Full Time
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted 3 weeks ago

CIFOR-ICRAF (The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry)

Capacity Development Specialist at CIFOR-ICRAF (1 Position) – Nairobi, Apply by 15 April 2025

ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS

Employer: CIFOR-ICRAF (The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry)
Job Title: Capacity Development Specialist – CIMMYT Academy
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-Time, 2-Year Renewable Contract
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline: 15 April 2025
Application Link: Apply for Capacity Development Specialist – CIMMYT
Category: Local Position

INTRODUCTION

CIFOR-ICRAF is a globally renowned, non-profit science and development institution that works to improve human well-being, protect the environment, and increase equity. The organization envisions a world where forests and trees contribute to sustainable development, climate resilience, and food security.

Founded in 1993 and 1978 respectively, CIFOR and ICRAF merged to create an unparalleled research and innovation powerhouse dedicated to addressing the world’s environmental and development challenges. The joint entity is a member of the CGIAR system, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

Through its Capacity Development Program under CIMMYT Academy, the organization collaborates with researchers, government stakeholders, local communities, educational institutions, and donors to build practical, scalable training frameworks that support innovation and impact. The Capacity Development Specialist position plays a central role in delivering transformative learning outcomes, building institutional capacity, and leading education-related projects and systems support across Africa and beyond.

This role is based at the Nairobi office and is crucial to supporting the CIMMYT Academy’s mission of translating scientific knowledge into educational experiences that empower individuals and institutions in the agriculture and forestry space.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Capacity Development Specialist will be responsible for developing, managing, and implementing learning and training solutions tailored to diverse learners within CIMMYT Academy’s ecosystem. This includes the design of courses, facilitation of learning events, digital content development, technical platform management, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to deliver impactful capacity-building interventions.

The ideal candidate should have demonstrable expertise in instructional design, e-learning, adult learning methodologies, project coordination, and strong communication and facilitation skills. They will be required to bring creativity, structure, and enthusiasm to support diverse learners and knowledge-sharing initiatives, working across multiple time zones and program areas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Educational Program Development and Strategic Capacity Planning

Co-lead strategic planning with CIMMYT Academy leadership to align training programs with institutional goals and global priorities.
Lead instructional needs assessments for diverse training audiences including technical experts, students, farmers, policymakers, and researchers.
Apply adult learning principles to structure content into interactive, inclusive, and competency-based learning journeys.
Design comprehensive learning programs that include onboarding modules, refresher courses, certification tracks, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

2. Instructional Design and Course Content Creation

Develop full training packages including objectives, facilitator guides, participant handbooks, slide decks, case studies, assessments, and feedback forms.
Author scripts and outlines for animated or testimonial training videos.
Create digital learning components using software like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Vyond, or Camtasia.
Produce media-rich learning experiences (e.g., infographics, animations, audio narrations, quizzes) to enhance retention.
Ensure the final content is accessible and user-friendly across different devices and learning platforms.

3. Program Implementation, Facilitation, and Delivery

Organize, coordinate, and deliver face-to-face and online learning events across multiple regions.
Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and webinars in collaboration with subject matter experts.
Build engagement strategies and learning cohorts to foster community and continuous learning.
Use feedback mechanisms (surveys, focus groups, interviews) to assess effectiveness and inform updates.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

Develop and implement MEL frameworks specific to capacity-building interventions.
Collect, analyze, and report on learning KPIs such as completion rates, pre/post-training test scores, and learner satisfaction.
Produce periodic evaluation reports with insights and recommendations for course improvement.
Apply insights to guide adaptive learning approaches and improve overall instructional quality.

5. Learning Management System (LMS) Administration

Serve as the lead administrator and super-user of the organization’s LMS platform (e.g., Moodle, Canvas, or proprietary systems).
Provide user support and troubleshooting services for technical access and course navigation.
Update courses, maintain learner records, generate usage reports, and configure dashboards.
Collaborate with IT and external vendors for system enhancements, integrations, and security protocols.

6. Partnership Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration

Build relationships with technical teams, project managers, and implementing partners to co-create training programs.
Support the alignment of training activities with donor requirements and stakeholder priorities.
Represent CIMMYT Academy at conferences, consortium meetings, and public engagement events.
Lead alumni engagement efforts and build robust knowledge-sharing communities.

7. Internal Coordination and Organizational Development

Collaborate with Human Resources to embed training into the employee lifecycle (onboarding, leadership development, performance enablement).
Assist in developing digital induction programs for HQ and regional offices.
Maintain up-to-date SOPs and training manuals related to organizational learning.
Actively contribute to cross-departmental initiatives and special assignments.

8. Knowledge Management and Documentation

Lead systematization of best practices, tools, methodologies, and success stories.
Maintain digital libraries, training archives, and resource catalogs.
Contribute to publication of training impact stories, newsletters, and blog articles.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Business Administration, Agricultural Extension, or Social Sciences.

Experience Requirements

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in capacity development, e-learning, training management, or knowledge systems.
Hands-on experience working within agriculture, agroforestry, climate change, or sustainability domains is a major advantage.
Proven track record of working in multicultural, international environments.

Technical Proficiency

Strong command of e-learning platforms (LMS), digital design tools, and instructional development suites.
Excellent facilitation and public speaking skills (in-person and virtual).
Familiarity with adult learning theory, Bloom’s Taxonomy, ADDIE model, and other instructional frameworks.

Soft Skills

Proactive problem solver with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong organizational and multi-tasking abilities.
Innovative thinker who embraces new technologies and digital transformation.
Self-starter capable of working with minimal supervision and tight deadlines.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Employment Type: Full-time, Locally Recruited Staff (LRS)
Duration: Two years, renewable based on performance and funding availability
Salary: Competitive, paid in local currency based on qualifications and experience
Location: CIFOR-ICRAF Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya
Probationary Period: Six (6) months
Benefits Include: Health insurance, pension scheme, training allowances, and leave entitlements

CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women, youth, and persons with disabilities to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are passionate about capacity building, knowledge transformation, and sustainable development, we welcome your application!

🔗 Click here to apply now

Please submit:

A current CV/resume
A cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
Contact details of three professional referees

The application deadline is 15 April 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ADDITIONAL ENGAGEMENT

Stay updated and explore related opportunities:

To apply for this job please visit www.cifor-icraf.org.

By The Kenyan Job Finder Team

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