Curriculum Development Specialist at Church World Service

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for the development and updating of the U.S cultural orientation curricula, related resource materials and the training materials necessary to support those curricula. The Curriculum Development Specialist provides technical expertise and oversight to the effective implementation of these curricula in the cultural orientation program through, trainer lesson planning oversight, trainer onboarding and observations, monitoring and other activities.

Essential Duties

• Maintains a thorough operational knowledge of RSC Africa and a current knowledge of the US Refugee Admissions Program. Ensures all CO training functions strictly adhere to the PRM, RPC, CWS and RSC Africa policies, guidelines and procedures.
• Develops and updates curricula that address the unique needs of populations trained in Sub-Saharan Africa and supports established objectives and indicators.
• Develops training materials, including student workbooks, as well as resource center activities, visual aids, realia models, etc. that support established curricula in collaboration with CO Program Assistants.
• Coordinates CO training activities and compilation of CO statistical reports with CO Supervisors, the CO Managers and CO Coordinator.
• Leads departmental lesson planning approaches and assists in developing quarterly training topics in collaboration with Training Unit and other CO Supervisors
• Oversees the development of appropriate content and schedules for departmental trainings in coordination with CO Program staff.
• Reviews trainer lesson plans and provides guidance on approaches to teaching curricula.
• Travels to field locations to observe CO trainers and monitor adherence to established curricula and provides feedback on content and delivery. Engages in circuit ride briefings and debriefings.
• Runs quality assurance reports and ensures accuracy of data from Cultural Orientation training activities and overall CO pipeline reports.
• Leads departmental on boarding of new hires to cultural orientation department including creating on boarding schedules and assigning facilitators for the various sessions.
• Develops tools that evaluate the effectiveness of the cultural orientation program according to established criteria; trains staff in the administration of those tools.
• Recommends changes to curricula and training techniques in response to the data collected, and implements changes as appropriate. Receives, evaluates and implements proposed updates to curricula by trainers in collaboration with CO coordinator.
• Liaises with the CO technical service provider, “Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange” (CORE) on the implemented use of CORE resources
• Performs other duties that may be assigned by the CO Coordinator or CO Managers to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of Cultural Orientation.

Experience

Qualifications:

• Four (4) years paid work experience is required
• Three (3) years’ experience in a related field is required, which includes curriculum development and implementation.
• Previous experience working in US domestic resettlement or an overseas USRP cultural orientation program preferred. Previous experience working overseas preferred.

Skills

• Excellent computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word and Graphics software.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field of study, or four (4) years paid work experience in lieu of educational requirements.

Abilities

• Maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail, completing tasks within set timeframes.
• Exercise good judgement and seek guidance as appropriate when confronted with unanticipated problems.
• Deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public.
• Manage large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities.
• Analyze and solve complex problems and make sound decisions.
• Work with minimal supervision.
• Work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa.
• Actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

Important Requirements

• Strong English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.