Academy LMS Product Consultant - Remote (Global)

Project name: Founders Factory Africa - Academy End-to-End Systems

Project Details:

Establishing the Academy systems end-to-end, enabling integration of tools and efficient data-flow across academy functions.

Project Objectives:

To engage a consultant to research, screen, select and implement relevant tools that will facilitate:A seamless end-to-end learning experience for our Academy participants An efficient back-end system for the Academy team to manage the participants from applications all the way to the alumni community. 

Project duration: 2 months (4th March 2024 - 3rd May 2024)

Donor:

Founders Factory Africa - Academy  

1.     INTRODUCTION

Founders Factory Africa (FFA) exists to create a thriving African startup economy that drives prosperity across Africa. We are venture builders dedicated to solving some of Africa’s biggest challenges and capitalizing on its incredible potential by leveraging market and tech opportunities. We seek to build an ecosystem that supports authentic innovation and our goal is to be the best growth engine for entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond. We believe by supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, we will unlock employment opportunities and drive inclusive growth across the continent. 

Since 2019, we have supported  60+ African ventures with investment capital alongside hands-on support backed by 50+, full-time, experts covering engineering, product development, growth, corporate partnerships, and investment. 

In 2023, we leveraged this experience and expertise to create an internal impact-driven venture, The Founders Factory Academy, to create youth and gender-focused employment opportunities through tech-enabled learning.  

2.    PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

Founders Factory Africa (FFA) Academy, runs a 6-week full-time Explore Program designed for Aspiring entrepreneurs who are keen to transform problems into business opportunities. You can learn more about the program here. Post the 6 week program, successful entrepreneurs receive a grant and receive 12 weeks of business support to help them establish their businesses. We are currently looking for an LMS product consultant who can help us translate this learning journey into an online and impactful learning experience. The consultant will be tasked with establishing the Academy systems end-to-end, enabling integration of tools and efficient data-flow across academy functions while ensuring a seamless and user friendly experience for all stakeholders which includes the program participants, coaches, facilitators, academy team, experts and guests such as partners. This encompasses the Explore program, the academy Business Support Program, and Community Management across the board.The consultancy implies collaboration with the academy team, product team, the respective platform support team, FFA brand team, impact team and project staff to research, evaluate, and implement tools that will create a seamless experience both to the users and the administrators. The ideal candidate should possess experience in various e-learning/community management systems, including, but not limited to, Tuvoti, Thinkific, Canvas, Mighty Networks, Zapier, etc. 

3.     OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

High Level ObjectivesIdentify and Document Academy Business Needs:

Thoroughly assess and document the specific requirements of the Academy, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its operational and educational needs.

Tool Assessment and Advisory: Determine if existing tools can fulfill identified needs; if not, provide interim tool recommendations and guide the planning for the development of proprietary tools.

Facilitate System Implementation and Integration: Oversee the smooth implementation and integration of identified systems, ensuring seamless operation within the Academy's infrastructure.

Train the team and create a Management Handbook Guide: This guide should provide clear instructions for effectively handling the implemented systems and tools. It aims to boost the confidence of both Academy staff and users in using, configuring, and managing the relevant systems.

Scope of Work

1. Needs Assessment and System Architecture:

Research: Interview Academy Team Members and understand the needs of each function.

Needs Compilation: Compile a comprehensive document with clear needs across each team.

System Architecture: Create a System Architecture Document outlining the desired system flow, interactions, and data integration points.

Tools Research: Explore e-learning organizations and their tools.

Compare features, pricing, user reviews, and alignment with the academy's needs. Prioritize essential functionalities based on your findings.

Shortlist and identify the key tools

2. Select, contract, and implement an Learning Management System (LMS) along with integration softwares identified:

Implement a seamless end-to-end learning experience for Academy participants, allowing efficient data flow across all functions.

Aim for intuitive navigation and consistent branding.

Integration Software: Implement tools for additional functionalities like screening, KYC, data tracking and storage, communication, coaching, collaboration, etc.

Beta Testing: Conduct rigorous testing with diverse users to identify and address any usability issues, bugs, or integration problems.

3. Document, deploy, and onboard:Management Handbook: 

Create a comprehensive guide covering system functionalities, troubleshooting steps, and best practices for each user group (participants, coaches, facilitators, etc.).

Training and Onboarding: 

Deliver engaging training sessions for all stakeholders, tailored to their roles and needs.

Offer ongoing support resources like FAQs and video tutorials.

4. Beta Test and iterate with a cohortCohort Launch: 

Pilot the LMS with a representative group of participants.

Encourage active feedback and collect data on usage, satisfaction, and learning outcomes.

Feedback Analysis: Analyze feedback qualitatively and quantitatively to identify areas for improvement in the end-to-end experience.

Iteration and Change: Implement changes based on feedback, refine functionalities, and iterate on the learning experience to optimize results.

4.     WORKING METHODOLOGY 

The consultant will submit technical and financial offers which include description of the methodology and detailed work plan. During the engagement, the consultant will mainly work with Founders Factory Africa Academy staff in Nairobi, Kenya full time. 

5.     DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Founders Factory Africa Academy staff based in Nairobi, Kenya will be the main contact for the consultant.

Duties of consultant:

The Consultant is fully responsible for this assignment. 

Consultant will liaise with FFA Academy staff throughout the process, providing regular updates and seeking their input and advice where necessary. 

Consultant will prepare a detailed task timeline and methodology and, in collaboration with members of FFA Academy.

FFA Academy will have access to all relevant documents prior to their finalization. 

Consultant will adhere to the timeframe of the consultancy and deliver the final report. 

Responsibilities of FFA Academy:

Provide all background materials for the Consultant. (LMS requirements and program requirements)

Monitor adherence to specified deadlines; facilitating access to required information. 

Provide guidance throughout all phases of execution, approving all deliverables, and facilitating access to any documentation (or any person) deemed relevant to the process.

Share deliverables with stakeholders.

Perform quality control, as required of all deliverables.

6.     DELIVERABLES 

Facilitate the implementation of an end-to-end learning management system which will enable the team to deliver an interactive online learning program, evaluate and track participant growth in-program, with community features that will allow the participants to engage with one another both as a group or as individuals (1-on-1 sessions)

Change management Documentation and administration handbookFinal report of finished work and activities executed in accordance with the agreed timeline.

All reports should be submitted in English.

7.     TIMEFRAME

In order to perform all scheduled tasks, an independent Consultant shall be hired for the period 

Activities

TimeframePhase

1: Needs Assessment and System Architecture (1 week)

Research and interview Academy Team Members to compile clear needs, create a System Architecture Document, and prioritize essential e-learning tools based on features and alignment with Academy requirements.

4th March -8th March 2024

Phase 2: Select, contract, and implement an Learning Management System (LMS) along with integration softwares identified (3 weeks)

Integrate with existing Academy systems and external platforms 

Conduct thorough beta testing of the LMS functionality 11th March - 29th March 2024

Phase 3: Deployment and Onboarding (3 weeks)

Create a comprehensive guide covering system functionalities, troubleshooting steps,and best practices

Train Academy staff and users on the new LMS Develop and finalize LMS administration, team onboarding, and change management resources 1st April - 12th April 2024

Phase 4: Beta Test and iterate with a cohort (2 weeks)

Cohort Launch: 

Pilot the LMS with a representative group of participants.

Encourage active feedback and collect data on usage, satisfaction, and learning outcomes.

Feedback Analysis: 

Analyze feedback qualitatively and quantitatively to identify areas for improvement in the end-to-end experience.

Iteration and Change: 

Implement changes based on feedback, refine functionalities, and iterate on the learning experience to optimize results.15th April - 26th April 2024

Phase 4: Reporting and Handover (1 week)

Generate comprehensive reports on project completion and LMS performance

Complete formal project handover, including documentation and knowledge transfer 29th April - 3rd May 2024

* The time frame can be changed in consultation with the relevant staff of FFA Academy

Application Procedures:

Founders Factory Africa Academy (FFA) seeks proposals for the setup, launch and implementation of its new Learning Management System (LMS).

Submit your proposal in English to academy.outreach@foundersfactory.co SUBJECT: LMS PRODUCT CONSULTANT APPLICATION by 23rd February 2024, addressing the specific tasks outlined above and showcasing your ability to meet our needs.

Your proposal should cover:

Company/Organization Overview: Provide documents outlining your expertise, team qualifications, and a detailed approach to this project. This package should also include financial details as per the requested format.

Estimated Budget: Specify your proposed budget for the program, demonstrating cost-effectiveness and transparency.

FFA Academy will evaluate proposals based on:

Consultant Qualifications and Experience: Your proven track record and relevant expertise in LMS development and implementation.

Proposed Methodology and Work Plan: A clear and comprehensive plan outlining your approach to achieving the project's objectives.

Alignment with FFA Academy's Needs and Objectives: Demonstration of your understanding and ability to fulfill the Academy's specific requirements.

Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Clarity: A competitive budget proposal presented with transparency and rationale.

*This role is remote (globally) with potential for renewal.

Deadline: Submit your complete proposal with by 23rd  February 2024.