Training and Curriculum Development Specialist, DREEM

Position Title: Training and Curriculum Development Specialist

Position Location: Preference for Nairobi, Abidjan, Kampala, Accra, Kigali, or Addis Ababa

Reports To: Deputy Project Director

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible

Expected start Date: May 1, 2026

BACKGROUND

World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is a leading Canadian international development organization driving positive education and economic change for young people around the world. Our vision is a world where every young person thrives and belongs. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations and create their own futures. To help achieve this goal, we develop initiatives that: deliver lasting, measurable impact; are powered by partnerships across the globe; stay true to our core programming principles; and respond to the priorities and aspirations of the people with whom we work.

WUSC is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East. Our global team of development professionals bring deep expertise and open minds to identify new solutions to old problems and create a better world together. WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference for youth around the world. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in the communities they serve.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

WUSC is launching the second phase (2026-2031) of DREEM, an exciting initiative which aims to significantly expand efforts to help refugee, displaced, and host community (RDP) youth, particularly young women, secure dignified and fulfilling work and access education opportunities across Africa. Building on prior successes, this Phase II will deepen engagement in new geographies, strengthen local ecosystems, and equip partners with necessary knowledge and tools for lasting change. A core strategy is emphasizing the engagement and strengthening of Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) to provide sustainable, locally led technical assistance.

Over the next five years, DREEM’s ambitious goals include indirectly enabling one million RDP youth to secure dignified work and 35,000 to access education through the provision of expert technical assistance to a broad ecosystem of actors. Key implementation strategies involve working closely with RLOs through three pathways: providing financial access via an RLO Opportunity Fund, strengthening their capacity to provide technical assistance to partners, and embedding them across Phase II’s functional areas. WUSC will serve as a network orchestrator, facilitating connections for scale and training partners and other stakeholders on RDP inclusion. The initiative will achieve its targets by increasing knowledge among partners, enhancing capacity to develop innovative programming, improving collaboration and inclusive policies, and strengthening the institutional ability of RLOs to design, implement, and sustain RDP solutions.

Role Description:

The Specialist is responsible for designing, coordinating, and delivering capacity-building and training programs for project staff, partners, and Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) to achieve the initiative's goals of expanding opportunities for RDP youth. The Specialist will work closely and in collaboration with WUSC teams in Kenya and globally, the donor’s regional and country teams, and the donor’s partners.

Reporting to the Deputy Project Director, they will:

Training Strategy and Design

• In close collaboration with the project’s management and the Heads of Higher Education Inclusion, RLO Engagement and the Technical Assistance Mechanism, lead the development of a comprehensive project-wide Training and Development Strategy focused on the key pathways: the RLO Opportunity Fund and the provision of technical assistance.
• Design and develop high-quality, culturally appropriate training packages, curricula, and materials for project staff, partners, and RLOs.
• Collaborate closely with the GESI and Safeguarding Officer to ensure all training incorporates gender equality, social inclusion, and safeguarding principles (including PSEA).
• Coordinate with the Head of MERL to integrate learning outcomes and best practices into training modules and assess training effectiveness.
  

Capacity Building for RLOs and Partners

• Conduct capacity needs assessments for RLOs and implementing partners, particularly in the areas of institutional capacity, technical assistance provision, and organizational development.
• Deliver tailored training and organizational development support to RLOs, empowering them to become sustainable, locally-led technical assistance providers.
• Support the technical assistance teams by providing training on effective RDP inclusion strategies and collaboration methods.

Delivery, Coordination, and Learning

• Support the project teams to plan, organize, and facilitate training workshops, mentorship programs, and coaching sessions across project geographies.
• Manage relationships with external consultants or trainers, ensuring the quality of externally delivered capacity-building services.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and case studies related to capacity building to contribute to the project’s institutional knowledge hub and adaptive programming.
• Ensure the accessibility and inclusivity of all training delivery methods and materials for diverse participants, including persons with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Resources, Organizational Development, International Development, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of demonstrated experience in designing, delivering, and managing training and capacity-building programs, preferably within multi-country development or humanitarian contexts in Africa.
• Proven ability to conduct training needs assessments and develop resulting curricula.
• Experience in facilitating capacity building and coaching for diverse partners, including community-based organizations or RLOs.
• Complete fluency in English is essential, with strong oral presentation and writing skills.
• Fluency (or professional competencies) in French is a strong asset.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills.
• Deep understanding of adult learning principles and diverse training methodologies.
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and manage complex training schedules across multiple countries.
• Commitment to social inclusion, gender equality, and working with displaced and refugee youth.
  

Other requirements:

• The headquarters of this initiative is located in Nairobi, Kenya; the Specialist is expected to be based on the African continent, and must already possess the relevant work authorizations in the country they are/will be residing in.
• The role will require frequent travel across the continent, and occasional international travel for conferences, workshops and meetings;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.

WHY WORK WITH WUSC?

Join Us. Our work is important, cutting-edge, and rewarding. We encourage curiosity, innovation, and flexibility.

WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference in the lives of youth around the world. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunities and empowerment.

WUSC’s office in Kenya is located in Westlands, off Waiyaki Way. Here is some of what you can expect working with us:

• 40-hour workweek, some ability to work flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement
• 21 days annual leave
• Health insurance coverage
• Free access to an e-learning platform with 350+ courses on various topics
• Get to know and exchange with people from all over the world
• Being part of a friendly, caring and enthusiastic team!

APPLICATIONS

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check where appropriate.

Persons with disabilities, who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to [email protected].

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please note that only the candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you are interested in this position, please follow this link to apply through our website.