Digital Learning Specialist (Instructional Design) (P003836)

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Digital Learning Specialist (Instructional Designer and Educational Developer) provides specialist instructional design and educational development expertise to support the development implementation and refinement of the new 940-credit integrated spiral MBChB curriculum at the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine North-West University. The incumbent leads and facilitates structured curriculum and learning design processes applying recognised instructional design models and methodologies including Carpe Diem curriculum design constructive alignment backward design learning experience design (LXD) and Blooms Taxonomy. The incumbent ensures alignment across phases modules and years of the spiral curriculum while optimising the use of learning technologies including LOOOP to support curriculum delivery student engagement assessment and progress tracking. Working closely with the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) phase coordinator(s) module leads and subject matter experts the role contributes the educational-technology and learning-design expertise required to build a coherent curriculum capable of meeting HPCSA accreditation standards and preparing the school for its first MBChB cohort in 2028.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Learning design

• Lead and support the design development implementation and continuous enhancement of the MBChB curriculum using recognised instructional design methodologies constructive alignment appropriate design approaches and Learning Experience Design (LXD).
• Facilitate collaborative curriculum design workshops; develop learning materials assessments learning pathways learning analytics dashboards LibGuides resource repositories and digitally enabled learning experiences within the LMS (Brightspace) and CMS (LOOOP) platforms.
• Ensure alignment between programme outcomes module outcomes learning activities assessments and HPCSA accreditation requirements.

Academic/Education

• Develop improve and apply best practices of educational development and continuous learning through participation collaboration and consultation with stakeholders.

Technical

• Provide relevant technical expertise advice and application in terms of LMS management and administration and the implementation and management of information and knowledge infrastructure.

Support

• Provide learning design support and technical user support to staff and stakeholders including the training and onboarding support of software packages and the LMS.

General

• Support the implementation of the NWUs teaching and learning strategy through research for best practice project management curriculum quality assurance process improvement benchmarking documentation reporting educational innovation and accreditation readiness activities.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable and scalable learning design practices that enhance student success and institutional effectiveness.

• A bachelors degree in Education (BEd) or Health Sciences (NQF level 7).
• An honours degree or postgraduate diploma in Instructional Design or Information Technology (NQF level 8).
• A minimum of three (3) years instructional design experience in designing curricula or learning materials in a higher education environment.
• A minimum of two (2) years experience working within a medical or health sciences curriculum context.
• A minimum of 1 - 2 years experience designing blended or online learning experiences using an LMS.

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• A postgraduate diploma in Health Professions Education(NQF level 8).
• Quality Matters (QM) Certified Peer Reviewer/Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR) certification.
• Quality Matters Master Reviewer or equivalent recognised certification in online learning design instructional design learning experience design (LXD) curriculum design or educational technology.
• Membership of a relevant organisation such as the South African Association of Health Educationalists (SAAHE).
• A minimum of 1 2 years experience of managing assessment opportunities including marks management (e.g. OSCEs) in higher education.
• A minimum of 1 2 years experience training or supporting academic staff in teaching learning or curriculum design.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Instructional design: Knowledge of instructional design models (e.g. ADDIE backward design) and principles of adult learning theory.
• Curriculum design: Ability to design curricula aligned with outcomes-based education principles and constructive alignment of outcomes teaching and assessment.
• Medical and health professions education: Understanding of the context structure and demands of medical curricula including clinical training components.
• Assessment design: Knowledge of assessment design principles and formats used in medical education (e.g. OSCEs MCQs workplace-based assessment).
• e-Learning design: Ability to design blended and online learning experiences using learning management system platforms.
• Facilitation and training: Ability to facilitate workshops and training sessions for academic staff.
• Project management: Ability to plan and manage curriculum development projects; monitors progress and keeps to deadlines; anticipates problems and develops contingency plans.
• Communication: Ability to identify and use the most effective medium with due regard to content and intended audience; communicates in a clear accurate and concise manner.
• Analytical thinking: Ability to analyse curriculum data and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Attention to detail.
• Innovation particularly in a resource-constrained environment
• Problem-solving.
• Communication skills.
• Teamwork; Adaptability;
• Creativity; Initiative.
• Influencing / persuasion or advocacy skills.
• Service orientation.
• Time management.
• Continuous learning and staying abreast of the most recent developments in the field.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof Binu Luke on

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Janine Da Gama on

CLOSING DATE: 13 October 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

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