Capacity development / adult learning, clean energy transition and green recovery in Southeast Asia

UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme (GCP) develops the capacities of individuals and training institutions in developing countries to advance green and climate resilient development in support of Agenda 2030.  The Programme offers a range of services, including executive training, capacity development for education and training institutions, support for national learning strategies, learning methodology development, and knowledge-sharing. Activities are carried out through partnerships with other UN organizations, bilateral development partners, as well as leading learning institutions and think tanks.

Within the framework of a project funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ, UNITAR is organizing a ‘Green Recovery Academy’ in support of a clean and inclusive energy transition in Southeast Asia. The Academy will focus on four countries (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines) that represent around 80% of the region’s total energy share and population. The intent is to leverage positive experiences from existing initiatives in these countries, and to jointly reflect on opportunities for up-scaling in the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Specific objectives of the Academy include:

• Take stock of existing good practices for accelerating decarbonisation in the energy sector in Southeast Asia in the context of Covid-19;
• Discover opportunities for recovery strategies and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, while creating jobs and income opportunities for vulnerable households;
• Facilitate networking and peer-learning within the region as well as with representatives from other parts of the world (in particular the European Union);
• Engage stakeholders from outside the “clean energy community” in an evidence-based dialogue to support a change in the power sector narrative;
• Enable continued support to the region, by leveraging and further developing the capacities of regional and national research and training institutions.

The Academy is expected to cover four thematic modules as well as one collaborative module at the end (20 learning hours over a two-month period).

The Consultant will lead on the design, delivery, and evaluation of the online Academy, including a coaching mechanism to help participants put in practice what they have learned.

• Assessment:
  • Collect and review relevant background documents, policies and case studies from the region;
  • Contribute to a learning needs assessment focusing on a selection of individuals from the key target groups;
  • Propose a pre- and post-assessment method as well as Kirkpatrick Level 1 to 3 evaluations for the Academy.
• Design:
  • Based on the results of the learning needs assessment and in consultation with key partners, finalize the learning objectives for the training.
  • Provide an outline of the training programme, setting out the different modules with an indication of the content to be covered. The programme will be designed to promote frequent learner interaction and joint problem-solving;
  • Based on the outcomes of the learning needs assessment, finalize the pre- and post-assessment tests as well as Kirkpatrick Level 1 to 3 evaluations.
• Development:
  • Based on the outcomes of the assessment and design phases, identify a number of activities and experiences that can support the learning process, including for example: expert presentations, group exercises, role plays, background readings, etc.
  • Develop the materials for the introductory module of the Academy, as well as supporting documents.
  • Coordinate the development of the materials for the other modules together with selected substance matter experts.
  • Work with a graphic designer and editor to finalize the materials, including the translation of these into other languages (if needed).
  • The complete training package will include the following materials: syllabus, presentations with speaker notes, instructions/hand-outs for group exercises and online fora, background readings, a pre- and post-assessment test as well as an evaluation survey.
• Implementation:
  • Develop the course infrastructure online on the UN CC:Learn platform;
  • Manage the selection and registration of participants;
  • Coordinate and brief trainers and presenters;
  • Conduct the pre-assessment test;
  • Act as main facilitator during the Academy.
• Evaluation:
  • Conduct the post-assessment test as well as Kirkpatrick Level 1 to 3 evaluations for the training;
  • Draft a final narrative report.
• Coaching:
  • Develop a short concept for a coaching/on-demand support mechanism to help participants put in practice what they have learned during the Academy.
  • Match substance matter experts with country demand and coordinate the roll out of the coaching mechanism.

Throughout the process coordinate closely with UNITAR, GIZ and other relevant partners.

• Effective communication with partners and course participants;
• Timely and quality preparation of all deliverables;
• High degree of professionalism.

• Substantive knowledge in the field of clean energy in Southeast Asia;
• Demonstrable oral and writing skills in English, with an ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct and lively style;
• Experience in preparing and delivering trainings for adult learners;
• Experience, technical ability, and affinity towards organizing and facilitating live online events, including webinars and group discussions;
• Organized, with the ability to prioritize and work under pressure, often to tight deadlines;
• Strong communications skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.

The incumbent will report to the Senior Specialist, Green Development and Climate Change Programme Unit, Division for Planet.

Education

• An advanced degree in Economics, Environmental Science, Political Science, International or Development Studies or another relevant field is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in the field of green economy/clean energy.
• Experience in providing technical assistance and/or training on green economy/clean energy related policies and reforms;
• Experience in working with policy makers and other stakeholders from Southeast Asia;
• Experience with setting up and delivering trainings online.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a second language in the region would be a plus.