Learning & Development Lead

LOCATION: UK (Hybrid)

REPORTING TO: HR Operations & Compliance Manager 

ROLE TYPE: Full-time, Permanent

CLOSING DATE: 7th Feb 2025

ABOUT ARK 

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future. 

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change. 
Learn more about our impact here:  https://www.ark.international/impact 

Purpose of the Role

The Learning & Development Lead works closely with the HR Operations Manager and Human Resources Officers to create, deliver and manage learning and development provisions across the organisation globally. This role involves working across the entire breadth of L&D activities to provide a range of professional learning and development services to business managers and staff in support of the achievement of business goals. 

About You (The Candidate) 

We are seeking an outgoing and confident individual who thrives on building connections and inspiring others. You’re people-oriented and naturally able to engage with diverse teams across the organisation. Proactive and self-driven, you take the initiative to identify opportunities, propose innovative solutions, and deliver results that align with the organisation’s strategic goals. As a creative thinker with strong interpersonal skills, you enjoy delivering and facilitating learning and development programmes that empower employees to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to the organisation. Your ability to adapt to different audiences and enthusiasm for fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace makes you a key driver of positive change. 

What you'll be doing

Strategy and Management: 

• Partner with senior team in supporting strategic initiative with L&D. 
• Work with HR colleagues, managers and staff internationally towards supporting needs at the company, team and individual level to feed in to L&D strategy and plan. 
• Develop and implement innovative and cost-effective L&D solutions to meet the business needs of the company, for employees. 
• As a thought leader, share and model innovative L&D initiatives with the business in order to help the business to better service clients.
• Market L&D solutions across the company and ensure best practice people development practices are promoted. 
• Manage the production of pre & post course documentation, maintenance of training records and monitoring of the training budget. 

Development & Delivery of Training: 

• Design and develop training programmes with training suppliers and for self-delivery. 
• Deliver training as appropriate. 
• Support business areas by delivering technical training to other parts of the business, in relation to business processes and knowledge sharing. 
• Evaluate training events to ensure that L&D solutions are meeting business objectives and review and update as required. 

Training Consultancy: 

• Advise and support managers and staff on relevant development-related issues, e.g. coaching and facilitating team events.  
• Contribute to and manage special projects as required. 

Strategic HR Support: 

• Collaborate with the HR Operations Manager and local management to support strategic initiatives and improve organisational HR and L&D processes. 
• Work with HR colleagues to create, review, and amend corporate-wide HR/L&D policies and HR/L&D Processes to meet HR and organisational needs. 
• Act as a point of contact for employees and management in relation to L&D. 
• Contribute to organisational development by identifying training and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Participate in cross-office HR projects and ensure the implementation of L&D best practices. 
• Partner with HR Operation Manager and senior leadership to ensure HR and L&D strategies and initiatives are aligned with the organisation’s long-term objectives. 
• Any other duties as appropriate to the position, as requested.

Essential 

• Education: Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field, or relevant experience. 
• Ideally, 7-10 years of professional HR experience, with at least 4-5 years in an L&D role. 
• Demonstrable experience designing & delivering training in a range of soft skills programmes in the commercial environment using state of art technology where possible.   
• Experience in Training Needs Analysis & Evaluation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.  
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to a fast-paced environment.  
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.  

Desirable  

• Master’s degree or HR certifications (e.g., SHRM, CIPD) preferred. 
• Experience working in the international development sector.
• Verbal and written communication skills in Arabic.

Why join ARK?  

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.  
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.  
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.  
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.  

Our People  

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organizations, journalism and the private sector.  

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.   

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognize out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.   

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.   

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.   

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions, and we want to hear those of others too.   

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.