Mission and objectives

The United Nations Population Fund is the UN agency which leads global efforts to help ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s programmes work to ensure that women, adolescents, young people and marginalized populations, including Persons with Disabilities (PWD), are empowered to make decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights and able to live free of discrimination and violence.

Context

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments to accelerating progress towards realizing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon the UN Member States, organizations, and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recovering lost gains, and realizing our goals. Afghanistan faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with very real risk of systematic collapse and human catastrophe. The crisis is feared to rollback development gains of the last twenty years. In response to the humanitarian situation, UNFPA in Afghanistan works towards increasing the availability and use of integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Psychosocial Support services ( SRH/PSS) (including family planning, maternal health and psychosocial support) that are gender- responsive and meet human rights standards for quality of care and equity in access. Under overall supervision of the Country Office Representative and direct supervision of the International Operations Manager, the Learning and Capacity Development Specialist will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of learning and development initiatives aligned with UNFPA corporate standards and the Afghanistan Country Programme.

Task Description

The Learning and Capacity Development Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive learning and talent development strategy for the Country Office. This includes conducting needs assessments, designing learning solutions, enhancing onboarding effectiveness, coordinating learning activities, and promoting an organizational culture of continuous learning and growth. Key Responsibilities: A. Learning Strategy, Planning, and Coordination ● Lead the development, annual update, and implementation of the Country Office (CO) Learning Plan. ● Conduct gap analysis to align training priorities with programme and operational needs. ● Manage planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of all learning activities. ● Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), learning participation, and outcomes. ● Ensure efficient utilization and monitoring of learning budgets. B. Training Needs Assessment and Learning Interventions ● Conduct regular Training Needs Assessments (TNAs) to identify capacity gaps. ● Recommend evidence‑based learning interventions tailored to identified needs. ● Create or source high‑quality, accessible training materials using appropriate adult‑learning methodologies. ● Coordinate with technical focal points and facilitators to ensure accuracy and relevance of content. ● Maintain a repository of learning materials and resources. C. Learning Delivery and Facilitation ● Facilitate virtual, in‑person, and blended learning sessions, in collaboration with programme teams and subject matter experts. ● Provide technical and helpdesk support for virtual and onsite learning events. ● Organize Learning Hours on approved CO SOPs, policies, thematic areas, and cross‑cutting topics. D. Support on National Female Strategy ● Implement learning and capacity development recommendations for the CO female personnel mentioned in the National Female Strategy ● Facilitate virtual induction sessions for female national personnel, especially those unable to attend in‑person due to access constraints. F. Compliance and Mandatory Learning ● Monitor and ensure timely completion of mandatory corporate learning courses. ● Manage updates and communication regarding mandatory courses. ● Provide regular compliance reports and propose action plans to improve completion rates. Expected Results ● Annual Country Office Learning Plan and periodic implementation reports. ● TNA Report with recommended interventions. ● Implementation of learning recommendations in National Female Strategy ● Regular Learning Hour sessions delivered. ● Mandatory learning compliance reports. ● Quarterly and annual learning and development progress reports

Competencies and values

● Excellent analytical skills ● Excellent knowledge of Results Based Management ● Ability to successfully perform field/site supervision duties, desk reviews, analysis. and with strong report writing abilities. Core Competencies: ● Accountability ● Adaptability and flexibility ● Creativity ● Judgement and decision-making ● Planning and organizing ● Professionalism ● Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Afghanistan is a unique country and the UNFPA Afghanistan program is a unique humanitarian operation. It provides an enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, are essential. The security situation in the country remains volatile, though the number of security incidents has reduced significantly since 2021. As the security level in the country remains high, it requires strict compliance with the relevant guidance. Kabul is a non-family duty station. It is classified "E", with "A" being the least and "E", the most difficult. UN personnel are accommodated in the UN guesthouses within the UN compounds only. No commercial rent of accommodations or travel outside of the compound for recreational purposes is allowed. Guesthouse rooms are equipped with kitchen and basic appliances and utensils. There are 2 supermarkets in the compound with a wide variety of products. Gym, soccer field, basketball court are also available at the compound. The internet is stable at the office and the guesthouses. The weather in Afghanistan can vary significantly from day to day and across different regions. It is advisable to bring some warm layers to accommodate these changes. During the winter season the weather can be very cold, up to -15 degrees and it is recommended to bring enough winter clothes. Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and it is advised that personnel dress accordingly. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.