Instructional Designer

Result of ServiceA fully designed and deployable Data-Driven Leadership Training for DPPA/DPO Senior Leadership that equips senior peacekeeping leaders (P-5 to D-2) with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead data-informed decision-making and drive digital transformation within their missions and offices. The consultant’s work will result in: • A complete, ready-to-deliver blended learning package consisting of self-paced online modules, instructor-led workshop materials, practical case studies, and job aids tailored to DPO’s operational context and digital transformation agenda. • Integration of change management principles within the training to support cultural adoption of data-driven practices and sustain organizational readiness for new digital workflows. • Validated and refined content informed by stakeholder input, focus group reviews, and pre- and post-assessment results to ensure relevance and measurable impact. • Clear evaluation and feedback mechanisms that allow DATT and DPO to track participant learning, behavioral change, and application of data-driven leadership in operational settings. • Transferable design frameworks and documentation that enable CDOTS/DATT to replicate and adapt the course model for other leadership and organizational development programmes. Overall, the services will deliver a high-quality, context-aware, and scalable training solution aligned with the Secretary-General’s Data Strategy and DPO’s Digital Transformation initiative, enhancing the UN’s capacity to cultivate data-driven culture and leadership across peace operations. Work LocationUNHQ, New York Expected duration2 months, with a possibility of extension. Desired start date: Fall/Winter 2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The Department of Operational Support (DOS), through the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS) and its Data and AI Training Team (DATT), is delivering the Data-Driven Leadership Training for DPPA/DPO Senior Leadership. This flagship programme strengthens senior peacekeeping leaders’ ability to use data strategically in decision-making and to lead data-informed transformation efforts. The programme integrates self-paced e-learning with an in-person workshop, is tailored to DPO’s operational and digital transformation agenda, and emphasizes practical application of UN data platforms such as CPAS, SAGE, Umoja, and the Peace and Security Data Hub. The Internal Consultant will serve as an Instructional Designer, supporting the continued design, development, and refinement of this and similar strategic training programmes. Under the supervision of the Team Lead, Data and AI Training Team (DATT), CDOTS/DOS, the consultant will: • Analyze Learning Needs o Conduct and synthesize learning needs assessments through interviews, surveys, and stakeholder consultations with senior UN leadership and subject matter experts. o Translate business challenges and data transformation objectives into clear learning goals and measurable outcomes. • Design Learning Solutions o Develop instructional strategies, course frameworks, and blended learning paths (self-paced, instructor-led, and hybrid) aligned with adult learning principles and the UN’s digital transformation and data strategy. o Create detailed course outlines, storyboards, and content flow for complex leadership audiences. • Develop and Adapt Content o Produce and adapt instructional materials (presentations, eLearning modules, job aids, facilitator guides, and case studies) using tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Creative Suite, and Power BI where appropriate. o Integrate UN-specific data platforms (CPAS, SAGE, Umoja Analytics, Peace & Security Data Hub) and real-world case scenarios to ensure relevance. • Incorporate Change Management Elements o Embed change management concepts into training materials, helping senior leaders understand and guide organizational culture change around data adoption and digital transformation. o Develop communication and engagement elements that support learner buy-in and readiness for change. • Coordinate Stakeholders o Liaise with internal and external partners—including DPO, DPPA, HR, and technology offices (OICT, HRSD)—to validate content, align training with policy and organizational priorities, and maintain sponsorship for the programme. o Support the preparation and facilitation of focus group reviews and pilot testing to validate the learning design. • Quality Assurance and Evaluation o Design and implement pre- and post-training evaluation tools to measure knowledge gain, behavior change, and application of data-driven practices. o Analyze feedback and performance data to refine content and propose enhancements. • Project Management o Maintain development timelines, track deliverables, and manage updates to ensure timely production and delivery of training products. o Contribute to documentation of processes and deliverables for institutional knowledge and scaling of the programme. • Advisory Support o Provide expert input on instructional design standards and digital learning strategies to strengthen DATT’s overall training portfolio. o Advise on strategies to sustain programme impact, including self-paced adaptation and global rollout. Reporting Line The consultant will report directly to the Team Lead, Data and AI Training Team (DATT), CDOTS/DOS, and work in close collaboration with project focal points in DPPA-DPO and relevant UN data and technology units. Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Learning Technology & Experience Design, Instructional Design, Education, Educational Technology, or a related field is required.  A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in instructional design, learning experience design, or project management, preferably within large international or complex organizational environments. Demonstrated track record designing and delivering blended or digital learning solutions for diverse, senior-level audiences Experience conducting learning needs assessments and translating organizational goals into structured training solutions Prior experience integrating change management concepts into training to support digital and cultural transformation is highly desirable. Strong knowledge of the United Nations system, its mandates, structure, and operational context, especially in peacekeeping and digital transformation initiatives. Proficiency with modern instructional design and e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Creative Suite), learning management systems (e.g., Moodle, Brightspace), and familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI. Excellent stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and communication skills in multicultural environments. Ability to work independently under tight deadlines while maintaining high quality and adaptability LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.