Learning & Development Program Specialist

About the Job:

Sama is seeking to hire a motivated self-starter with experience creating and managing workforce development programs and adult learning programs. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to support a fast-growing and far-reaching social enterprise. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Refine and expand existing career pathways program

• Lead and continuously improve the career pathways program to help our production workforce develop skills and advance their careers within or beyond Sama
• Partner with Service Delivery and other teams to refine existing program curriculum and align on other career advancement support 
• Create and implement career counseling practices for early-in-career team members
• Develop relationships with regional employers and identify job opportunities for program participants
• Determine and track key metrics to demonstrate the program’s impact and progress
• Manage program budget 
• Stay up to date on career opportunities for early-in-career professionals and skills needed to pursue those career opportunities

Develop and coordinate learning experiences to improve business performance

• Serve as a strategic partner to Service Delivery to improve business performance by providing high-quality learning experiences
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders and HRBPs to identify learning and development needs and introduce new learning initiatives in East Africa
• Serve as learning SME for East Africa using a data-driven and user-centric approach and applying best adult learning practices
• Coordinate the Professional Development Program (PDP), including participant experience and communication and reporting on utilization
• Support audit compliance related to L&D 

Manage National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) funding (Kenya)

• Actively manage NITA relationship to achieve maximum value from funding
• Identify possible group and individual trainings that are reimbursable through NITA funding that  support employee development plans and line manager input
• Ensure all the NITA documentation is correct and prior approval is given for a smooth reimbursement process

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree 
• Minimum work experience: 
• 5 years creating and implementing workforce development programs
• 2 years managing a training function for adult learners
• 2 years project management
• Understanding of regional job landscape and knowledge of career growth opportunities in local economy
• Proven experience taking ownership of projects and leading them to successful completion
• Experience working with youth from underserved communities
• Demonstrated skill managing stakeholders at all levels, including executives
• Excellent time management and demonstrated success the prioritizing effectively with minimal supervision
• Proven experience analyzing, interpreting and reporting on data for the purpose of making business decisions
• Track record of data driven decision making to monitor and improve training effectiveness
• Proficiency in adult learning methodologies and approaches in hybrid learning formats 
• High attention to detail and organizational skills to effectively manage multiple projects and tasks concurrently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree
• Strong network of local employers and key workforce development stakeholders
• Network of stakeholders providing essential services