Capacity Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a global research organization dedicated to improving the livelihoods of people in developing countries through research and innovation in maize and wheat. Established in 1966, CIMMYT operates in over 50 countries and employs a diverse workforce of more than 1,000 individuals. The organization focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and capacity development, working closely with various partners to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.

Job Overview:
The Capacity Development Specialist will play a crucial role in co-designing capacity development courses, programs, and interventions in collaboration with CIMMYT's research programs and other technical partners. Under the guidance of a senior capacity development specialist, the individual will assist in structuring learning content, which includes defining learning objectives, creating modules, activities, and assessments. The position requires building engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and knowledge transfer. The specialist will also support the development and formatting of instructional materials, ensuring clarity and alignment with institutional guidelines. Additionally, the role involves managing course content in Learning Management Systems (LMS) and providing day-to-day administration and operational support for the CIMMYT Academy LMS, including user enrollment, monitoring learner participation, and generating usage reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Capacity Development Specialist include:

• Co-designing capacity development courses and programs in collaboration with research programs and technical partners.
• Structuring learning content, including learning objectives, modules, activities, and assessments.
• Building engaging learning activities and course content to enhance knowledge retention.
• Developing and formatting instructional materials such as presentations, infographics, and learner guides.
• Conducting quality checks of learning materials to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Organizing and maintaining course content in Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Providing operational support for the LMS, including course setup, user enrollment, and monitoring learner participation.
• Assisting in testing courses and learning activities prior to launch.
• Documenting lessons learned and good practices for future courses. 1
• Collaborating with instructors and IT teams to ensure smooth delivery of online and blended learning activities.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Capacity Development Specialist position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree or technical studies in education, social sciences, administration, communication, international development, project management, or related fields.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience providing administrative, operational, or technical support to training, education, capacity development, or development projects.
• Experience working in multicultural environments or with international organizations is desirable.
• Basic knowledge of adult learning principles and capacity development processes.
• Proficiency in digital tools such as Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace.
• Desirable experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and virtual learning platforms.
• Basic knowledge of online course design and instructional materials development.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent technical studies in relevant fields such as education, social sciences, administration, communication, international development, or project management. This educational background is essential to understand the principles of capacity development and instructional design.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in providing administrative, operational, or technical support to training, education, capacity development, or development projects. Experience in multicultural environments or with international organizations is highly desirable, as it indicates the ability to work effectively in diverse teams and understand global perspectives in capacity development.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Spanish and English is mandatory, with an intermediate to advanced level required. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the multicultural environment of CIMMYT. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position offers an attractive remuneration package, including benefits that comply with Mexican Labor Law. Benefits include a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits under Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). Candidates must apply for the position with the reference M25332 ERP Data & Analytics Specialist. It is important to note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and foreign national candidates must possess legal documents to work in Mexico. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.