Job: Content Development Consultant and E-Learning Course on Inter-governmental Fiscal Relations

Location: Home-based work 
Deadline: Thursday, 31 October 2013

Education, Water

Overview Applications procedure Related Files Contact

• POSITION:

  Consultant Contract

  REFERENCE NO.:

  2013/UNU/FLORES/CTC/CDC/IFR/69

  LOCATION:

  Home-based work

  CLOSING DATE:

  2013

  • 10
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    Organizational Unit: UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)
    United Nations University objectives
    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.
    UNU 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, and 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 inter-governmental fiscal relations
    The online course on 'inter-governmental fiscal relations' is being developed by UNU-FLORES with the goal of enhancing the capacities and knowledge of course participants to understand, critically analyse and apply key concepts related to financing of public services. In keeping with the mandate of UNU-FLORES, the e-learning course will elaborate upon the nexus approach to governance by discussing the inter-relationship between different levels of government for management of environmental resources, notably water and waste. 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 analyse 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 ten (10) weeks. The course will consist of three modules: [i] Trends in financing of public services [ii] Public budgets: governance structures, norms and organizational practices, and [iii] Issues of accountability and policy outcomes — key lessons from recent international experience.
    Responsibilities
    The main objective of the position is to develop content for the e-learning curriculum. The e-learning course will elaborate upon the nexus approach to governance by discussing the inter-relationship between different levels of government for management of environmental resources, notably water and waste.
    The consultant will submit the curriculum to UNU-FLORES, which will consist of lectures notes supported by: [i] abstract, [ii] key words, [iii] references, [iv] tables/figures/graphs/video links, and [v] 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-point font, 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 tasks:
    • Review the proposed curriculum outline (including learning objectives and content for the assigned modules) and suggest any changes that 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 a 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 note will be 25–30 pages;
    • Prepare tables/figures/video links and supporting graphs;
    • Compile a depository of reference material that are cited in the lecture notes;
    • Identify keywords 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), and suggest changes if deemed essential;
    • Respond to reviewers' comments and incorporate necessary revisions into the draft document;
    • Perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
    Required qualifications and experience
    • A PhD in social sciences in a field related to water, sanitation and public finance;
    • Minimum three (3) years of relevant professional experience;
    • Previous experience with analysis of service delivery in developing countries;
    • Proven research and writing skills as reflected in peer-reviewed articles and project reports in the area of public finances and services;
    • Familiarity of concepts and approaches related to analysis of fiscal transfers, taxes and tariffs;
    • Strong practical experience in project implementation gained through engagement with international organizations;
    • Proven didactic skills gained through teaching and curriculum development;
    • Fluency in oral and written English (mandatory); and
    • Ability to work within agreed timelines.
    Remuneration
    Remuneration will commensurate with the qualifications 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. (Note that no consultant shall provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) –month period.)
    The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be a 'staff member' as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.
    Applications from suitably qualified woman candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.
    Starting date
    As soon as possible.
    
    
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