Take your leadership and management skills to the next level by signing up for one-year access to this unique self-paced modular programme designed to respond to the needs and challenges of UN managers across the UN system, both at headquarters and field locations.

Introduction

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and UN management reform call on UN managers to lead effective teams, implement change and strengthen the UN’s programmatic and operational capacities.

UNSSC puts you in control of your own learning, giving you access to a unique collection of leadership and management modules tailor-made for leaders and managers across the UN system.

The curriculum includes a continually expanding collection of leadership and management modules. The modules on management span four different dimensions of management, including people management, planning, programme implementation and resource management. The modules on leadership elaborate on the characteristics and behaviours embodied in the UN System Leadership Framework and explore key aspects, amongst others, of ethical and transformational leadership.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to:

  • Create high-performing teams, by motivating and coaching staff, and supporting their career development. Monitor and evaluate staff performance and address under-performance in a constructive manner
  • Translate overall visions into realistic goals, by planning strategically, implementing results-based management systems, mitigating risks, and managing resources and funds successfully
  • Communicate effectively with staff, senior managers and peers. Build and maintain long-term partnerships with key stakeholders
  • Adopt key practices and tools to ensure proper leadership and management of projects and programmes, delegate and monitor tasks easily, and communicate and deal with risks successfully
  • Explain the key characteristics of UN leadership and support the adoption of leadership behaviours embodied in the UN System Leadership Framework.
  • Create a UN inter-agency peer network
Course methodology

This scenario-based programme is centered on the learner, offering a self-paced learning path delivered entirely online. Participants can start at any time, choosing the learning modules that best fit their needs.

The Extended E-Certificate on Leadership and Management programme offers:

  • A micro-learning experience characterized by small knowledge units (modules and micro-lessons) where participants consolidate and reflect on learnings through the creation of micro-content (multimodal forum replies, blog posts, etc.).
  • Scenario-based learning exposing participants to the unique real-life challenges and tasks of UN managers
  • Consolidation of takeaways through reflective practices and social learning to facilitate information exchange and peer-to-peer learning
  • Unlimited access to all modules for one calendar year from the date of enrolment.

A final certificate will be released to participants completing a total of 25 e-learning modules.

Each module is estimated to require approximately three to four hours of study time to complete at your own pace.

Course contents

The Extended E-Certificate in Leadership and Management offers a unique learning path focusing on the following managerial areas:

  • People. This area includes modules on issues such as: Active Listening, Handling Difficult Conversations, Coaching Others Effectively, Resolving Conflicts and Motivating Yourself and Others.
  • Resources. This area includes modules on issues such as budgeting and managing financial resources.
  • Implementation. This area includes modules on issues such as: Leading Effective Meetings and Delegating Tasks.
  • Vision. This area includes modules on issues such as strategic planning and risk communication.

New modules on leadership and management-related issues will be periodically released and made available to registered participants throughout 2024.

The programme is delivered through UNSSC's Blue Line e-learning platform. After completing the certification programme, participants will gain access to an exclusive alumni network for continuous learning around key leadership and management-related topics.

Target audience

UN personnel at all levels with management and leadership functions at headquarters and in the field.

Cost of participation

The programme fee of $2,000 includes access to all modules for one calendar year from the date of enrolment.

Modules

4 h

Building Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships

Take this module to learn how to effectively initiate and sustain multi-stakeholder partnerships. Your instructor for this module is Dr. Robert Anderson. 
English
3.5 h

Building Resilience for Change

Take this module to find out how to develop and sustain personal and organizational resilience, by exploring different ways you and your employees can cope with stress that accompanies change.Your instructor for this module is Ms. Sabine Bhanot. 
English
4 h

Coaching Others Effectively

In this module, you’ll build vital coaching skills using a simple model that will help you get started on boosting the confidence and problem-solving abilities of your team.Your instructor for this module is Dr. Monique Valcour. 
English
3.5 h

Competency-Based Interview for Panel Members

In this module, you will learn how to successfully apply the concepts and tools provided in a CBI to facilitate recruitment in your organization.Your instructor for this module is Ms. Nancy Raphael.
English
4 h

Delegating Tasks Part 1 - The Right Task to the Right Person

In this module you will learn how to make the most out of delegation. You are going to find out some interesting facts about yourself and your own working and delegation style and will learn to delegate effectively using a 5-step model.Your instructor for this module is Dr. Robert Anderson. 
English
4 h

Delegating Tasks Part 2 - Using a 5-step Model

In this module you will learn how to make the most out of delegation. You are going to find out some interesting facts about yourself and your own working and delegation style and will learn to delegate effectively using a 5-step model.Your instructor for this module is Dr. Robert Anderson. 
English
3.5 h

Empathy, Your Leadership Super-power

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, cultivating empathy has become more crucial than ever. This module aims to shed light on the significance of empathy and how it can be harnessed in your work environment. By taking this module you will be able to assess your own empathy levels, develop skills to build trust within your team, and apply practical strategies to leverage empathy in day-to-day work. Additionally, the module explores how empathy aligns with United Nations frameworks, providing a broader perspective on its significance. This modules features the collaboration of several UN colleagues. Your instructor for this module is Silvia Vernaschi. 
English
4 h

Essentials of Monitoring and Evaluation

Take this module to increase your understanding and capacity of monitoring and evaluating interventions, by tapping into the key principles and aspects of Monitoring and Evaluation. Your instructor for this module is Dr. Itziar Arispe.
English
4 h

Essentials of Project Management

In this module, you will be introduced to the key concepts of project management. Take this module to learn what steps to follow when managing a project and explore useful tools and techniques to apply in the different phases of a project.Your instructor for this module is Dr. Kurt Desender
English
4 h

Essentials of Risk Management - Part 1

Take this module and develop a concrete understanding of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and its main building blocks to be able to participate in its implementation at your own level in the organization.Your instructor for this module is Dr. Daniele Alesani.
English
4 h

Essentials of Risk Management - Part 2

Take this module and develop a concrete understanding of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and its main building blocks to be able to participate in its implementation at your own level in the organization. Your instructor for this module is Dr. Daniele Alesani.
English
3 h

Ethical Decision-Making

Take this module on Ethical Decision-Making to gain insights into what makes a decision an ethical decision and why ethics is fundamental to our decision-making. This online module was developed thanks to the cooperation between the UN Office for Human Resources, the UN Ethics Office and the United Nations System Staff College.
English
4 h

Handling Difficult Conversations

In this module, you will explore concepts and practical tools that will help you move difficult conversations forward in a positive way. At the same time, you will look at your own self-image, feelings and leadership style to understand what makes conversations difficult for you.Your instructor for this module is Dr. Monique Valcour.
English
3.5 h

Introduction to Change Management

In this course, you are going to explore the key elements of change management, the main organizational approaches to change and the best practices to support staff going through change.Your instructor for this module is Ms. Sabine Bhanot. 
English
4 h

Introduction to Ethical Leadership

Take this module on Ethical Leadership to not only understand how ethical leaders behave but also reflect on your own values, actions and personal characteristics in order to lead ethically.This online module was developed thanks to the cooperation between the UN Office for Human Resources, the UN Ethics Office and the United Nations System Staff College.
English
3 h

Introduction to Mindfulness in the Workplace

In this module, we will debunk myths about mindfulness and understand how practising mindfulness can help you and your Organization.By taking this module, you will gain a general understanding of the power of mindfulness, get a taste of what mindfulness practice is, and receive evidence-based information on the impact it can have on well-being and health.You will learn about generative practices that you can integrate into your work and life right here, right now, to improve your well-being.Your instructor for this module will be Silvia Vernaschi.
English
3.5 h

Leading Effective Meetings Part 1 - Design and Preparation

In this module, you will develop the skills to ensure that any meetings you lead are time well spent for everyone concerned with important work accomplished for your organization. Your instructor for this module is Dr. Robert Anderson. 
English
4 h

Leading Effective Meetings Part 2 - Managing the Meeting

In this module, you will develop the skills to ensure that any meetings you lead are time well spent for everyone concerned with important work accomplished for your organization.Your instructor for this module is Dr. Robert Anderson. 
English
3.5 h

Leading through Communication

Take this module to enhance your leadership communication skills and cultivate engaged employees by fostering conversation and interaction.Your instructor for this module is Dr. Robert Anderson. 
English
4 h

Leveraging Diversity in the Workplace

Take this module to identify ways to recognize and deal with your biases as well as leverage diversity at work through inclusiveness and belonging. Your instructor for this module is Dr. Monique Valcour. 
English