Capacity development consultant (project management procedures)

Result of Service

The consultant will analyse staff training needs Agency-wide in relation to internal project procedures, systems and tools as well as project cycle management, and design and deliver a training programme and training materials to meet the identified needs of staff at all levels throughout the Agency. The consultant will be specifically responsible for: • Analysing the findings of a needs assessment that considers: (i) essential knowledge that all UNRWA staff should have on internal project procedures and project cycle management; (ii) specific or technical knowledge required for personnel working in particular functions pertaining to the project cycle (e.g., project managers, team managers and project support staff); and (iii) specific knowledge for senior decision makers (project owners and senior UNRWA management). • Evaluating existing capacities and developing a gap analysis that highlights priority areas for training, capacity strengthening, and awareness-raising, including appropriate modalities for delivery. • Identifying, acquiring and/or developing new training content to meet identified priority training requirements. • Providing input and coordinating the creation of user-friendly training materials, including guides, presentations, videos, and e-learning modules to support ongoing learning and reference. • Designing and delivering a minimum of one dedicated training course for each relevant field office, HQ department, and target group, in addition to workshops, webinars, and knowledge-sharing activities tailored to various levels of personnel within UNRWA. Facilitating discussions and feedback mechanisms to ensure training content is responsive to the needs of UNRWA personnel. • Establishing key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of the training sessions and the overall adoption of the PPM and develop a monitoring framework. • Supporting the integration of the PPM into daily project management workflows and practices within UNRWA. • Providing recommendations for continued learning and capacity-building beyond the consultancy period, ensuring long-term sustainability of the PPM rollout. • Collaborating closely with the DoP Strategic Project Management Office and other relevant stakeholders to align training initiatives with UNRWA’s strategic objectives. • Preparing a comprehensive close-out report that summarizes key findings, completed activities, lessons learnt and outlines the next steps that the Agency should consider beyond the term of the consultancy. • Performing other relevant duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Work Location

The consultant will preferably be based in UNRWA headquarters in Amman, Jordan although remote working arrangements can be considered.

Expected duration

The capacity development consultant (project management and procedures) will be employed for a period of 6,5 months (26 weeks)

Duties and Responsibilities

The UNRWA Department of Planning (DoP) has recently updated the Agency’s Project Procedures Manual (PPM) to establish a standardized, structured and harmonized approach to project cycle management. The PPM integrates international best practices, aligns with UNRWA’s regulatory framework and ensures compliance with donor requirements. As a comprehensive guide, it provides project owners, managers and teams across the Agency’s five fields of operation and headquarters with clear procedures, defined roles and standardized responsibilities, with the aim to enhance efficiency, accountability and coordination in project planning, implementation, monitoring and closure. To facilitate the effective adoption and implementation of the updated PPM, UNRWA seeks to engage a capacity development consultant specializing in training and capacity-building. The consultant will lead the design and execution of a comprehensive capacity-building plan, delivering targeted training sessions, interactive workshops and practical learning materials. This initiative aims to equip Agency staff at all levels with the necessary knowledge and skills to apply the PPM effectively, ensuring consistency, compliance and excellence in project management across the organization. UNRWA seeks to appoint a P3-level consultant for six months to support the effective rollout of the PPM by: • Developing and implementing a structured capacity-building programme tailored for personnel at all levels, including senior managers, mid-level managers, and support staff, to enhance their ability to actively implement the PPM. • Designing and producing high-quality training materials, including short instructional videos and an online training programme, ensuring accessibility and sustainability of learning resources related to the PPM. • Promoting behavioural change by addressing attitudinal barriers, strengthening motivation and equipping staff with practical skills for effectively applying the PPM in their project management tasks. • Leveraging existing knowledge platforms and training content available within UNRWA and the broader UN system to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency in PPM-related training. • Establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track capacity development delivery, participant engagement and completion rates of PPM training sessions during and beyond the consultancy period. • Providing the DoP with strategic recommendations on future training needs and long-term capacity-building initiatives to ensure sustained PPM implementation and compliance beyond the consultancy term

Qualifications/special skills

Education • Advance university degree (Master or equivalent) in adult learning and development, business administration, organizational development, social sciences, project management, educational technologies or any other related field. • An initial degree (bachelor or equivalent) plus two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a post-graduate degree. • Certification in project management, such as PRINCE2 or PMP is desirable. Experience • At least five years of progressively relevant experience in staff training and staff development or learning management systems and adult learning, of which at least two years should be in training and staff development related to project management. • Sound knowledge and experience in designing, developing and delivering training programmes, including both in-person and online learning modalities. • Experience in conducting training needs assessments, gap analyses and developing capacity-strengthening initiatives. • Solid knowledge of project cycle management methodologies and tools, with prior experience in project management training. • Prior experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, NGOs or similar entities is highly desirable. Technical Skills & Competencies: • Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and training evaluation techniques. • Ability to coordinate and develop training materials, guides, e-learning content, videos, and presentations. • Familiarity with learning management systems and digital training tools. • Excellent facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and other training-related software. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess learning needs and tailor training content accordingly. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multicultural team. • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (Arabic is an asset). • Proven ability to manage resistance to change, address attitudinal barriers, and foster a learning culture within an organization. • Experience in facilitating behavioural change initiatives, promoting engagement, and strengthening motivation among trainees

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Additional Information

Reporting and administration The capacity development consultant will report to the Head, Strategic Project Management Office within the Department of Planning. The selected consultant will work alongside a junior multimedia designer and other relevant colleagues within the Agency. Travel requirements (if any) The consultant may travel to UNRWA´s fields of operation to deliver face-to-face training, subject to organizational priorities and prevailing security and other conditions at the time of the assignment. Schedule This is a 26 weeks consultancy scheduled to begin as soon as possible. The consultant is expected to work full-time and preferably be based in Amman, Jordan. However, alternative arrangements, including part-time work over a longer period or remote work, may be considered based on needs, qualifications and experience.

No Fee

THE 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.

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