Open Positions at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Provide guidance on e-learning and capacity building approaches across programmes
• Ensure alignment of learning initiatives with UNOPS policies, corporate learning standards, and partner priorities
• Provide technical support to programme teams in selecting appropriate learning modalities, delivery approaches, and sequencing.
• Review and validate learning designs, curricula, and digital learning products developed by vendors and consultants
• Ensure compliance with adult learning principles, accessibility standards, and quality benchmarks
• Provide technical feedback and recommendations for improvement throughout the learning lifecycle
• Support the management and coordination of external vendors, consultants, and service providers delivering learning products
• Review terms of reference, deliverables, and workplans related to learning activities
• Monitor progress against agreed outputs, timelines, and quality standards
• Provide oversight of learning management systems and digital platforms used for delivery
• Review platform usage data, learning analytics, and performance metrics
• Advise on platform improvements and optimization in coordination with technical teams
• Support learning needs assessments and capacity development strategies
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of learning outcomes and impact
• Contribute to continuous improvement of capacity building approaches
• Liaise with subject matter experts, partners, and internal teams to ensure relevance and consistency of learning initiatives
• Document lessons learned, good practices, and recommendations for future learning programmes
• Facilitate high-level learning events and coordination meetings as required

Skills

Capacity Building, Climate Change, Development Economics, E-Learning, Environmental Policy, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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.

Education Requirements

Required

• A Master’s degree preferably in international relations/development, communication, sustainable development, economics, environmental management/sciences, law, social/political science, economy, finance, business and management, education or other closely related fields aligned with natural resource management is required.

Desired

• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience Requirements

Required

• A minimum of five (5) years of working experience on at least one of the following topics at a conceptual or practical level is required: environment, nature, natural resource management, programme management, biodiversity/climate change; human/civil/indigenous/women’s rights; e-learning, digital learning programmes, capacity building initiatives, public information,  civil society engagement and education.

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Functional Responsibilities;

• The consultant will be responsible for the following key objectives:
• Conduct a deep-dive research assessment to define and analyze the current state of Transnational Organized Crime in East and Southern Africa.  The assessment should leverage open-source information to identify specific transnational criminal organizations operating in the region, illicit activities being undertaken by these organizations, transit patterns of illicit activities,  financial flows from these activities, connections between criminal organizations, and how these organizations may or are threatening U.S. national security interests, U.S. business interests, or U.S. citizen security.  When possible, specific case information should be provided.
• Write a comprehensive report for INL that outlines key findings, identifies trends, and provides strategic recommendations for future U.S. foreign assistance programming.
• Develop an agenda for  a two-day workshop for participants from our East Africa Transnational Organized Crime (EATOC) partner countries, including investigators, prosecutors and judges, to present and discuss the research findings.

Deliverables;

The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following:

• Research Plan:  A detailed plan outlining the research methodology, scope, and timeline.
• Research Report:  A comprehensive, evidence-based report (approximately 30-40 pages) detailing the nature of TOC in East and Southern Africa.  The report must include an executive summary, an analysis of key trends and actors, with specific transnational criminal organizations and actionable recommendations and be written for INL as the audience.
• Infographic:  A professionally designed one-page infographic summarizing the key findings and trends from the research report in a visually engaging and easily shareable format.
• Draft Conference Agenda:  A draft agenda for a two-day conference to present and discuss research findings with EATOC countries at a future date.
• Project Timeline
• The project is expected to be completed within a maximum of three (3) months from the time the agreement is signed.

Skills

• Legal Research, Legislative Research, Research

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Criminology, International Relations, Political Science, or Law with 7 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Criminology, International Relations, Political Science, or Law with 5 years of relevant experience is required.

Experience Requirements

Required

• 7+ years of experience in conducting research and providing expert analysis on issues related to Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in East and Southern African security issues, with a strong understanding of regional criminal networks, illicit trade routes, and governance challenges is required.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly is required.
• Superior written and oral English communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality reports and presentations is required.