CONTENT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT For E-learning course on Multiple Uses of Water Services

Organizational Unit: United Nations University - Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)

Reference Number: 2013/UNU/FLORES/CTC/CDC/MWS/56

Applications to: mws_flores@unu.edu

Closing Date: 24 September 2013

United Nations University Objectives:

The UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training and the dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. The University functions as a think tank for the United Nations system, contributes to capacity building, particularly in developing countries, and serves as a platform for new and innovative ideas and dialogue. For more information please visit http://unu.edu.

United Nations University - Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES):

The mission of UNU-FLORES is to contribute to the development of integrated and sustainable management strategies for the use of water, soil and waste resources in particular in developing and emerging countries in scientific, educational, managerial, technological and institutional terms. Potential issues of focus include: urban water management, nutrient cycles and budgets, methods for reclamation and rehabilitation of degraded sites, site-specific river-basin scale water management; interaction of land use management and water inventory under differing climate conditions, efficient site-adapted waste management strategies, among others. The Institute will develop innovative concepts for target- and region-specific knowledge transfer as well as appropriate methodologies and approaches for postgraduate and professional education. The Institute is located in Dresden, Federal Republic of Germany. For more information please visit http://flores.unu.edu.

E-Learning Course on Multiple Uses of Water Services

The online course “multiple uses of water services” is being developed by UNU-FLORES with the goal of enhancing the capacities and knowledge of course participants to understand, critically analyze and apply key concept of multiple uses of water services in the design, implementation and evaluation of infrastructure projects. In keeping with the mandate of UNU-FLORES the e-learning course will elaborate upon the nexus between multiple uses of water services. The e-learning course will be targeted at policy makers, natural resource managers and development practitioners from government, non-governmental organizations, think tanks and universities in developing and emerging countries.
Using state of the art online learning software and platforms, the course will combine self-learning, assessments, exercises and online discussions. The online pedagogy adapted specifically for professionals engaged in full-time employment will encourage participants to critically analyze key concepts and apply theoretical insights to real life case studies. The course will be delivered annually by UNU-FLORES in partnership with think tanks and knowledge institutes in Asia, Africa and South America. The duration of the course will be 10 weeks. The course will consist of three modules: (a) Infrastructure projects- why multiple uses of water services? (b) Multiple uses of water services- key concepts and methodological concerns, (c) Practical Applications: key lessons from review of case studies.

Responsibilities:

The main objective of the position is to develop content for the e-learning curriculum. The consultant will submit the curriculum to UNU-FLORES which will cost of lectures notes supported by: (a) abstract, (b) key words, (c) References, (d) tables/figures/graphs/video links, and (e) assessment questions. Three lectures notes are expected- one for each of the three modules. Each set of lecture notes will be no less than 25 pages and no more than 30 pages, times new roman 12 and double spaced. Detailed instructions including referencing style will be provided in the form of guidance document for authors.
Under the authority of the Director of UNU-FLORES and direct supervision of the Academic Officer - Capacity Development and Governance, the successful candidate shall carry out the following specific tasks:

•  Review the proposed curriculum outline (including learning objectives and content for the assigned modules) and suggest any changes which may improve the course. Prepare a one page outline of the e-learning course that describes section titles, sub-section topics, case studies and tentative key applications of the course for participants;
•  Develop course outline detailing course learning objectives, didactic approach, planned exercises, assessment methods and key milestones (and associated outputs);
•  Identify and review relevant literature and prepare content for the assigned modules that covers topics in the pre-approved curriculum outline. Each module lecture notes will be no more than 30 pages and no less than 25 pages;
•  Prepare tables/figures/video links and supporting graphs;
•  Compile a depository of reference material that are cited in the lecture notes;
•  Identify key words introduced in the lessons for use in the glossary, and provide a brief standard definition;
•  Revise and refine assessment questions;
•  Select relevant exercise material and provide instructions for use of case studies for exercises;
•  Review the overall quality of the e-learning curriculum content, didactic approach, assessment methods and key milestone (and associated outputs). Suggest changes if deemed essential;
•  Respond to reviewers comments and incorporate necessary revisions to the draft document;
•  Where relevant, cooperate with partner institute towards development of curriculum on providing technical inputs;
• •Perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor within the project.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

 A PhD in social sciences in a field related to water, sanitation and agriculture. Candidates with a Master’s degree and ten (10) years of professional work experience in a related area would also be considered;

•  Minimum three (3) years of professional work experience in water services in developing countries. Experience in developing curriculum in envireconomics related subject would be highly desirable;
•  Proven research and writing skills as reflected in peer reviewed articles in the area of rural water and sanitation services;
•  Familiarity of concepts and approaches related to analysis of capital and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) costs of infrastructure projects;
•  Strong practical experience in project implementation gained through engagement with international organizations, fund raising and consultancy assignments;
•  Proven didactic skills gained through teaching and curriculum development;
•  Proficiency in oral and written English is required;
•  Ability to work within agreed timelines.

Remuneration:

Remuneration will commensurate with qualification and experience of the successful candidate.

Duration of Contract:

The successful candidate shall work remotely under the Consultant Contract (CTC) for a fixed period of three (3) months for the above-mentioned project and will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Applications from suitably qualified woman candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their applications by email (to mws_flores@unu.edu), and must include the following:

•  a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
•  a curriculum vitae and a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from United Nations University website at http://unu.edu/about/hr. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
•  full contact information of three (3) referees; and
•  an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2013/UNU/FLORES/CTC/CDC/MWS/56) in the email subject.