Professional Development Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Learning and Development at Maskew Miller Learning

Learning Design and Course Development

• Design and develop effective, engaging, and relevant learning experiences for adult professionals.
• Apply adult learning theory, andragogical principles, and Universal Design for Learning to all course content.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts (SMEs) to co-create content.
• Ensure all content is modular, outcomes-based, inclusive, and aligned to national and global trends in professional development.
• Tailor courses to the needs of different professional profiles and contexts.

Digital Learning Integration

• Ensure that course design and delivery make optimal use of digital tools and platforms.
• Design for multiple delivery models including blended, fully online, mobile-first, and self-paced formats.
• Embed interactive tools such as quizzes, polls, simulations, and peer feedback to increase engagement.
• Monitor digital learning analytics to improve learner experience and content effectiveness.

Accreditation, Quality Assurance & Endorsement

• Drive credibility, recognition, and compliance through formal accreditation processes.
• Manage submissions to professional bodies (e.g. SACE, SETAs, QCTO) for accreditation and endorsement.
• Prepare CPD point allocation applications and quality assurance documentation.
• Ensure alignment to national qualification frameworks and standards.
• Monitor changes in policy and update content and processes accordingly.

Pilot Programmes and Feedback Loops

• Tests content in real environments to improve quality before full-scale launch.
• Design and implement pilot programmes with clearly defined objectives and success metrics.
• Collect qualitative and quantitative feedback from facilitators and participants.
• Analyse pilot data to refine course content, delivery methods, and support systems.
• Document findings to inform implementation and scale-up strategies.

Strategic Implementation Planning

• Develop and oversee the structured rollout of courses.
• Create a detailed implementation plan with clear timelines and resource allocations.
• Define delivery models, facilitator onboarding, and technical infrastructure.
• Coordinate with internal teams (sales, IT, marketing) for operational readiness.
• Monitor progress and adjust the plan based on feedback and real-time data.

Efficacy and Impact Measurement

• Ensure that courses lead to measurable improvements in professional practice.
• Develop an efficacy framework with baseline indicators, KPIs, and success metrics.
• Use a range of tools (surveys, assessments, case studies) to collect data.
• Evaluate course impact on participant knowledge, behaviour, and work outcomes.
• Compile reports to support continuous improvement and inform stakeholders.

Financial and Business Acumen

• Ensure that all courses are financially viable and aligned with organisational strategy.
• Develop costed project and delivery plans, including ROI analysis.
• Conduct market research to determine demand, pricing strategies, and competitor positioning.
• Contribute to business cases, budget planning, and funding applications.
• Track financial performance and recommend adjustments for sustainability.

Stakeholder Engagement & Thought Leadership

• Build external relationships and contribute to positioning the organisation as a leader in professional development.
• Liaise with education departments, unions, NGOs, and industry stakeholders.
• Present at conferences, webinars, and forums to showcase programme value and impact.
• Contribute articles, white papers, and thought leadership content on adult learning and innovation.
• Support marketing and advocacy strategies through technical expertise.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Learning & Development, Instructional Design, or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred)

Experience Requirements

• At least 5–7 years of experience in professional development, adult learning, or curriculum design
• Proven expertise in andragogy, digital learning methodologies, and instructional design for adult learners
• Demonstrated experience managing accreditation and endorsement processes
• Strong digital literacy: working knowledge of LMS platforms, e-learning design tools, and analytics
• Project management skills and experience working cross-functional teams
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience designing courses for multilingual contexts
• Familiarity with teacher policy frameworks in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa
• Strong financial literacy and understanding of ROI
• Facilitation experience with adult educators and education managers
• Agile mindset and adaptability to tech-driven environments