Background

The Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa) is a World Bank supported center of excellence for education and research at the College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The main aim of CDT-Africa is to serve as a platform for equitable access to interventions (medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and complex interventions) and bring about sustainable development in Africa through high-quality capacity development for innovative therapeutic discovery.

As part of this effort, CDT-Africa with support from Faculty for Capacity Development (FCD), is accepting a knowledge transfer program called the Clinical Research Operations online course to the faculty based in Ethiopia. Therefore, CDT-Africa would like to hire experienced Instructional Designer who can work in defining instructional content, prepare objectives, and select and sequence learning activities.

The Role of the Research Associate

The successful applicant will be responsible for playing an important role in creation and design of graphic resources, and management of the online LMS of training courses for CDT-Africa, ClinOps Project, under the guidance of ClinOps Project program coordinator and CDT-Africa Centre deputy head.

Principal responsibilities:

Planning and Analysis

• Conducts learning assessments to determine the most effective learning activities and course designs that align with organizational goals, strategies, and competencies and the ClinOps Projects.
• 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 digital learning activities, including e-learning courses, videos and animations as appropriate.
• Apply tested instructional design theories, practice and methods.
• Conduct instructional research and analysis on learners and contexts.
• Visualize instructional graphics, the user interface and the finished product.

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.
• Develop storyboards for e-learning, LMS platform-based modules, and instructional or explainer videos/animations.
• Contribute to designing and managing learning evaluations.
• 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 e-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.

Implementation and Management

• Support the project team on instructional design best practices and implementation of e- 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 assuranceIdentifies potential problems early in a project and implementation phase and makes suggestions on how to resolve them while keeping key deadlines in mind.
• Additional tasks as directed by the Head of the centre or ClinOps project coordinator

Terms and conditions

• Salary: negotiable depending on qualifications and experience.
• Hours of work: are governed by the laws of Ethiopia. However, the nature of the work is such that it might require working overtime and weekends, with due financial compensation.
• Holidays: are governed by the rules of Addis Ababa University for project workers.
• Length of contract: this is a one year subject to six monthly contract renewal.
• Probationary period and notice period: there is a three-month probationary period for this role. The notice period is one month.
• No. required: One
• Terms of employment: Full-time, 1 year, post subject to six monthly contract renewal
• Reports to: CDT-Africa ClinOps Project program coordinator

Skills Required:

• Deep level of understanding of learning management systems.
• Learning technology experience.
• Visual and artistic talents.

Requirements 

• BSc degree in instructional design, computer science, graphics design, educational technology or similar fields.
• At least 4 years of exposure in the disciplinary area, e.g., instructional design learning systems / education & training.
• Adequate knowledge of learning management systems and web delivery tools; solid understanding and experience using IT-based learning solutions.
• 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.
• Ability to write effective copy, instructional text, audio scripts/video scripts
• Demonstrated mastery of instructional theory, methodologies and e-learning delivery.
• Ability to remain professional and focused under pressure.
• Full proficiency in Adobe Captivate and other Adobe Creative Suite applications.
• Excellent knowledge of Content Management Systems.