Learning Design Specialist

mothers2mothers (m2m) is a proudly African NGO that unlocks the power of women to end health inequities. We employ, train, and support women living with HIV as frontline health workers across sub-Saharan Africa—called Mentor Mothers. These women deliver life-saving health services, educate communities, and create brighter futures for millions of families. Since 2001, m2m has reached over 17 million women and children with critical health services and support, proving that when women lead, communities thrive. We have also partnered with governments on more than 10 major initiatives to scale our impact. Now, at a time of unprecedented disruption to funding models for NGOs, we are more determined than ever to achieve our dream of helping to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030, and create a future where health for all creates opportunity for all. That vision requires bold philanthropic investment — and that's where you come in. For more information, visit Job TitleLearning Design SpecialistOrganisation Levelsmothers2mothers -> m2m Head Office -> ProgrammesLocationCape Town - , 8000 ZA (Primary)Type of positionPermanentEducationDegreeClosing Date31/10/2025Job Descriptionmothers2mothers (m2m) is an African-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) that employs women living with HIV as frontline community health workers (CHWs) called Mentor Mothers and Peer Mentors, in health facilities and surrounding communities across ten countries in sub-Saharan Africa. m2m's Strategic Plan aims to address Africa's biggest health challenges towards our vision of Healthy Women, Healthy Families, Healthier World. We have expanded our model with the ambition of become a leading primary healthcare organization contributing to the acceleration of Universal Health Coverage on the continent, while continuing to prevent and treat HIV.The shortage of CHWs in sub-Saharan Africa is a mission critical barrier to achieving Universal Health Coverage and reducing health disparities. Addressing this shortage remains imperative for improving access to quality healthcare for individuals and communities. Investing in learning and development, training, mentoring, and supporting CHWs is essential for improving population-based health outcomes and addressing health inequity in sub-Saharan Africa.Against this background, m2m is building on its 20-year track record of training more than 11,700 Peer Mentors, by embarking on a critical strategic objective over the next five years – the development and implementation of the m2m Smart Learning Solution. m2mSLS harnesses the power of innovative 21st century learning technology (i.e. personalized, adaptive, "smart" learning) of accredited curricula on the Totara Talent Experience Platform to deliver affordable, effective training and education of the sub-Saharan health workforce at scale – starting with CHWs.Against this background, m2m seeks to recruit a skilled Learning Design Specialist to support in the operationalisation of this world-class Smart Learning Solution. The Learning Design Specialist at m2m is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Learning Design team. In this respect, m2m seeks a candidate for this role who possesses excellent skills in managing teams and stakeholders, along with a proven understanding of, and track record in executing, the most current concepts in smart learning. The incumbent in this position will be accountable for executing, enhancing and streamlining learning design processes, managing operations, facilitating onboarding, upholding quality standards, contributing to the enhancement of the design strategy, and ensuring the timely and scoped development of m2m's curricula / curricula featured on the m2mSLS. Key Performance Areas:Leadership and Management:Support the recruitment and onboarding of all Learning Design team members, including permanent staff, freelancers, contract workers and/or consultants.Lead, mentor and grow a team of effective Learning Designers.Apply agile practices to allocate team resources efficiently, balancing workloads and skill sets to ensure projects are completed effectively and on time.Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for direct reports and track their progress, providing regular feedback to team members to ensure they meet or exceed performance expectations.Foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the team, ensuring each member receives training and coaching to enhance their skills and expertise.Design and Development:Liaise with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including Learning Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation Unit, Primary Health Care Unit, Country Technical Unit, and SLS vendors to ensure effective and collaborative design and smart learning curricula delivery.Develop guidance documents and policies and contribute to departmental / unit process development and improvement.Identify appropriate tools and software to improve the delivery of smart learning courses and curricula.Manage the procurement of learning design resources.Develop innovative smart learning and blended online learning approaches.Lead the creation of learning design plans, storyboards, and content outlines, making sure they follow sound smart learning principles.Oversee the creation of multimedia learning assets, including e-learning modules, videos, infographics, and assessments.Ensure the creation of inspiring, engaging, and dynamic learner experiences.Ensure that all learning materials are designed and developed with accessibility in mind, meeting all relevant accessibility standards and guidelines.Ensure quality editing and proofreading of all learning content.Incorporate insights from user testing into the curriculum development process, ensuring that the learning solutions are user-friendly and effective.Manage the content licensing and permissions process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and protection of intellectual property.Learning Technology:Manage production planning in the context of Learning Technology – specifically Totara TXP.Work closely with the TXP Administrator to maintain and optimise the e-learning platform for effective content delivery.Support the operationalisation of the digital content strategy, collaboratively with Totara TXP Administrator and in-house Totara Support Team.Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement:Conduct regular reviews and audits of learning materials / curricula for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established quality standards.Work with the Senior Manager, m2mSLS to design, test, develop and evaluate new and existing educational models and products.Manage quality assurance processes, and work on evaluation strategies to review the effectiveness of learning design strategy.Create mechanisms for collecting and analysing feedback from learners and stakeholders, using this data to make continuous improvements.Stay informed about industry best practices, benchmark against competitors, and continuously evolve the quality standards based on market trends.Oversee management of the asset tracking process, ensuring that all resources and content are accounted for.Oversee royalty payments as applicable.Project Management:Initiate planning processes for course evaluations and new course / curriculum development.Support the development of comprehensive work plans for curriculum design projects, outlining clear objectives, milestones, timelines, and resource allocation.Manage projects and work with various operational stakeholders to ensure that deadlines are adhered to and that project communication takes place in a timely and effective manner.Maintain open and transparent communication with project stakeholders, providing regular updates and addressing concerns or questions as they arise.Employ project management methodologies and tools to track project progress, manage risks, and ensure successful project outcomes.Budget Management:Working with Senior Manager, m2mSLS, to ensure capacity allocations align with unit budget.Job RequirementsQualifications and Experience:Bachelor's degree, plus 3+ years of relevant experience in learning design / learning and development, public health, education, or a related field. Honours Degree preferred.3+ years of team leadership/mid-management experience.Proven skills and experience in learning design and the development of learner-centred digital learning experiences and resources.Practical knowledge of digital learning principles and practices, as well as current and future trends in digital technologies.Demonstrated experience in smart learning design, quality assurance and quality improvement.Demonstrated project management skills in the development of digital content for online courses / curricula.Knowledge of public health-related topics is a strong demonstration.Competencies Required:Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.Ability to work independently and in a team.Strong written, verbal, presentation and visual communication skills.Dynamic, innovative, results and action-oriented team leader.Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with experience managing teams.Ability to think creatively and systematically at all project levels.mothers2mothers is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly encourage applications from people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), people with disabilities, women and previously disadvantaged people. Competitive salary packages will be negotiable in accordance with m2m's remuneration policies.