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Case StudyCertification
eCornell Supports
United Nations Peacekeeping Missions
The UN Department of Field Support (UNDFS) manages personnel, finance, logistics, information, and communica- tion technology for the United Nation's field-based peace operations around the world. There are currently 464 DFS
staffers at UN Headquarters in support of 33 field operations involving over 100,000 mili- tary, police, and civilian per- sonnel. Among other things, the UNDFS is charged with providing training and certifi- cation for 600 HR personnel, particularly in developing and strengthening core capabilities so that performance is consis- tent with UN objectives.
GLOBAL HR TRAINING CHALLENGE
"Because our units are spread across the globe, providing training that is consistent with UN organizational policies was challenging—not to mention expensive,
" explains Eran
Schweiger, Chief of DFS's Quality Assurance Unit. "We never want our field managers operating without proper HR training. It can open up a whole world of liabilities and legal setbacks and have adverse managerial and financial implications.
" There was urgency at the
UNDFS to find a timely, cost- effective solution for global HR training. In late 2010, they turned to eCornell.
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BRIDGING HR SKILLS GAPS
eCornell's online delivery plat- form met the UN's require-
ments by providing: >> A problem-based, collabora- tive learning environment;
>> Access for UNDFS staffers in the field using a stand- alone computer, with around-the-clock access to courses and support;
>> Strict confidentiality of all participant information;
>> Flexibility around comple- tion times, within a reason- able timeframe; and
>> Qualified, world-class per- sonnel for facilitation.
eCornell created a custom cer-
tificate program to address skill- gaps among HR practitioners. Participants complete seven online courses from Cornell University'
s School of Industrial
and Labor Relations in topics like staffing protocols, consulting skills, communication and coaching, employee engagement, and performance management. "I've heard first hand from
participants that the credential from Cornell University gives them extra motivation to com- pete the certificate program,
"
notes Schweiger. "The Ivy League name adds value to the certificate gained, and ensures a high standard of quality.
" For the DFS's supervisory and
managerial audiences, eCornell expanded on the curriculum by adding courses in change, HR strategy, diversity and talent management. Both curricula are closely aligned to ensure conti- nuity in processes and policies.
MEASURING SUCCESS Since the program's launch in
December 2010, over 400 UNDFS staff members have completed over 1,700 courses through eCornell. "The UN'
and greatest asset is human resources,
s principal expense " says Schweiger. "By
providing high quality HR train- ing to our field support staff and delivering it globally through eCornell, we've definitely seen a compounding effect on the competence and quality of the mission personnel. People are more motivated than ever before, which has unquestion- ably led to improved delivery of the missions' mandate."
—For more information about eCornell's partnership with the U.N., contact Will Hipwell, eCornell's Vice President of Marketing, at whipwell@ecornell.com.