While COVID-19 has disrupted the delivery of learning worldwide, UNSSC is leveraging innovation and technology to bring you the landmark UN Emerging Leaders Experience programme which is being offered in a newly developed 2020 online format.
The programme develops the leadership potential of mid-level UN staff by helping them strengthen their leadership and management acumen in two aspects: developing oneself and working with others. Both help people to transition to greater leadership roles.
Introduction
UN Emerging Leaders e-Learning builds upon the signature elements of the face-to-face UN Emerging Leaders Experience and introduces new features to create a rich, lasting learning experience, that is:
- Driven by the leadership vision of the UN System Leadership Framework, which has been adopted by the Chief Executives Board (CEB) for all UN personnel regardless of their level, duties and location;
- Strongly anchored in a value-based leadership approach, and a leadership culture called by the UN System Leadership Framework, which is applicable across mandates and areas of operation in the UN;
- Reflective of the changes in the UN system, enabling and inspiring transformational and behavioural change through a rich immersive learning experience;
- Integrated with content on managerial competencies, fundamentals of people management and emotional intelligence;
- Accompanied by two individual coaching sessions to help translate the learning into improved performance and practical insights.
The programme will enable middle managers to tap into their leadership potential, and prepare them to approach transitions with courage, confidence and trust. By completing this programme, participants gain practical skills and benefit from a wider professional network to better lead and influence.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of the programme participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate a common reference to a value-based leadership approach and be able to deliver on the UN’s mandates;
- Explore personal leadership styles, recognizing strengths to build on and what challenges to overcome;
- Apply mindsets and transformational leadership behaviours using the UN System Leadership Framework;
- Take specific actions to develop and sustain an effective relationship with their supervisor that supports both of them working at their best;
- Enhance their communication skills to build and sustain lasting relationships with team members and stakeholders;
- Act with increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence;
- Identify effective techniques to articulate compelling messages and influence relevant stakeholders;
- Cultivate stronger connections by networking with UN colleagues working in various duty stations.
Course Methodology
UNEL-e is an immersive virtual learning journey which makes use of mixed methodologies and formats as it combines asynchronous and synchronous activities through a unique skill-based online modular programme; a virtual face-to-face component; a 360-degree Assessment; and individual coaching.
The programme supports (1) knowledge acquisition, (2) knowledge application, and (3) personalization and knowledge transfer. UNEL-e seeks to promote and support the managerial and leadership culture transformation formalized in the UN System Leadership Framework, by strengthening participants’ capability to fulfil their roles as managers and leaders who can drive fast and efficient transformational change.
As part of the learning experience participants also gain exposure to leading professionals and subject-matter experts in the field of leadership, access to UN specific knowledge, documents and experience, state-of-the-art resources from top universities and consulting firms, and knowledge resources from UN staff members who are UNSSC leadership and management alumni.
Weeks 1- 4
The first 4 weeks give participants the opportunity to experience learner-centered design and scenario-based learning through a self-paced learning path from selected management and leadership modules. These are complemented by webinars which consist of a weekly average of five to six hours.
Weeks 5 -6
The final weeks of virtual classroom training are designed to complement learning through practice peer and instructor interaction, individual and group activities, as well as brainstorming and experience sharing that will take place in the virtual face-to-face format.
Average learning time per day is 2.5 hours plus 30-60 minutes of study time (depending on the day).
Course Contents
The programme consists of 3 mutually reinforcing building blocks:
1) Online learning path will be focused on the following key selected modules:
- Orientation: 9 October, 2.00-3.30 pm CEST (1.5 hours)
- UN System Leadership Framework: Webinar on *15 October, 2.00-4.00 pm CEST (2 hours)
- Leading through Communication: Webinar on *22 October, 2.00-4.00 pm CEST (2 hours)
- Managing Emotions: An Intro to Emotional Intelligence: Webinar on *29 October, 2.00-4.00 pm CEST (2 hours)
- Managing Up: Webinar on *5 November, 2.00-4.00 pm CEST (2 hours)
* Some modifications to the agenda and time schedule are possible.
- The programme’s engaging online micro-content is designed to respond to the needs and challenges of managers and leaders across the UN system. The two hour-long weekly webinars are delivered by renowned subject-matter experts from the UNSSC’s academic network and across the UN system.
- Participants can expect consolidation of takeaways through reflective practices, and social learning that facilitates information exchange, and peer-to-peer learning in a moderated forum.
- Each module is released weekly allowing for a structured approach to learning.
2) 360-degree Assessment and Individual Coaching Sessions (to be launched during Orientation)
We strive to ensure that the learning opportunities we offer are meaningful.
- UNSSC uses a 360-degree Assessment tool specifically tailored and aligned to the UN System Leadership Framework.
- Two one-hour individual coaching sessions are to assist participants to review 360-degree Assessment results, to make sense of learning, to help reflect on personal development goals and to address priorities.
3) Virtual Classroom Training (2.5 hours per day for 5 days spread over two weeks)
- Day 1, November 11, 2020: Leadership theories, styles and influencing, Zoom Meeting on Wednesday from 2.00-4.30 pm CEST/ 8.00-10.30 am EST (2.5 hours)**
- Day 2, November 12, 2020: Leadership charisma, emotional intelligence and leadership culture, Zoom Meeting on Thursday from 2.00-4.30 pm CEST/ 8.00-10.30 am EST (2.5 hours)**
- Day 3, November 13, 2020: Communication and public speaking as your leadership tools- Zoom Meeting on Friday from 2.00-4.30 pm CEST/ 8.00-10.30 am EST (2.5 hours)**
- Day 4, November 16, 2020: Transformational and self-applied leadership: evolution as a leader-Zoom Meeting on Monday from 2.00-4.30 pm CEST/ 8.00-10.30 am EST (2.5 hours)**
- Day 5, November 17, 2020: Leadership journeys in the UN. Reaching our destination. Closing- Zoom Meeting on Tuesday from 2.00-4.30 pm CEST/ 8.00-10.30 am EST (2.5 hours)**
Find your local time zone: click here.
Participants will be asked to pencil in an average 30-60 minutes of study time during each day of the Virtual Classroom Training (depending on the day).
Target Audience
UN staff at the P3 level or, exceptionally, P2/National Professional Officers level, with managerial experience and responsibilities both at headquarters and in the field. By nomination and open enrolment.
How to register:
Register at: https://www.unssc.org/courses/un-emerging-leaders-e-learning-unel-e/