Virtual Academy Coordinator

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading Africa-based, African-led, international research institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. APHRC conducts policy-relevant research on population, health, education, urbanization and related development issues in sub-Saharan Africa.

APHRC seeks to recruit a Virtual Academy Coordinator to support the effective use of technology in learning, the related infrastructure and help-desk systems that comprise our virtual learning environment.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Support effective use of technology in designing of short courses, training and the related help-desk systems and infrastructure that support a technologically rich learning environment.
• Monitor the implementation progress, performing assessment and evaluation of the Virtual Academy.
• Support the development of online courses in virtual learning management system (Moodle) and assist facilitators to produce e-learning materials by guiding in instructional design as follows:
  • Set up courses on the platform, manage courses by registering users, supporting facilitators, and training users and facilitators on how to navigate the platform;
  • Record, edit and upload recordings, screencasts and “how-to” videos; and
  • Collaborate with course teams to optimize the learner experience.
• Oversee the delivery of scheduled online courses in Moodle. Specifically:
• Provide logistical and technical support before, during and after the online learning course;
  • Monitor facilitators and participant engagement throughout the session;
  • Ensure high quality service delivery and responsiveness to clients’ needs;
  • Design quality standards for online facilitators, and regularly report on the quality of training courses including facilitation quality;
  • Ensure facilitators have access to materials by organizing and backing-up materials, updating, and archiving them on the system;
  • Proactively develop project ideas and proposals for engagement with prospective participants on long-term capacity building programs; and
  • Develop and implement online training quality assurance system (QA), ensuring it is consistent with the Center’s M&E and QA standards.
•  Liaise with the IT team and be responsible for the installation (where applicable) and maintenance of Moodle, WordPress Community  of Practice, etc.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Master’s degree in Information System Management, Information Technology, Instructional Design, Educational Technology or a related field.
• Relevant professional certification or qualification desired (e.g. CISAK, CSK, ICTAK, ACM, NPA, CompTIA, AITP etc.).
• Minimum 3 years of related experience working on e-learning projects (learning management systems and instructional design) or in technologically-rich learning environments, preferably Moodle and WordPress.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Proven experience in initiating and implementing new projects.
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Strong digital skills including a good understanding of the features of Moodle and WordPress.
• Virtual Google Cloud Workspace environment management skills.
• Excellent technical trouble-shooting skills and proactive approach to problem solving.
• PHP and MySQL Database management skills.
• Previous experience in an educational or training institution and curriculum development.
• Good attention to detail, organized and ability to work under pressure and multi-task.
• Strong Linux/Unix knowledge.