The African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR) is a pan-African membership think-tank social enterprise that performs independent research, advocacy, studies, training, and consultancy on social, international, political, foreign policy, business, and economic issues. ACFR strives to create a platform to bring business, government, private sector, and social sector actors together to share perspectives, develop constructive ideas and opportunities, and promote Africa’s interest on the global stage.
Our mission: To conduct and produce innovative research that powers innovative solutions to the most difficult challenges Africa encounters at the continental and international levels.
Our Vision: To be the most trusted think tank that serves, anticipates and solves Africa’s biggest challenges on the global stage.
For more information, please visit https://afcfr.com/.
POSITION PURPOSE
This position is responsible for leading and enhancing the Council’s learning and development initiatives, focusing on improving the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of employees across the organization. The Director will oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs that align with organizational goals and support continuous learning.
JOB FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Some of the most critical priorities for the Head of learning and development, which include:
- Introducing new L&D programs on an ongoing basis to support changing strategic objectives
- Anticipating (and eliminating) future skills gaps through incisive new L&D programming
- Leading the development and execution of comprehensive learning strategies and programs across the organization.
- Overseeing the creation and maintenance of learning resources, including onboarding, orientation, and professional development materials.
- Building and leading a dynamic Learning & Development team, including hiring and managing learning designers and trainers.
- Building relationships with third-party resources and partners to roll out innovative and experiential learning models
- Creating customized development plans
- Offering hands-on coaching and guidance to leaders as a recognized L&D subject matter expert (SME)
- Collaborating with HR leaders to implement effective deployment and redeployment strategies
- Contributing to regularly scheduled performance management processes
- Identifying new tools to enhance human capital capabilities across the organization
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee a team of learning designers and regional trainers.
- Provide leadership and guidance to ensure the team’s success in achieving learning objectives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (master’s degree often preferred)
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in training and development, with significant experience in leadership roles and strategic training planning.
- Also anywhere from five to 10 years of experience spearheading L&D initiatives
- Proven success at the helm of the L&D function
- Familiarity with experiential learning, gamification, and emerging trends in L&D
- Working knowledge of L&D best practices, tools, methodologies, and more
- Experience leveraging digital tools to drive measurable benefits
- Knowledge of key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the L&D function
- Virtual learning expertise
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, performance-driven, compliance-oriented educational environment.
- Detail-oriented, analytical, highly organized, and have the ability to multi-task and work well under pressure.
- Demonstrate a high level of integrity, strong work ethic, and professionalism
- Persuasive and effective verbal and written communication skills, with a strong focus on customer service in an educational setting.
- Highly motivated and goal-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills.
- Must be able to work independently and as a collaborative team member and have exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Excellent computer skills are required with proficiency in MS Office applications including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
- Ability and willingness to work outside of regular work shifts, including evenings and/or weekends as necessary or as requested by Supervisor.
- Ability and willingness to travel.
Benefits:
This is a voluntary role and there is no compensation at this time
