Learning & Development Specialist

Discovery; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading training organization in Sandton is seeking a Learning and Development Specialist to design and implement impactful learning solutions. This hybrid role entails conducting needs analyses, facilitating training, and contributing to strategic initiatives using innovative technologies. Candidates should possess 5-7 years of relevant experience and strong instructional design skills. Prior experience in financial services and familiarity with AI tools will be advantageous. Join this dynamic team to drive performance improvement through effective learning.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' experience in Learning and Development.
• Track record in designing leadership and soft skills programs.
• Experience with AI-driven learning tools strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct learning needs analyses to identify skills gaps.
• Design and deliver impactful blended learning interventions.
• Facilitate engaging training sessions to drive behavior change.
• Manage and initiate learning projects aligned with business strategy.
• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of learning initiatives.

Skills

Learning and development expertise

Instructional design capability

Facilitation skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Project management

Analytical and impact-driven

Innovation and technology savvy

Communication and collaboration

Agility and adaptability

Education

Relevant qualification in Human Resources or related field

Formal training in Instructional Design or Learning & Development methodologies

Job description

Discovery Institute of Training

Learning & Development Specialist

Sandton- Hybrid

Primary function of the role

KEY PURPOSE

The vacancy is for a Learning and Development Specialist to join the Discovery Institute of Training. This role is responsible for designing, developing, delivering, and implementing impactful learning solutions that build capability across various roles and levels within Discovery. These include leadership development, core (soft) skills, and business performance support, using a mix of in-person facilitation, virtual training, and digital formats. In addition to design responsibilities, this role will also be accountable for the effective delivery and facilitation of training interventions across multiple modalities, ensuring meaningful learning experiences and driving behaviour change and performance improvement.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Learning needs analysis and stakeholder consultation: Conduct in-depth learning needs analyses in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders on all levels. Identify skills gaps, performance challenges, and capability needs across the organisation.
• Design, development, and delivery of learning solutions: Design, develop, and deliver high-impact learning interventions using a blended learning approach, including in-person facilitation, virtual training, and digital content, to support leadership development, core (soft) skills, and business performance.
• Training facilitation: Facilitate engaging, high-quality leadership development and core (soft) skills training sessions that drive behaviour change and performance outcomes. Ensure facilitation is tailored to the audience and aligned with business objectives.
• Learning project initiation and management: Initiate and manage custom learning and business support initiatives that align with business strategy and drive measurable impact. Propose and implement new tools, methodologies, and learning solutions that positively influence performance.
• Strategic contribution and innovation: Actively contribute to the strategic planning and continuous improvement of the Discovery Institute of Training. Use deep learning and development knowledge and experience to shape departmental direction, propose innovative solutions, and align team outputs with strategic business goals.
• Impact measurement and evaluation: Track, analyse, and report on the effectiveness and business impact of learning initiatives. Use data and feedback to continuously refine and improve learning solutions.
• Champion innovation and the effective use of AI and emerging technologies: Leverage AI and other emerging technologies to enhance the design, development, and delivery of learning solutions. Champion innovation by identifying and implementing new tools, platforms, and methodologies that improve learner engagement, efficiency, and impact. Act as a change agent within the team and organisation by promoting a culture of continuous improvement, experimentation, and future-focused thinking.
• Quality assurance and best practice implementation: Uphold best practices in adult learning, learning design methodologies (e.g., 6Ds, ADDIE), and performance consulting. Ensure learning content and facilitation consistently meet high-quality standards and compliance requirements.

COMPETENCIES

• Learning and development expertise: Deep understanding of adult learning principles, learning design methodologies (e.g., 6Ds, ADDIE), and best practices in training delivery and facilitation.
• Instructional design capability: Strong ability to design and develop engaging, outcomes-based learning experiences across various modalities (classroom, virtual, digital).
• Facilitation skills: Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse learners across roles and levels, both in-person and virtually.
• Stakeholder management: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to consult, influence, and build trusted relationships with diverse internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinking: Ability to align learning initiatives with business strategy, contribute to departmental planning, and identify opportunities for value creation.
• Project management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, timelines, and cross-functional teams, ensuring successful implementation and measurable outcomes.
• Analytical and impact-driven: Skilled in evaluating learning effectiveness and using data to make informed decisions that drive continuous improvement and business performance.
• Innovation and technology savvy: Forward-thinking and curious, with a passion for exploring and implementing new technologies, including AI, to enhance learning design and delivery.
• Communication and collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team and across departments.
• Agility and adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment with the ability to shift priorities, experiment, and respond to evolving business needs.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum qualifications:

• A relevant qualification in Human Resources, Education, Psychology, Organisational Development, Learning and Development, or related field.
• Formal training or certification in Instructional Design, Facilitation Adult Learning, or Learning & Development methodologies (e.g., 6Ds, ADDIE).

Preferred qualifications:

• Postgraduate qualification in Learning and Development, Organisational Psychology, or related field.
• Accreditation in coaching is advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience in a Learning and Development Specialist role.
• Proven track record of designing, developing and delivering leadership development and soft skills programmes across various levels in a large organisation.
• Proven track record in consulting with stakeholders and conducting learning needs analysis.
• Extensive experience designing, developing, and facilitating learning solutions across multiple formats (in-person, virtual, and digital).
• Strong experience in managing end-to-end learning or capability-building projects, including measurement of impact.
• Demonstrated success in contributing to strategic L&D initiatives within a complex business environment.
• Experience in working with or within financial services is advantageous.
• Experience using AI-driven tools to design and deliver learning experiences is strongly preferred.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.