the intended starting date) Corresponds to box 1 of P.104/A
The expected duration of the contract is two months, from 01/11/2021 to 31/12/2021.
7. Travel involved
(Indicate the required travel itinerary, if applicable – please tick box 7 of P.104/A)
Home-based and when travel is required will be initiated.
8. Indicative level of remuneration
(Include the terms of payment (lump-sum, instalments) – corresponds to box 1 of P.104/A - as well as any cost of travel and any DSA payable – corresponds to box 5 of P.104/A
The level of remuneration will be determined by HR based on candidate's years of experience and qualifications.
How to apply:
All applicants are requested to submit a completed United Nations Personal History Profile (PHP) and a cover letter by email to ochaunep@un.org. In the subject of your email please state "Consultancy – JEU – Scoping Study EET" and your full name. The requested documents should be attached as pdf file, with the title formatted as follows: FAMILY NAME_given name.pdf. For example: GREY_Joe _PHP.pdf.
Note that applications to United Nations Secretariat vacancies can be generated at Inspira recruitment system. You need to register your profile in Inspira (https://careers.un.org) and register at the Consultant Roster.
Note that applicants’ eligibility cannot be fully assessed if the personal history profile is not properly completed. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
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