Manager, Learning and Org. Development

Entity: Aga Khan University (AKU)

Location: Stadium Road Campus, Karachi

Introduction to the Aga Khan University:

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists, and has campuses, programmes, and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access, and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Job Role / Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Learning and Organisational Development, the Manager Learning and Organisational Development will play a strategic and operational role in strengthening the University’s learning agenda, with a primary focus on the learning portfolio while working in close partnership with the Organisational Development (OD) team. The role is responsible for shaping, delivering, and continuously enhancing learning strategies, systems, and programmes that build institutional capability, support workforce effectiveness, and enable the achievement of AKU’s strategic objectives. The incumbent will collaborate closely with HR Business Partners, OD colleagues, academic and administrative leadership, and Centers of Excellence to ensure strong integration between learning interventions and broader organisational development initiatives.

Specifically, you will be responsible for:

• Conduct and oversee activity-based training modules based on organisational and departmental training needs.
• Analyse training needs through multiple sources (including performance appraisals, stakeholder input, and business priorities) to design new programmes or enhance existing offerings.
• Plan, design, and deliver learning and development programmes for faculty and staff using appropriate instructional strategies and adult learning principles.
• Compile and coordinate Training Needs Analysis (TNA) for assigned areas in collaboration with HR Business Partners and learning coordinators, and ensure timely sharing of consolidated reports with departments.
• Develop and launch the annual and periodic training calendars based on identified organisational and departmental needs, ensuring an appropriate balance between face-to-face, blended, and digital learning solutions.
• Develop in-house training capability by building internal faculty and subject matter experts.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the University’s digital learning and e-learning strategy, including learning systems, pathways, and programmes.
• Drive effective utilisation of learning management systems and digital learning platforms, promoting adoption, engagement, and optimal learner experience.
• Oversee maintenance and effective use of L&OD portals and SharePoint sites to ensure information is current, accessible, and utilised by managers and staff.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of learning programmes (including digital learning) through feedback, assessments, and post-training evaluations, with a focus on learning transfer, behaviour change, and return on investment (ROI).
• Ensure effective management of training agreements, service bonds, and related documentation in line with AKU policies and procedures.
• Provide facilitation support for generic skills, orientation, and institutional programmes as required.
• Contribute to L&OD projects and initiatives that support organisational development, capability building, and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree; professional certifications will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 7–8 years of progressive experience in Learning and Organisational Development, preferably within large, complex or multi-site organisations.
• Strong experience in designing and implementing learning strategies, frameworks, and end-to-end development interventions.
• Certified trainer with excellent facilitation, presentation, and instructional design capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver blended learning solutions using contemporary learning methodologies (e.g., 70-20-10, ADDIE, digital and experiential learning).
• Proven stakeholder management skills with the ability to partner effectively with senior leaders, faculty, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate learning impact and return on investment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Urdu, including report writing.
• Sound knowledge of MS Office applications and learning technologies/platforms.
• Ability and flexibility to interact effectively with faculty and staff at all levels of the institution.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted