Digitalizing Environment and Emergencies Training

1. Purpose (justification for request)

1.1 Explain the requirement for a consultant / individual contractor including the reference to the work programme (corresponds to box 1 of P.104/A):

Disasters and conflicts often result in significant environmental impacts. Therefore, a key element of emergency response is the rapid identification and mitigation of environmental risks.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) respond as one UN to the environmental dimensions of emergencies. Since 1994, the UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit (JEU) has successfully coupled UNEP’s environmental know-how with OCHA’s humanitarian mandate. Member States affected by disasters and conflicts can request environmental assistance to the JEU. Whether in response to natural hazards, human-induced hazards or a combination of them, the JEU can mobilise technical expertise at short notice (within 48 hours) for deployment to affected countries, conduct rapid environmental assessments and provide remote support.

The JEU relies on a roster of partner institutions to identify experts for dispatch, operating through a network of network model. Readiness is a key element of effective response. To foster readiness for response, the JEU runs its flagship Environment and Emergencies Training (EET), designed for deployable environmental experts to foster the knowledge and skills required to confidently deploy on UN emergency response missions. The EET is a face-to-face training of six days, including a one-day, outdoor simulation exercise (SIMEX).

Further to the COVID-19 pandemic, the JEU has successfully launched and run a Global Webinar Series on Environment and Emergencies to maintain network engagement while not being able to deliver trainings in person. As face-to-face courses are now restarting, the JEU is looking at hybrid approaches to digitalise its training portfolio so as to enhance its effectiveness while remaining relevant and up to date with today’s technology. As part of these efforts, a scoping study is being commissioned to identify entry points for the application of virtual/augmented reality technology and/or any other relevant technology into the face-to-face EET that can enhance the participants’ experience of operating in an emergency setting.

Another Consultant is being hired to review the EET training materials more broadly and identify entry points for automatisation and digital transformation beyond virtual/augmented reality (including the enhanced use of pre-recorded materials, online platforms for interactive engagement and group work, scenario/timeline management, etc.) that will help in visualising the training scenario (environmental experts deployed to a fictitious country affected by an earthquake followed by a tsunami), sticking to it throughout the six days of the training, minimising human error by facilitators and enhancing the overall training experience for participants. It is expected that the two Consultants will work closely together.

1.2 Ultimate result of services (corresponds to box 1 of P.104/A):

The Consultant will conduct the scoping study, which should specifically look at mapping available technologies (with a focus on virtual/augmented reality) and detailing possible applications for the EET (against its learning objectives and current delivery modality, session by session), advantages, limitations, minimum requirements for implementation and possible incremental levels of engagement (multi-tiered application), costing and timeline for development.

As a result of the consultancy services, the JEU will have a clear roadmap for the integration of virtual/augmented reality and other relevant technology that can enhance the trainees’ experience of operating in a disaster context. The JEU will then be able to select which options to implement based on available funding and/or use the final report that will be produced by the Consultant to fundraise as needed.

2. Qualifications / special skills or knowledge

(Indicate what expertise and experience, i.e. special skills or knowledge are required / essential to perform the specific tasks and responsibilities stipulated above and the level of expertise required) Corresponds to box 1 of P.104/A

Academic

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science and engineering, information technology, graphic design, virtual reality and immersive media or any other relevant discipline.

Essential

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in virtual/augmented reality and immersive media;
• Experience with applications of virtual/augmented reality and immersive media for training purposes;
• Fluency in English and strong report writing skills;
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and actionable recommendations;
• Demonstrated capacity to manage tasks toward work plan deliverables and deliver high quality technical /analytical information;
• Ability to work independently and remotely.

Desirable

• Previous experience with the United Nations system;
• Experience with applications of virtual/augmented reality and immersive media in the field of disaster/emergency management;
• Enthusiasm for, and commitment to, environmental and humanitarian work.

3. Objectives, output expectations and performance indicators

(Include the final and intermediate results and outputs of services which should be measurable; performance indicators should allow for the evaluation of the results; include details as to how the work must be delivered (e.g. electronic submission, hard copy, etc.))

Objective:

The objective of the consultancy is to map opportunities (and related requirements) for introducing virtual/augmented reality into the face-to-face Environment and Emergencies Training, so as to enhance the overall experience of trainees of operating in a disaster/emergency setting.

Activities:

• Review the EET training materials and discuss with JEU’s Programme Management Officer to develop a clear understanding of the objectives of the training and its current format and delivery modality.

• Identify available technology that is suitable for application to the EET, its technical specifications, minimum requirements, costing, timeline for development/implementation and required human resources.

• Propose a roadmap for the JEU to introduce virtual/augmented reality in the face-to-face EET using a tiered/incremental approach based on different budget scenarios, outlining best available solutions, their technical specifications and minimum requirements, costing, timeline for development/implementation, required human resources and any other information as needed.

• Clarify spatial/geographic requirements for use and any replicability in multiple sites, with a focus on identifying technology that can be used across different venues rather than one one specific site, noting that the EET is delivered in multiple countries worldwide.

• Consolidate all work done into a final report for delivery to the JEU’s Programme Management Officer.

Deliverables:

• By 31 December 2021, a final report (minimum 25 pages), mapping entry points for the introduction of virtual/augmented reality solutions into the face-to-face EET and proposing a clear roadmap for the JEU to implement any of these solutions using a tiered/incremental approach against different budget scenarios.

• The final report should include: opportunities mapped session by session against the defined learning objectives, minimum entry requirements and costing of each opportunity using a tiered/incremental approach depending on the level of available funding and any additional requirements, a detailed summary of advantages and limitations of each proposed option, clear technical specifications of proposed technology and any market information, and timelines for implementation.

• The final report should also include examples of previous applications of any proposed technology, with a focus on trainings for emergency management professionals. It should included as many visuals as possible, including any links as needed, to be able to picture the proposed solutions.

• The report should be written for a general audience, while including all technical specifications that will be required for follow up on any of the proposed recommendations.

• Performance Indicators for evaluation of results:

• Outputs are delivered in a timely fashion and of high quality;

• Communications in dealing with partners are professional and systematic;

• Problem/issues for achieving results are identified early on and workable solutions are proposed.

4. Reporting lines

(Indicate whom the consultant / individual contractor is reporting to and who will evaluate the outputs of the consultant / individual contractor)

The consultant will report to JEU’s Programme Management Officer.

6. Duration

(The timeframe, including the delivery dates, should be clear and realistic; the planned starting date is considered realistic if the ToR are finalized at least four weeks before the intended starting date) Corresponds to box 1 of P.104/A

The expected duration of the contract is two months, from 01/11/2021 to 31/12/2021.

7. Travel involved

(Indicate the required travel itinerary, if applicable – please tick box 7 of P.104/A)

Travel is not planned for this task but if required will be arranged.

8. Indicative level of remuneration

The level of remuneration will be determined by HR based on candidate’s years of experience and qualifications.