Training Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established as a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT focuses on improving the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets. The organization operates primarily in the Global South, aiming to enhance the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT is committed to fostering productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems while working within planetary boundaries. The organization collaborates with various partners to achieve its mission of reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit https://www.cimmyt.org/

Job Overview:
The Training Specialist position within CIMMYT's Human Resources department is designed for a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional. The primary goal of this role is to build and deliver high-quality capability-building solutions that align with CIMMYT's strategic priorities. The Training Specialist will be responsible for converting ambiguous leadership needs into clear learning objectives, designing scalable solutions based on the ADDIE model, and collaborating with senior stakeholders and external consulting firms to create advanced programs tailored to CIMMYT's culture and context. This position requires a proactive approach to learning consultation, needs diagnosis, and program deployment, ensuring that all training initiatives are effective and impactful across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Training Specialist will engage in various specific duties, including:

• Learning Consultation and Needs Diagnosis: Partnering with senior leaders and internal subject matter experts to identify capability gaps through interviews, performance data, and field insights. Converting ambiguous briefs from C-suite executives into structured learning problems and measurable objectives.
• Strategic Partner and Vendor Collaboration: Engaging with top-tier global learning vendors and consulting partners to establish master service agreements in each operational region. Providing creative direction, content framing, and quality checks to ensure vendor outputs reflect CIMMYT's internal challenges and culture. Co-owning design reviews, running pilots, and managing iterations to meet CIMMYT’s standards.
• Instructional Design and Content Development: Utilizing the ADDIE model to design and develop high-quality learning content suitable for CIMMYT’s operating environment. Creating advanced presentations, guides, learning simulations, and digital learning experiences for various audiences. Partnering with internal experts to integrate field knowledge and research data into training materials.
• Program Deployment, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement: Delivering programs through digital-first and blended formats that can scale across countries. Using learner data, feedback, and manager insights to measure impact and maintain dashboards on skills gains and readiness indicators. Deploying programs in partnership with regional team members through a self-service model.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 6 to 8 years of global professional experience in a professional training design role or as a Learning and Development (L&D) specialist, with a minimum of 4 years as per CIMMYT's Institutional Job Level Guidelines. They should demonstrate a proven ability to design training from ambiguous briefs without extensive guidance or predefined frameworks. Strong experience working with global consulting vendors to build high-stakes leadership programs is essential. Mastery in instructional design grounded in the ADDIE model is required, along with an analytical mindset and strong problem framing abilities. The ability to collaborate with internal and external experts while maintaining ownership of the final product is crucial.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not detailed in the job description, candidates are typically expected to have a relevant degree in education, human resources, organizational development, or a related field that supports their expertise in training and development.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a substantial level of experience, specifically 6 to 8 years in a global professional context, focusing on training design or L&D roles. This experience should include a minimum of 4 years that aligns with CIMMYT's Institutional Job Level Guidelines, indicating a need for seasoned professionals who can navigate complex training environments and deliver impactful learning solutions.

Languages:
The job description does not specify mandatory languages; however, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of CIMMYT's operations. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the regions in which CIMMYT operates.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits as per Mexican regulations (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position may be full-time, and the organization is open to recruiting internationally.