Job Description

Instructional Designer

About Amref Health Africa

Founded in 1957 in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based international NGO, reaching 35 countries. We work to ensure every African can enjoy the right to health services by helping create vibrant networks of informed communities that work with empowered health care providers in strong health systems. Amref has over half a century of experience in delivering health care and building health systems in Africa, partnering with those at the heart of communities to bring lasting health change.

Amref Health Africa partners with the Government of Ethiopia and local communities to implement diversified health and WASH project portfolios throughout the country, focusing on three key programmatic areas: Reproductive Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent and Youth Health (RMNCAYH), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Communicable and Non-Communicable diseases. Currently, our organization is part of the Jhpiego led consortium working on the five years USAID Health Workforce Improvement Program (HWIP) activity. This activity addresses critical HR challenges and augment management and implementation capacity of the Government of Ethiopia entities to improve human resources for health (HRH) management practices and address low competency of health workers.

Position: Instructional Designer

Reports to: Digital Learning Technical Lead

Duty Station:   Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

PRIMARY ROLE

With a background and training in instructional design, the Instructional Designer will identify the performance, skills, and knowledge, information and attitude gaps of targeted health professionals and create, select and/or suggest learning experiences to fill this gap. S/he will work with members of the professional associations as subject matter experts to translate the application of CPD to digital learning platforms to ensure the successful implementation of the digital learning solution.

S/he is based in Jhiego’s office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is supervised by the Digital Learning Technical Lead.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Planning and Analysis

·        Conducts learning assessments to determine the most effective learning activities and course designs that align with organizational goals, strategies, and competencies.

·        Work effectively with subject-matter experts to define learning objectives, select content, and identify target audience’s training needs and create evaluation measures;

·        Effectively communicate training deliverables to project team members and other stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.

·        Oversee and guide the development of the project’s digital learning activities, including e-learning courses, videos, animations, and games as appropriate.

·        Determine criteria used to judge learner’s performance and develop assessment instruments

·        Provide exercises and activities that enhance the learning process.

·        Apply tested instructional design theories, practice and methods.

·        Conduct instructional research and analysis on learners and contexts.

·        Analyze courses to ensure they meet or exceed required standards, and provide reports for accreditation reviews.

·        Visualize instructional graphics, the user interface and the finished product.

·        Work with project team, partners and stakeholders to develop and apply tools and methods for an ongoing assessment of program capacity development needs, as well as the impact of capacity development interventions on the overall project objectives.

Design and Development 

·        Assess training needs and contribute to the development of training strategies and plans.

·        Develop dynamic, experiential learning session designs for virtual training including blended learning architectures.

·        Develop storyboards for e-learning, LMS platform-based modules, and instructional or explainer videos/animations, and work with an animator in designing the visual imagery

·        Use instructional design and development methodologies to create e-learning products

·        Contribute to designing and managing learning evaluations.

·        Create engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and transfer

·        Create supporting material/media (audio, video, simulations, role plays, games etc)

·        Create the layout (Look and Feel) of the instructional material

·        Develop materials for courses based on information provided by subject matter experts and instructors to create the best coursework possible.

·        Develop blended-learning programs and training materials based on proven adult learning techniques using appropriate design, content and technologies adapted to the context of actors in Ethiopia.

·        Support the project staff in conceptualizing and developing capacity development activities.

Implementation and Management

·        Support the project team on instructional design best practices and implementation of blended learning, including identifying and implementing innovative technologies and approaches.

·        Support the implementation and administration of the learning platform

·        Recommend changes to existing courses, including technology or instructional methods, to better adhere to delivery options for the course.

·        Remain aware of all emerging instructional technologies and make recommendations about when to adopt certain systems to continue to offer the best learning experience possible.

·        Help disseminate learning insights gained, as well as tools and methodologies

·        Maintain project documentation and course folders

·        Manage assigned training activities from design to implementation, including scope, timeline, and quality assurance

Job Requirements

• BSc or MA degree in instructional design, educational technology or similar field

·        At least 5 years of exposure in the disciplinary area, e.g., instructional design / learning systems / education & training / social science – with experience working in developing countries and in the development sector. Visual design skills (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator) and ability to storyboard;

·        Proven working experience in instructional design and with instructional technology;

·        Working knowledge of adult training principles and methods; experience with Adult Learning, Engagement skills, Curriculum Development Competence and e-learning; experience in designing storyboards for e-learning, LMS platforms, videos, and animations is required.

·        Experience in learning evaluation such as designing, conducting, and analysing evaluations for learning activities is a plus;

·        Ability to write effective copy, instructional text, audio scripts/video scripts;

• Strong working knowledge of instructional design practices, curriculum design, training methodologies and online education; working knowledge of information gathering, planning and organizing methods and principles
• Solid knowledge of learning design and models, content strategy, risk management, iteration, and beta testing, preferably in a non-profit organization; a proven skill-set in the development of learning courses, dissemination of learning products, training and technical assistance materials, needs assessments, and other capacity development products.

·        Knowledge of learning principles - including, participatory methods, Appreciative Inquiry, whole systems thinking, and related topics – and knowledge of graphics, layout, and Word style sheets required.

·        Adequate knowledge of learning management systems and web delivery tools; solid understanding and experience using IT-based learning solutions

• Basic HTML and Flash programming knowledge
• Familiarity with traditional and modern training methods and techniques;
• Demonstrated mastery of instructional theory, methodologies and e-learning delivery;
• Training and experience in designing and implementing process improvements; ability to absorb new ideas and technical concepts quickly
• Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills focused on global design thinking. Facilitation, presentation, and/or publication experience a plus.
• Comfortable working collaboratively across teams and independently.
• Strong planning, organization, critical and strategic thinking and problem-solving skills; adept at identifying and framing problems, setting priorities, and making critical assessments.
• Ability to remain professional and focused under pressure
• Full proficiency in Articulate Storyline, or Adobe Captivate.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity; solid understanding of theory and approaches to drive behavior change.
• Demonstrated ability to create interesting and innovative learning content; ability in communicating technical ideas in a user-friendly way.
• Ability to make timely and well-considered decisions based on corporate policies.
• Excellent judgment, strategic and analytical thinking to finding solutions, and ability to manage risk and competing priorities and meet deadlines.

How to Apply

If you would like to join Amref’s team, please quote the position/reference number in the subject matter and send your CV and application letter with remuneration requirements and contact details of three work-related referees, through email: Etrecruitment@amref.org, apply on:  www.ethiojobs.net . 

The closing date for submitting applications is June 1, 2020. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Note

Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Amref Health Africa is an equal opportunity employer and has a non-smoking environment policy