United Nations Institute for Training and Research is looking for a Consultant - Expert in Strategic Learning Review and Transition Assessment

Vacancy type: Consultant/Individual Contractor

Duty station: Home-based

Job reference: CS/2026/001

Duration of the contract: 1 - 3 months

Deadline for submission of applications: 06 September 2026

Organizational Unit: Green Development and Climate Change Programme

Number of job positions: 1

Overview

Under the supervision of the Manager, Green Development and Climate Change Programme, the consultant will conduct a strategic, forward-looking review and transition assessment of the UN CC:Learn programme. UN CC:Learn – the One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership – is a collaborative initiative bringing together 36 multilateral organizations supporting countries in the design and implementation of results-oriented and sustainable learning to address climate change.

The primary aim of the Strategic Learning Review and Transition Assessment, in line with specific, pre-defined Terms of Reference, will be to inform future strategic choices and identify concrete opportunities for sustainability and continued investment. The exercise will function as a key learning and strategy tool. While considering the relevance, usefulness, and emerging results of the work undertaken to date, it will mainly focus on identifying which elements of the programme have the greatest potential for replication, adaptation, institutionalization, sustainability, or scale.

Particular attention will be given to selected options that can generate strong value in relation to the programme’s overall objectives and offer a realistic pathway to long-term sustainability. This may include strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, integration into existing institutional frameworks, and cost-recovery or co-financing models, where appropriate.

Responsibilities

More specifically, the Consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

Conduct the strategic review by:

• Reviewing selected project documentation and evidence, including background documents, analyses already undertaken, reports, learning materials, platform and learner data, and available M&E information;
• Undertaking a brief assessment of the project's achievements, strengths and limitations to date, insofar as these are relevant to future strategic choices;
• Analysing the usefulness, uptake, demand and potential viability of relevant learning activities, tools, products and approaches developed under the programme;
• Participating in an outcome gathering session with UNITAR staff and conducting selected interviews/consultations with relevant stakeholders, such as project staff, key partners, external actors and potential future collaborators, and;
• Identifying the most promising existing, adapted or potential new components for scale-up, replication, institutionalization, cost recovery, integration or sustainability, taking into account current and anticipated demand for climate change learning.

Develop the transition assessment and recommendations by:

• Assessing the enabling conditions, risks, partnerships, capacities, safeguards, governance arrangements and resources required for future development;
• Exploring possible ways to develop, sustain or scale selected areas of work, including through partnerships, institutional integration, digital delivery, policy linkages, sponsorship, co-financing or cost recovery;
• Considering opportunities for resource mobilization, co-financing, cost recovery, paid services, sponsored access and integration into existing institutional frameworks, including identification of transition activities to enhance future sustainability;
• Developing practical, focused and prioritized recommendations for a next phase, including transition approach, possible pilots, decision criteria, resource requirements, risks and other viability considerations;
• Developing a short, modular transition proposal / investment-case outline, based on the review findings and recommendations, which can be further tailored to different audiences.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following

• Staff in related programmes and offices of the Institute;
• Different stakeholders outside the Institute, such as staff in other UN agencies, Government officials, academia representatives and NGO and private sector workers, as relevant.

Results expected and indicative timeline

• Background consultation, initial screening, agreement on 3–4 lines of inquiry: By 10 October 2026
• Annotated report outline, aligned with the selected lines of inquiry, with preliminary structure for a short transition proposal / investment case outline: By 31 October 2026
• Data collection and analysis and preparation of draft report, including draft transition proposal / investment case outline: By 30 November 2026
• Final strategic review report, including prioritized recommendations for future scale-up, sustainability, resource mobilization and/or cost recovery, accompanied by the transition proposal / investment case outline: By 20 December 2026

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change. Skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to apply judgement, based on agreed upon criteria, in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and advanced knowledge of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is able to maintain effective working relations within teams composed of various colleagues working on a specific task; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; very good inter-personal skills and a demonstrated capacity to deal with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, and proven ability to function in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Planning & Organizing: Sound planning and organizational skills and ability to prioritize own work, delivering results and quality work, including when working under pressure; under supervision, adjusts priorities and formulates plans as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time and resources efficiently.

Accountability: Acts in full consultation and in compliance with instructions, takes responsibility for delegated assignments; is accountable and trustworthy on administrative and financial matters requiring professional discretion and restraint; honours commitments by delivering outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

Communications: Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents, such as training materials, reports, studies, strategies, and other communication materials, articulating ideas in a clear and concise style, including ability to prepare and deliver targeted and results-oriented presentations.

Minimum requirements

Education: Advanced university degree, preferably at Master’s level or equivalent, in international relations, public policy, business administration, management, development studies, environmental studies, climate change, sustainability, or a related discipline.

Work Experience:

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in strategic reviews, evaluations, feasibility assessments, programme design, organizational learning, strategy development, business development, business model design, service model development, or related advisory assignments;
• Demonstrated experience conducting forward-looking strategic analyses, preferably in the fields of climate change, sustainability, capacity development, learning, training, or international cooperation;
• Strong understanding of climate change and sustainability issues, international development cooperation, capacity development, and the role of education, training and learning in supporting institutional and policy change;
• Demonstrated experience in partnership development, resource mobilization, cost-recovery or co-financing models, sponsored-access approaches, or the design of financially sustainable programme models.

Other skills:

• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills, including experience with qualitative and quantitative methods, document review, stakeholder interviews, synthesis of evidence, and development of concise, decision-oriented recommendations;
• Strong ability to assess strategic options, including their relevance, feasibility, scalability, sustainability, risks, resource implications and institutional requirements;
• Strong communication, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively in an international and multi-stakeholder environment.

Languages: Complete fluency in spoken and written English.

Desired requirements

• Experience with hybrid public-good / cost-recovery models, institutional service offers, organizational transition, change management, or transition roadmaps would be a strong asset;
• Familiarity with the UN system, multilateral organizations, International Geneva, or multi-stakeholder partnership initiatives would be an advantage.

Remarks

The contract is expected to cover 1 month of work over approximately 3 months.

General conditions of contracts for the service of Consultants apply. Incumbents are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local laws. UNITAR does not reimburse for any taxes, duty, or other contribution payable by the Consultants on payments made under the contract.

The Institute does not provide or arrange life or health insurance coverage for Consultants, and Consultants are not eligible to participate in the life and health insurance schemes provided by the UN for its staff members.

How to apply

Please submit your application, along with a motivation letter, as soon as possible after the vacancy is posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Due to the high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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