The complex problems of the world require smart and effective solutions. Institutions and individuals working towards the Sustainable Development Goals often need training and capacity building interventions to help them effectively achieve the impact they want. UNITAR’s Learning Solutions team ensures that our training and capacity building programmes follow a strong methodological approach and that our solutions are effective and of high quality.
Our focus is to offer comprehensive training and capacity building solutions that create impact and to ensure the sustainability in the long-term for the individuals, organisations and institutions which we work with, both within and outside the UN system, to become more effective in their mandates within the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The following core principles guide our Learning Solutions approach to training and capacity building:
If you would like to learn more about our approach reach out to learning.solutions@unitar.org.
How we work
We design learning systems
We believe that lasting change requires more than a single training session, but needs long-term strategies that help learners learn, relearn and reinforce relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes until they are fully integrated. We also know that people do not learn in isolation. That's why we design holistic learning systems.
We create the solution for the right audience
The present and future of learning is blended, which means a carefully crafted combination of tools and approaches in various online and face-to-face formats. Effective learning systems adapt to the needs of the target audience and take advantage of the range of methodologies, technologies and delivery modes available.
For example, a training package may start with a short, self-paced online course that establishes a foundation among participants and prepares them for face-to-face training (online or offline), followed by job aids, access to an online community or other digital tools to support the application of learning on the job.
We follow a detailed process
Our design approach is influenced by various approaches and methodologies, and in general it follows the framework of the ADDIE model, as described below:
Assessment of needs, gaps, problems and barriers;
Design of tailored learning packages (face-to-face, digital, blended);
Development of learning materials in various forms;
Implementation of various types of training and learning packages;
Evaluation of reaction, learning, application and impact.
Quality Assurance
Elaborating on the UNITAR Quality Assurance Framework, we created further advanced Quality Assurance packages, guidance and tools, which are to be embedded within all projects of the Division for Peace going forward. This will allow us to streamline methodological support across the Division and systematically improve the quality of our learning packages.
Gender & Inclusivity
Ensuring our learning solutions are incorporating gender and inclusivity considerations has become a main priority. In order for our training and capacity building interventions to optimise their effectiveness it is essential that standards of inclusivity and gender mainstreaming are embedded within all aspects of our learning design and implementation. Our new Gender and Inclusivity frameworks will act as a key foundation of the projects of the Division.
Our areas of expertise
Training and Capacity Building
We create impactful training and capacity building systems that achieve the programmatic, strategic and policy objectives of our partner institutions. We support them in developing their training infrastructures. This involves institutional assessments in combination with tailor-made training and capacity development solutions (e.g. training packages, coaching and mentoring, training of trainers, quality assurance and evaluation frameworks, etc.) that together build effective systems for strengthening their capacities in relation to their respective mandates.
E-learning
From awareness-raising to skills development, e-learning courses have the potential to reach large audiences around the world. To make our e-learning courses effective, we focus on the most essential and relevant content, tools and activities that serve the target audience. E-learning can take many forms, it can be entirely individual and self-paced or facilitated in a group setting, it can occur synchronously or asynchronously and it can use a variety of media, methodological and technological solutions.
Training of Trainers
Our approach ensures local ownership and long-term sustainability of our projects. One of our specialities is Training of Trainers, whereby our beneficiaries take ownership of the training programmes and are empowered to multiply the impact in different contexts, without our necessary long-term involvement. We train trainers to be more effective and engaging in order to improve and transform the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the people they work with.
Enroll in our Training of Trainers course here
Digital Learning Solutions
In addition to e-learning training, we offer a wide range of digital learning solutions that we select, develop and implement taking into account geographical and cultural contexts.
Microlearning (EdApp): Learning happens but more and more on the go, between travel destinations, between meetings, on the phone. Microlearning can be an effective solution for on-the-go, just-in-time, bite sized learning. This year we developed a micro Training Of Trainers course that covers the fundamentals of training design and delivery. It includes ice-breakers, training methods and facilitation tips that trainers can keep in their pockets and access at any time.
Handbooks: Our handbooks are designed to contain all the information you need in one well-structured document. We make sure to provide a concise reference booklet covering the particular subject. This year we developed a handbook with the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) for the implementation of a joint project on Effective Weapons and Ammunition Management in a Changing DDR Context. Click here to access the e-book.
Mobile learning: Mobile applications allow easy access to learning regardless of internet access and connectivity, and can be used for different learning purposes, such as access to learning materials, job aids, manuals, online communities and more.
Video-based learning: Videos create a learning experience inclusive, multi-sensory and tailored to the needs of the individual. Video-based learning can be used to reach a wide audience through the combination of camera images, animation, graphics, text and audio.
Virtual reality: Virtual reality experiences and simulations allow participants to be immersed in their learning experiences, creating connections and insights that have the power to transform behaviour. Our latest virtual reality project was a film entitled "Violating Peace", which aimed to address sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), allowing peacekeepers to immerse themselves in this virtual experience and make real-life decisions to respond to and prevent SEA-related problems.
Gamification: We design gamification tools to engage participants in challenging and motivating online training. Gamification can take different forms, serious games that enable action-oriented and situation-based learning; or badges, points, rewards that make participants want to learn more and encourage their autonomy; or social challenges that enable peer-to-peer exchange and informal learning.
Online Communities of Practice: Learning is most sustainable in community, so we create online learning community spaces for peer-to-peer exchange, coaching, mentoring and long-term support. Online communities allow participants greater flexibility that facilitates long-term engagement.
Low-tech solutions for limited connectivity: Access to learning should not be limited to high-tech, high-internet-connected environments. We continuously strive, explore and develop tools and ways to provide high quality learning to hard-to-reach communities, living in areas of limited connectivity or low digital literacy. Examples: courses delivered fully or partially via WhatsApp, radio courses, delivery of digital learning materials that can be accessed offline.
Our portfolio
Changemaker microlearning course
This course aims to help students find their personal angle to create positive change in the world. It features self-reflection exercises, inspirational questions and guidance to create your personal action plan. Initiating change that reflects your personality and responds to concrete and realistic needs in the world is possible through this course.
Click here to access "Explore Your Changemaker Potential" course !
E-learning Portfolio
We offer a wide range of e-learning and digital solutions, have a glimpse into our portfolio here.
Colombia and DRC Learning Materials
We have developed engaging comic books in French and Spanish for a project with young people in Colombia and the DRC. The comics aim to help communities, families and young people to better protect children at risk of being (re)recruited by armed groups and criminal gangs. Read and download the comics below.
Facilitation Toolbox
A practice-oriented toolbox aims to support you with the design and delivery of training.
Methodological Tips
Our guide to transforming a face-to-face into an online event.
Read and download the Facilitation Guides in English and French below.
Online Facilitation Cards
A set of Online Facilitation Cards to allow for more effective communication and smoother meetings, as well as enhancing interactivity and engagement.
File
Facilitation Cards2.66 MB
Guiding Questions to Designing Learning Events
We have created this guide to accompany you throughout the training design process, with guiding questions for both face-to-face and online learning events.
Read and download the Facilitation Guides in English and French below.
Making Online Events More Inclusive
These tips are for trainers, facilitators and organisations that are transitioning their events online. They aim to mainstream inclusivity across all aspects of design and implementation.
Read and download the Facilitation Guides in English and French below.