Learning Advisor (PRL-TPOD)

Position Description

EnCompass LLC is seeking a Learning Advisor to provide leadership, expertise, and innovative learning approaches to the USAID-funded project Planning, Learning, and Resource Management Training, Professional, and Organizational Development (PLR-TPOD). The USAID Bureau for Planning, Learning and Resource Management (PLR) was established in 2023 through the merger of the Bureau for Policy, Planning, and Learning (PPL) and Office of Budget and Resource Management. EnCompass LLC collaborates with PLR to design and deliver modern, inclusive, results-focused, and learner-centered solutions for staff development, learning exchange, and increased organizational health and performance.

Learning Advisor is responsible for the supervision, management, and leadership of PLR-TPOD’s professional development, training, and leadership initiatives, collaborating with PLR to build a learning and leadership ecosystem that leverages both formal and informal learning opportunities. They will manage client relations and consultations to foster continuous improvement and innovation in fit-for-purpose learning development across PLR. Their leadership and technical expertise will ensure that PLR-TPOD supported professional development activities reflect good practices in instructional design and the use of educational technologies, including face-to-face delivery, action learning, course platforms, e-learning courses, videos, virtual Instructor-Led training (vILT), and other learning products, with a focus on incorporating a variety of media and learning methods to create an effective learning environment. They will be responsible for ensuring that high quality standards are integrated consistently throughout PLR-TPOD-supported training and development approaches and materials.

This individual has deep knowledge of adult learning methods, facilitation and training expertise, experience in managing USAID projects, and experience in leading a team. Familiarity with coaching and development of learning frameworks preferred. In addition to technical oversight, the Learning Advisor supervises training staff on the PLR-TPOD project and provides mentorship to ensure deliverables are met and the highest quality is achieved.

This is a full-time position located at the EnCompass principal office in Silver Spring, Maryland, and follows the EnCompass flexible hybrid work model with split time between telework and the office. This individual may also be expected to work from client sites in the Washington, DC metro area, as needed.

Must be legally authorized to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions:

Team Leadership

• Provides vision, strategic direction, and leadership on all PLR-TPOD training and structured learning activities
• Fosters culture of blended learning with client and team

Team and Project Management

• Provides technical, operational and management oversight to all professional development and training aspects and tasks of the PLR-TPOD project to meet exceptional standards for quality and timeliness
• Leads strategic planning efforts with PLR to ensure training and development plans incorporate innovative, leading-edge thinking, methodologies
• Oversees and guides virtual learning activities, including webinars, e-learning courses, videos, animations, and e-games
• Collaborates closely with PLR-TPOD Director and PLR to ensure that DEIA and inclusive development objectives are integrated across all course and training design and delivery
• Advises team on-demand requests that focus on curriculum development, the use of technology, or communications skills
• Engages fully as a member of the EnCompass staff team, including participating in staff meetings and other EnCompass events
• Manages instructional design staff

Client Consulting & Management

• Establishes and maintains highly collaborative working relationships with PLR stakeholders, partners and staff
• Serves as the primary representative with client on training and learning strategies in coordination with PLR-TPOD Director
• Works effectively with client subject matter experts (SMEs)

Technical Expertise

• Contributes to thought leadership on learning and leadership ecosystems, tools, and approaches
• Provides thought leadership on instructional design best practices and implementation of blended learning, including identifying and implementing innovative technologies and approaches
• Oversees PLR-TPOD design team to design curricula for face-to-face, hybrid, and virtual learning sessions using creative, innovative, and evidence-based approaches
• Collaborates with PLR-TPOD specialists in organizational development to ensure that professional development is closely linked with organizational development, using a system-wide approach to create a culture of continuous learning
• Advises on development of frameworks, tools, and roadmaps for professional learning, including recommendations for specific formal and informal learning opportunities
• Advises on development of blended learning courses and speaks knowledgeably with clients about the value of blended learning and learning evaluation through Kirkpatrick Levels 1-4
• Leads PLR-TPOD team to develop dynamic, experiential learning session designs, including macro designs based on client content, and training scripts
• Advises PLR-TPOD team on development of learning assessments to determine the most effective learning activities and course designs that align with organizational goals, strategies, and competencies
• Strengthens the capacity of TPOD staff and SMEs to conduct effective training sessions in face-to-face workshops, hybrid, or virtual learning platforms
• Other duties, as assigned

Position Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Master’s degree and 10+ years’ experience. Degree in Education, Curriculum Design, Organizational Development, Communications, Instructional Design, International Development or other related fields.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience facilitating courses, designing interactive learning experiences and curricula based on experiential, adult-centered learning
• Experience working on USAID projects, preferably USAID staff training
• Strong leadership, communication, supervision, and management skills required
• Experience in field of international development, working in cross-cultural environments
• Excellent Microsoft Office Suite skills
• Expertise in critical approaches in learning, including adult learning, blended learning, experiential learning, participatory methods, instructional design, virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT), e-learning, and related topics
• Ability to work in a collaborative and appreciative work environment, and to model appreciative approaches for the team
• Ability to bring a gender equality and social inclusion lens to all designs and deliveries
• Demonstrated technical leadership and operational experience in overseeing professional development, capacity development, e-learning, and training
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex training and professional development projects
• Strong planning, organization, critical and strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated experience managing and supervising consultants, staff, and teams
• Able to confidently engage with staff at all levels to define needs and expectations, collaborate on projects, and communicate results
• Proven ability to understand the needs of an organization and identify creative solutions
• Committed to providing the highest level of service
• Exceptional communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills with a dynamic, engaging facilitation style
• Experience with leading coaching and mentoring programs preferred
• Fluency in language(s) other than English and experience working or living overseas preferred
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally preferable (post-pandemic)

EnCompass LLC is a progressive Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote, celebrate, and support a diverse and inclusive organizational culture and workforce. We are committed to providing all of our employees with an environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all are treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate, and explicitly prohibit, discrimination or harassment of any kind, at any time, in all aspects of employment. This includes recruitment, hiring, promotions, disciplinary measures, terminations, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, and training. EnCompass also does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or harassment. Our continuing commitment to the principle of Equal Opportunity Employment for all means all employment decisions are based only on the job requirements, the candidate’s qualifications, and the needs of EnCompass as a business—not on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, belief, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, HIV status, family/marital/parental status, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we work.

For US based positions: The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.

If you require accommodations in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete your application, please call 301-287-8700, provide your contact information and a description of your accessibility issue. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case-basis, and we will call you back within approximately 3 business days.

EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement, Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

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