Professional Development/Training Specialist

Summary The Professional Development and Training Specialist position is located in the USAID Management Bureau’s, Office of Management Systems, Overseas Management Division (M/MS/OMD). M/MS/OMD is the Washington backstop for all Executive Officers (EXOs) overseas. M/MS/OMD provides technical, policy, and programmatic support to EXOs in the field and serves as the focal point in Washington for EXO-related issues. The position serves as a trainer for M/MS/OMD, primarily on HR related topics that are associated with the EXO backstop. The position will be responsible for developing training materials and leading training courses as well as advising on professional development opportunities pertinent to EXOs. Responsibilities The Professional Development and Training Specialist (Trainer) works with M/MS/OMD staff and EXO backstop staff from missions across the Agency as well as other teams at USAID to develop, lead and coordinate training opportunities for all staff across the different hiring mechanisms in the EXO backstop as part of a spectrum of continuous learning. The Specialist will interact with colleagues at all levels of the organization in the course of their work. Responsibilities will include the following: Develop relevant training courses/materials for USAID’s EXO staff (i.e. Washington and field-based staff and new Foreign Service officers), working with staff to implement training activities, and leading training sessions as well as helping train others to lead training sessions. Identify and work with subject matter experts, senior management, and knowledge management specialists to develop and lead training for the backstop. Serve as an in-house advisor across activities, bringing a depth of experience in adult learning approaches, in-person and virtual facilitation techniques, peer-to-peer exchange, virtual learning platforms, and other cutting-edge practices. Facilitate and participate in backstop-wide consultations through a Professional Development Working Group to prioritize and plan professional development opportunities and track training activities implemented by EXO subject matter experts. Coordinate closely with subject matter experts to maintain a high-quality course curriculum based on target audience needs. Analyze course evaluation feedback and work with subject matter experts to make adjustments as needed. Identify and experiment with innovative approaches to instructional design and facilitation. Use a basic understanding of online learning principles to adapt elements of in-person trainings to virtual audiences. Provide training tips and guidance to instructors/presenters as needed. Ensure training materials are captured and re-packaged to extend their value beyond the immediate training beneficiaries. Other appropriate tasks related to professional development and training as needed. Other duties as needed. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years related professional experience required, or, a Master’s degree and 4+ years of experience related professional experience required. Previous experience developing and reviewing training/course materials, facilitation guides, and technology integration. Previous experience working in and leading training in Human Resources, Travel, Procurement, Records Management, and other fields related to EXO operations. Previous experience with and knowledge of adult learning and virtual learning. Previous experience supervising or administering training programs, including evaluation. Demonstrated commitment to producing outstanding work that balances the need to provide customer service as well as efficiency in keeping processes moving. Familiarity and application of instructional design principles are strongly encouraged. Previous experience with cross-cultural communication. Background check required. The position requires a COVID vaccination or an approved accommodation/exemption for a disability/medical condition or religious belief. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to successfully and effectively liaise with people within and across departments in a multicultural environment; confident communicator that can present complex material and drive consensus-based decisions. Ability to work independently, resourcefully and to own initiative, with flexibility to changing priorities and an eagerness to learn under pressure. Familiarity and application of instructional design principles strongly encouraged. Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. Ability to obtain and maintain USAID Facilities Access.
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