Learning Design and Solutions Lead at Natural State

ROLE SUMMARY

• The Learning Design and Solutions Lead will oversee the Centre for the Nature Economy’s Learning Design and Solutions Unit. The unit is responsible for curriculum development, educational content creation, applied learning design, pedagogical innovation, and quality assurance. A key focus of the role is implementing the Centre’s digital learning strategy across online, hybrid, on-de
• Reporting directly to the Head/Director of the Centre for the Nature Economy, the postholder will work closely with the Training Programme Coordinator & Lead Instructor, Indigenous and community solutions Hub Coordinator and the Training & Admissions Coordinator to design and deliver high-quality, interdisciplinary programmes aligned with NATURAL STATE’s objectives. This includes collaboration with the Centre’s Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation Hub, technology hub, operational teams, and external partners to develop courses, toolkits, assessments, and learning materials grounded in practical restoration and nature economy solutions.
• The role will oversee the Learning Developer and Digital Learning Specialist, with plans to expand the unit over time to include additional Learning Developers, a Solutions Designer, and a Pedagogical Researcher.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Curriculum Development and Applied Learning Design

• Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of interdisciplinary curricula, learning frameworks, assessments, operational toolkits, case studies, instructional resources, and applied learning materials.
• Ensure all learning programmes balance technical rigour with practical implementation and are grounded in operational realities, restoration practice, regenerative agriculture, regenerative grazing, biodiversity conservation, Indigenous knowledge systems, climate resilience, and nature economy development.
• Develop learning methodologies and educational approaches that are accessible, culturally relevant, field-oriented, and adaptable to diverse audiences, contexts, literacy levels, and learning environments.
• Design and support online, hybrid, residential, immersive, field-based, and on-demand learning formats that strengthen applied knowledge exchange and implementation capacity.
• Translate operational experience, field implementation lessons, demonstration projects, and applied research into practical educational content, replicable learning models, and scalable learning solutions.

Digital Learning, Educational Systems, and Knowledge Platforms

• Oversee the development of the learning platform and implementation of the Centre’s digital learning ecosystem, including educational technologies, learner management systems, digital infrastructure, and knowledge-sharing environments.
• Coordinate the rollout of digital and blended learning systems that support online, hybrid, immersive, and field-based learning delivery across diverse audiences and geographies.
• Manage the creation and organisation of digital learning resources, multimedia educational materials, practitioner toolkits, and interactive learning content.
• Integrate applied pedagogical approaches such as Universal Design of Learning (UDL) and Experiential learning, collaborative learning methodologies, and emerging technologies into programme delivery and learner engagement strategies.

Cross-Hub Collaboration and Knowledge Integration

• Work collaboratively across the Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation Hub, Technology Hub, Regenerative Agriculture Programme, Regenerative Grazing Programme, restoration and landscape management initiatives, herbarium, seed systems and biodiversity programmes, field operations, and research activities to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge into programme development and learning delivery.
• Support the design of experiential and place-based learning opportunities that utilise NATURAL STATE’S operational landscapes, restoration sites, regenerative systems, biodiversity initiatives, and field programmes as living learning environments.
• Ensure learning content reflects current implementation realities, operational lessons, innovation, and emerging best practice across restoration and nature economy .
• Strengthen systems for learner participation, peer-to-peer exchange, practitioner collaboration, alumni engagement, communities of practice, and ongoing knowledge sharing.

Partnership Development

• Build and maintain relationships with universities, research institutions, training organisations, community networks, implementation partners, and subject matter experts to support curriculum development, applied learning initiatives, and knowledge exchange.
• Support the development of partnerships, practitioner networks, collaborative learning initiatives, and communities of practice that strengthen long-term engagement and peer-to-peer learning.
• Ensure learning programmes remain responsive to evolving sector needs, implementation of realities, and emerging opportunities within restoration and nature of economy systems.

Project Management

• Support the operational planning and coordination of the Solutions & Learning Design Unit, including work planning, delivery schedules, implementation tracking, and cross-functional coordination.
• Monitor progress across learning initiatives, curriculum development activities, partnerships, and content production processes, proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and operational solutions.

Policies, Communications, and Institutional Standards

• Follow and apply NATURAL STATE’s HR, financial, administrative, operational, safeguarding, data protection, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Contribute to institutional communications, publications, educational materials, and knowledge dissemination activities in collaboration with the NATURAL STATE communications team.
• Ensure all learning content, programme materials, presentations, and externally shared outputs align with NATURAL STATE’s branding, editorial standards, communications guidelines, and institutional positioning.
• Support appropriate governance, review, and approval processes for externally published materials, educational resources, strategic outputs, and intellectual property developed through the Solutions & Learning Design Unit.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and oversee systems for monitoring learner engagement, programme performance, educational effectiveness, and long-term learning impact.
• Analyse learner feedback, and programme outcomes to support adaptive management and continuous programme improvement.
• Oversee quality assurance processes, content review cycles, instructional standards, and programme evaluation systems across the Centre’s learning activities.
• Support the Indigenous Hub Coordinator and Training Programm Coordinator and Lead Instructor in preparing strategic reports, recommendations, and programme updates for senior leadership regarding learning performance, partnerships, innovation opportunities, and future programme development.

QUALIFICATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Qualifications

• Master’s degree in either education, instructional design, learning sciences, educational technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ professional experience in instructional design, learning design, digital learning, or a related discipline.
• At least three years’ experience in a supervisory or team leadership role managing learning designers, content developers, or digital learning professionals.
• Demonstrated expertise in instructional design methodologies and online course development.
• Proven experience managing Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Moodle, or comparable platforms, and leading the development and production of online learning content.
• Experience developing and implementing digital learning strategies.
• Experience designing and delivering digital learning solutions in Africa, particularly East Africa, or comparable emerging-market contexts, including low-bandwidth and mobile-first environments.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• Learning analytics, assessment, and data-driven programme improvement.
• Video production, editing, or digital content creation.
• Knowledge of adult learning and capacity development.
• Background in conservation, environment, international development, or mission-driven sectors.
• Familiarity with AI tools for content or engagement.
• Experience managing vendors or content partners.