VLC Virtual Learning Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The Virtual Learning Centers (VLCs) are virtual hubs initiated to develop capacities in all FAO regions through access to online training. VLCs deliver trainings based on regional needs and tailored to the local context, while working in a coordinated manner that allows sharing of good practices and quality standards.

In addition to meeting the diverse training needs of the FAO divisions, VLCs also are a component of the project “Strengthening One Health and Biosecurity for National and Producer Resilience – Preventing National and Global Threats” (hereinafter One Health & Biosecurity project), which has as one of its key outcomes the strengthening of One Health competencies of the animal health workforce through training provided by the VLCs.

The VLCs develop and deliver a wide range of virtual learning courses, often taking a blended learning approach combining face-to-face, synchronous and asynchronous online learning elements. Online courses are hosted on a dedicated Moodle based virtual learning environment and a variety of technologies are used to create course elements, including the Articulate 360 suite.

The purpose of this call is to attract talent to populate rosters for VLC Virtual Learning Specialists. These specialists should have prior experience in instructional design and/or in the technical support for virtual learning environments, in particular for Moodle.

It is expected that these specialists will work in support of the core VLC programme and with the FAO decentralized offices within the VLC initiatives.

Reporting Lines

The Specialists, under the overall policy and technical supervision of the VLC REU manager and coordinator, will report directly to the Technical Advisor on Animal Health managing the VLC REU, and in coordination with the VLC HQ team supporting the fulfilment of the VLC objectives, and work in close consultation and coordination with the VLC experts, education and virtual learning specialists, subject matter experts and FAO Officers in Headquarters and Regional Office in Europe and Central Asia.

Technical Focus

Development and delivery of innovative online training courses and resources in support of the FAO Virtual Learning Centres.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Сonsultant/PSA will provide support to the implementation of the VLC activities at global, regional, sub-regional and country level.

Following are the generic functions for which candidates are sought. Specific tasks and responsibilities will be defined in Terms of Reference prepared for different assignments, according to:
i) the profile orientation required and
ii) the selected candidates’ experience, qualifications and expertise.

• Work alongside subject matter experts to develop online courses and resources according to best practices in adult distance education;
• Develop interactive and engaging virtual learning content using authoring tools including the Articulate 360 suite;
• review and edit written content to ensure learning materials are clearly and engaging written, in line with FAO language style guidelines;
• Provide training and mentorship on the development of virtual training and instructional design best practices to colleagues, subject matter experts and operational specialists;
• Project manage the development of online courses and resources, meeting deadlines and re-prioritizing tasks as needed to complete the timely delivery of projects;
• Support the improvement of existing online training tools, particularly developing innovative solutions to support virtual training delivery in low resource settings, including mobile technologies;
• Review the content and usability of the Moodle platform, suggesting improvements to enhance these aspects;
• Support in the creation of new Moodle functionality and course page content;
• Gather relevant data from Moodle for the monitoring of users and overall project reporting;
• Provide training and support in the use of Moodle to other VLC team members;
• Troubleshoot daily Moodle support request coming from both students and trainers;
• Perform other duties, if required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Depending on the Profile and orientation:

For Consultants:
• University degree in Education, Instructional Design and Technology, Graphic Design, Information Technology, Social Science or any other relevant to the duties listed or otherwise related to FAO’s Programme of Work;
• At least two years of relevant work experience in education, instructional design, learning technology, management of learning management system(s) or project management for technical training programs;
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of FAO’s Official languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

For PSAs:
• University degree, technical specialization or equivalent in Education, Instructional Design and Technology, Graphic Design, Information Technology, Social Science or any other relevant to the duties listed or otherwise related to FAO’s Programme of Work;
• At least one year of relevant work experience in education, instructional design, learning technology, management of learning management system(s) or project management for technical training programs;
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

• Evidence of the ability to create engaging and interactive virtual learning courses;
• Demonstrated proficiency with virtual learning authoring tool Articulate 360 suite;
• Demonstrated proficiency of management of virtual learning environments, including Moodle;
• Prior experience of development of virtual learning for international and/or adult audiences;
• Prior experience of project management;
• Communication skills (verbal & written) in English;
• Knowledge of Russian is a strong asset;
• Ability to work accurately under pressure paying attention to details and design best practices;
• Independent and capacity to prioritize requested actions in order to meet all the deadlines;
• Experience with audio and video editing software.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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