Learning And Development Specialist

The role is a 2-year fixed-term and can be based at any of the SKAO locations (Cheshire, UK / Perth, Australia / Cape Town, South Africa). The location offered will be decided based on individual circumstances and SKAO policy principles. Some limited international travel may be required.

At the SKAO, we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. In early 2021, the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide. Construction activities for the SKAO's telescopes in Australia and South Africa started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in both countries. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2028.

SKAO Operations in South Africa will be conducted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). SKAO Operations in Australia will be conducted in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The Observatory will also partner closely with a global network of SKA Regional Centres through which astronomers will access science data products and a suite of tools and resources to further analyse the SKA telescopes' data.

The SKA Observatory offers a competitive salary and a generous pension and benefits package. As an employee of an intergovernmental organisation, an appointee who is not a national of the country in which the role is based may be subject to personal Privileges and Immunities.

This is an opportunity for an L&D professional with a proven background in the design and implementation of training and development initiatives, the ability to work with key stakeholders and proactivity to deliver the capability agenda within the Observatory.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties:

• Design, develop and deliver learning and development programs to support employee growth and the goals of the Observatory.
• Work in collaboration with stakeholders across the Observatory to design and implement new specialist training programs.
• Work with key stakeholders to create development frameworks, matrix and learning curriculums.
• Develop the SKAO Learning platform (LMS) to deliver sustainable learning solutions with meaningful reporting and analysis.
• Assist in the management of training budgets ensuring the inclusivity and equity of investment across all staff.
• Provide guidance and advice to stakeholders to address specific needs.
• Identify suitable solutions for learning and development needs engaging with external suppliers where necessary.
• Promote and manage internal development opportunities such as mentoring, succession development plans and study support initiatives.
• Drive and deliver existing programs, monitoring compliance and attendance and seek to establish return on investment.
• Coordinate the delivery and administrative tasks relating to training.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training and development programs and seek feedback to continuously improve process and offering.
• Collaborate with HR Team members to ensure the Training and Development priorities align to other HR initiatives and overall strategy.
• Keep up to date with new initiatives and trends within the training and development space.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Experience of operating at a specialist advisor level, providing training and development advice and solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, advise and support leaders across the organisation.
• Experienced in the creation of structured programs to build skills capability.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to manage own work in a proactive manner utilising excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• An ability to work collaboratively, demonstrating a respectful and inclusive approach across all cultures, backgrounds, nationalities and race.
• Team player with a passion for delivering excellence.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Recognised related qualification such as CIPD.
• Experience collaborating with and working as part of an international geographically dispersed team.
• Budget management experience.
• Experience of working in a Generalist HR role.
• Expertise in building capability through the establishment of development programs.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement:

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda. Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background. Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided. SKA Observatory welcomes all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.