Learning and Development Specialist

**Business Unit**:Sales & Distribution

**Function**:Learning (Development & Training)

**Date**:19 May 2025

**Discovery Institute of Training**

**Learning and Development Specialist**

**Sandton - Hybrid**
- Key purpose**The vacancy is for a Learning and Development Specialist to join the Discovery Institute of Training. This role is responsible for designing, developing, delivering, and implementing impactful learning solutions that build capability across various roles and levels within Discovery. These include leadership development, core (soft) skills, and business performance support, using a mix of in-person facilitation, virtual training, and digital formats. In addition to design responsibilities, this role will also be accountable for the effective delivery and facilitation of training interventions across multiple modalities, ensuring meaningful learning experiences and driving behaviour change and performance improvement.**
Key outputs- Learning needs analysis and stakeholder consultation: Conduct in-depth learning needs analyses in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders on all levels. Identify skills gaps, performance challenges, and capability needs across the organisation.
- Design, development, and delivery of learning solutions: Design, develop, and deliver high-impact learning interventions using a blended learning approach, including in-person facilitation, virtual training, and digital content, to support leadership development, core (soft) skills, and business performance.
- Training facilitation: Facilitate engaging, high-quality leadership development and core (soft) skills training sessions that drive behaviour change and performance outcomes. Ensure facilitation is tailored to the audience and aligned with business objectives.
- Learning project initiation and management: Initiate and manage custom learning and business support initiatives that align with business strategy and drive measurable impact. Propose and implement new tools, methodologies, and learning solutions that positively influence performance.
- Strategic contribution and innovation: Actively contribute to the strategic planning and continuous improvement of the Discovery Institute of Training. Use deep learning and development knowledge and experience to shape departmental direction, propose innovative solutions, and align team outputs with strategic business goals.
- Impact measurement and evaluation: Track, analyse, and report on the effectiveness and business impact of learning initiatives. Use data and feedback to continuously refine and improve learning solutions.
- Champion innovation and the effective use of AI and emerging technologies: Leverage AI and other emerging technologies to enhance the design, development, and delivery of learning solutions. Champion innovation by identifying and implementing new tools, platforms, and methodologies that improve learner engagement, efficiency, and impact. Act as a change agent within the team and organisation by promoting a culture of continuous improvement, experimentation, and future-focused thinking.
- Quality assurance and best practice implementation: Uphold best practices in adult learning, learning design methodologies (e.g., 6Ds, ADDIE), and performance consulting. Ensure learning content and facilitation consistently meet high-quality standards and compliance requirements.
Competencies- **Learning and development expertise**: Deep understanding of adult learning principles, learning design methodologies (e.g., 6Ds, ADDIE), and best practices in training delivery and facilitation.
- **Instructional design capability**: Strong ability to design and develop engaging, outcomes-based learning experiences across various modalities (classroom, virtual, digital).
- **Facilitation skills**: Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse learners across roles and levels, both in-person and virtually.
- **Stakeholder management**: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to consult, influence, and build trusted relationships with diverse internal stakeholders at all levels.
- **Strategic thinking**: Ability to align learning initiatives with business strategy, contribute to departmental planning, and identify opportunities for value creation.
- **Project management**: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, timelines, and cross-functional teams, ensuring successful implementation and measurable outcomes.
- **Analytical and impact-driven**: Skilled in evaluating learning effectiveness and using data to make informed decisions that drive continuous improvement and business performance.
- **Innovation and technology savvy**: Forward-thinking and curious, with a passion for exploring and implementing new technologies, including AI, to enhance learning design and delivery.
- **Communication and collaboration**: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team a