Manager, Applied Learning

Location: Toronto, ON
Reports to: Director of Applied Learning
Years of Experience: 5-8+ Years
Travel Requirement: Up to 20%
Terms: Full-Time

About Raising The Village

We are Raising The Village (RTV), an international development organization and a registered charity on a mission to end ultra-poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. Raising The Village is a fast-growing organization on an accelerated growth path. Our team in East Africa and North America works together to lift communities out of ultra-poverty in last-mile villages. We operate at the intersection of direct implementation and advanced data analytics to inform progress, decision-making, and impact.

To date, we have supported more than one million people through our innovative holistic approach. We have achieved this tremendous growth with the support of our incredible partners from all around the globe who believe in our model and impact. Find out more about our programs and impact at www.raisingthevillage.org.

Role Description

The Manger of Applied Learning is a strategic and cross-functional leader responsible for shaping how RTV transforms data, field experience, research and behavioural insights into practical learning that strengthens program quality, staff capability, and sector influence.

This role ensures RTV's methodology, knowledge systems, learning pathways, and community training curricula are coherent, up-to-date, grounded in evidence, and ready for scale across geographies. It bridges insights from Venn (data, research & tech), Implementation, Planning, and Technical teams, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptive program management.

The Manager oversee the Applied Learning team across Uganda and Toronto, leading strategy, content development, systems design, and cross-departmental learning initiatives – including learning hubs, program reviews, experimentation pilots, and integration with RTV's growing digital learning ecosystem (apps, chatbot, and AI-enabled coaching tools).

The ideal candidate is a systems thinker who thrives at the intersection of programs, learning, and data. They are excellent communicators and facilitators, skilled at translating complex program and research insights into clear, usable learning materials for diverse audiences. They are comfortable working in fast-paced, multicultural environments and bring experience designing learning systems in development or humanitarian settings. Most importantly, they are adaptable, curious, and deeply motivated by the challenge of enabling teams and communities to learn, grow, and deliver meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

Methodology, Frameworks & Knowledge Management

• Lead documentation and continuous improvement of RTV's program methodology, Theory of Change, logic models, M&E frameworks, manuals, guidelines, learning briefs and sector-specific content with a focus on ending ultra-poverty and advancing sustainable community development.
• Develop and maintain a centralized knowledge system ensuring version control, accessibility, and contextual adaptability.
• Translate insights into learning from Venn, Implementation, and research initiatives and embed them into updated frameworks and program guidance.
• Strengthen systems for knowledge management, learning and adaptive program reviews to support RTV's scale-up in Uganda and new geographies.

Organizational & Staff Learning Systems

• Design end-to-end learning pathways for staff – spanning onboarding through cluster graduation-grounded in adult learning and behavioural science.
• Lead structured knowledge and skills development across program teams and geographic regions, ensuring staff can confidently apply technical concepts, tools, and methodologies in real-world program delivery.
• Strengthen systems for continuous learning, program reviews, coaching, and technical refreshers.

Community Curriculum & Behaviour Change

• Review and refine training curricula for communities across livelihoods, WASH, agriculture, gender, and other program areas.
• Ensure all content aligns with RTV's methodology and integrates behavioural science principles that drive sustained adoption of practices.
• Support adaptation for new geographies and evolving program models.

Digital & AI-Enabled Learning Ecosystem

• Co-create high quality content with Venn for digital tools including mobile apps, chatbots, and the AI coach.
• Act as the primary content authority for training the AI model, shaping system behaviour and ensuring technical accuracy.
• Integrate feedback loops between digital tools, field realities, and iterative content improvements.

Research, Pilots & Sector Learning

• Manage learning components of pilots, experimentation, and in-house research (e.g., Gates-funded initiatives).
• Lead synthesis of findings into learning briefs, playbooks, insights for program improvement, and sector-facing knowledge products.
• Facilitate organizational learning sessions to translate evidence into action.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Ensure seamless collaboration between Venn insights, Implementation feedback, and Program evolution.
• Facilitate cross-team alignment on philosophical or methodological differences.
• Support problem-solving around data trends, program quality gaps, and emerging needs.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and coach a multi-country team of Applied Learning Coordinators.
• Manage planning, performance, prioritization, and delivery of workplans.
• Foster a learning-oriented, collaborative, and accountable team culture.

Skills and Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent experience) in International Development, Knowledge Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Organizational Learning, Data Analytics, or related fields.
• 5-8+ years of experience in knowledge management, learning and development, or program management within the international development or NGO sector.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing organizational learning systems, onboarding programs, and digital knowledge platforms.
• Strong understanding of data-informed program design, MEL frameworks, adaptive management processes, and behavioural science-informed strategies.
• Proven ability to synthesize research and data insights into actionable program improvements.
• Excellent facilitation, training, and communication skills, with experience applying adult learning principles.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leading and mentoring multi-country or cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in digital collaboration and knowledge tools (e.g., SharePoint, Confluence, Notion, or learning management systems).

Preferred Skills

• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa or with rural development programs addressing ultra-poverty.
• Familiarity with sectors such as livelihood, agriculture, WASH, and gender equality.
• Familiarity with digital learning ecosystems and AI-enabled tools (e.g., mobile apps, chatbots, AI coaching systems), digital knowledge ecosystems, or tech-driven program innovation.
• Understanding of human-centered design, behavioural science, or participatory learning methods.
• Comfort with data visualization and storytelling tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or Google Data Studio).
• Fluency in French (in addition to English) is highly preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Collaborative and empathetic leader who fosters learning, inclusion, and accountability.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven.
• Curious, creative, and adaptable, with a passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Committed to RTV's mission of ending ultra-poverty and advancing sustainable community development.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health, vision and dental insurance.
• Up to 5% RRSP matching program.
• 4 weeks vacation and personal leave.
• Professional development support.
  
• Hybrid work environment.