PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Senior Specialist L&D is responsible for managing, diagnosing, researching, designing, coordinate, evaluating and facilitating the implementation of Human Resource Development methods, programmes, policies and procedures at NWU.

JOB DESCRIPTION

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

L&D Strategic Function:

• Champions continuous improvement management, organization and staff development-training programs; supports the broader HR goal of enhancing the delivery of effective and efficient support services by assuming a leadership role in the transformation to a high-performance organization.
• Conduct a skills audit, needs analysis and skills planning in accordance with the University’s objectives.
• Designs, develops, directs, and manages university-wide processes of staff L&D that addresses issues such as talent management (inclusive of succession planning) as well as employee performance. 
• Diligently manage compliance and achievement of SLA/MoA targets with all internal and external customers, measuring performance continuously.
• Research, identifying and introducing best practice and measuring the service improvement in the staff L&D area.
• Oversee skills development compliance and alignment with SDA, NQF, NSDS, HRDS-SA, ETDPSETA and other SETA's requirements.
• Manage the University’s compliance with all legislations, regulations and national policy directives applicable to the Human Resources Development function, i.e. Nationals Skills Development Strategy (NSDS), National Human Resources Development Strategy (NHRDS), etc. and recommend alignment strategies for approval and ensure such strategies are implemented.
• Provide required L&D inputs and support in ensuring that the University is able to consolidate information required for reporting on statutory obligations required from P&C directorate to contribute towards EE and BBBEE reporting.
• Research new technologies and methodologies in workplace learning and present this research.

Training Management and Stakeholder Relations:

• Provide advocacy, management and leadership for the donor funded development programmes.
• Partner with best external service providers and business schools for the development and/or delivery of leadership and development programmes inclusive of blended approach to learning
• Enforce continuous programme renewal to deliver socially responsive and national imperative congruent programmes to maximise rebates and grants 
• Manage the process of submitting the University's Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) on an annual basis as per the SDA requirements.
• Ensure that the University is benefiting from SETA Mandatory and Discretionary grants by submitting proposals and applications
• Manage the relationship between the employer and the SETAs, including with other related institutions.
• Implement all generic human resource development programmes and provide guidance regarding statutory compliance.
• Support and implement Integrated Talent Management processes ( i.e. talent development, performance management, talent retention and alignment) 
• Manages, oversees, and supports internal staff development, quality management and training services for the university.
• Review and evaluate all Staff L&D interventions to ensure processes and practices are implemented efficiently and consistently; as well as Monitors staff L&D projects against plans; manages priorities and is responsive to changes in requirements. 
• Conduct regular analysis / review to ensure staff L&D policies, strategy and interventions are continuously responsive to institutional strategic objectives and are in line with prevailing legislative demands affecting the HEI sector.
• Align staff L&D interventions implemented to Education, Training & Development Quality Standards (SAQA, NQF and Unit standards).
• Facilitate leadership development intervention on all management levels.

Quality management:

• Design and implement a learning and development system to align training programmes, policies, procedures and standards across all campuses
• Manage the SETA skills development reporting system, ensure the correctness of organisational data for WSP, and grant funding.
• Advice the University on any quality standards set by the SETA and ensure the quality of learning implementation.
• Ensure programme alignment according to SETA's requirements.
• Manage stakeholder, liaise with training vendors and ensure quality delivery.
• Liaise with quality assurance bodies, i.e. ETQA, QCTO, etc. and government departments to ensure that the institution is delivering staff learning and development in line with legislative requirements.
• Keep abreast with the updates of the Organising Framework for Occupation (OFO) and ensure that OFO new version is updated on University's HR (Oracle) system
• Manage the internal training system and ensure efficiency of the learning solution module within the University.

Implementation and Management of Skills Development Programs:

• Facilitate the formalization and registration of the Learnership programmes with SETA's.
• Coordinate, manage and monitor Learnerships in accordance with internal and SETA requirements.
• Plan and prepare for Learnership, Internship and ABET rollouts.
• Identify and involve role players from the institution in the planning, preparation and implementation of the Learnership, Internships programmes.
• Keep abreast of developments surrounding the Learnership in particular, as well as ABET for SETAs requirements in general.
• Search for and recommend use of appropriate services providers on behalf of the Institution.
• Manage the contracting and sign off on individual Learnership agreements, SETA fund agreements and Internship agreements.
• Drive procurement of various training and development services and stakeholder management thereof
• Keep abreast with industry practices on Learnership/internship and skills programmes.
• Oversee the training and development needs of employees in low levels (12-17) and mainly from designated groups (DG) in collaboration with faculties and departments.
• Manage the implementation of SETA funded skills programmes
• Develop effective induction programmes for new staff, apprentices and graduate trainees
• Work with the departmental/school leaders in coordinating special training programs unique to that department/school and unique to individuals within the department.

Budget, Compliance, Reporting and People Management:

• Prepare periodic scheduled and ad hoc reports for sub-committees on progress, challenges and opportunities in areas of  responsibility.
• Manage the Institutional Training budget for the DG training rollout.
• Establishes systems to monitor progress against objectives and ensures that projects comply with regulatory and project financial requirements.
• Consider the costs of planned programmes and keep within budgets
• Monitor and review the progress of trainees through questionnaires and discussions with managers
• Manage staff performance 

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• A Master’s degree in Human Resources Management or related fields (NQF 9).
• Membership with the SABPP.
• Certified Assessor/Moderator/SDF.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience as an L&D specialist in higher education.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation 
• Strong problem solving, analytical and abstract reasoning skills 
• Knowledge of Learning & Development and talent interventions. 
• Data Analysis
• Skills to mentor and coach employees and relevant stake holders
• Organizational skills to manage records and data, and meet deadlines
• Fully computer literate and proficient in all MS Office packages with advanced knowledge of Excel.
• Analytical skills to understand and apply research and statistics in report writing and decision-making
• Building networks and maintaining effective liaison with key stakeholders
• Ability to direct the development and implementation of strategy and strategic projects

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Relating and networking
• Work well under pressure, creating and managing change 
• Leading and Supervising 
• Agility and adaptability 
• Excellent writing and communication skills 
• Excellent problem solving, analytical and abstract reasoning skills 
• Corporate Intrapreneurship 
• Teamwork oriented 

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:                     Ms Helen Lekalakala on 018 299 4601

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:    Ms Goitsemang Ntsoelengoe  on 0182992752

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                 21 June 2024

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                         1 August 2024 or 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.