Location: Toronto, ON
Reports to: Director of Applied Learning
Years of Experience: 5-8+ Years
Travel Requirement: 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 Manager, Applied Learning serves as RTV’s bridge between data, programs, and people, translating insights from field implementation, research and technology into actionable learning, improved systems, and stronger staff capacity.
Reporting to the Director of Applied Learning, the Manager oversees the department’s strategy, systems, and operations to integrate knowledge, data, and learning into program design, staff development, and organizational improvement. This includes capturing, organizing, and disseminating institutional knowledge, strengthening staff learning systems and onboarding programs, improving cross-departmental processes and quality standards, and fostering innovation and continuous improvement through data-driven insights. The Manager also supervises a growing team of Coordinators based in both Uganda and Toronto dedicated to supporting RTV’s growth and quality, efficiency, and continuous learning.
The ideal candidate for this role is someone who is very organized, with excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask. They are also a creative person who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, training people, facilitating discussions and documenting knowledge. They must also have a deep understanding of data-informed poverty alleviation programs, and an aptitude for research and problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Systems Strengthening
- Contribute to and operationalize the Applied Learning strategy, workplans, and annual budgets aligned with RTV’s institutional goals.
- Strengthen systems for knowledge management, learning, and adaptive program reviews to support RTV’s scale-up in Uganda and new geographies.
- Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration between Venn (data & tech), Implementation, Planning, and Technical teams to connect insights and drive program improvement.
- Lead development and facilitation of Core Program Reviews, pilots and Learning Hubs, ensuring field learnings and data insights are systematically integrated into program evolution.
Knowledge Management
- Oversee creation, documentation, and version control of RTV’s program methodology, including program manuals, logic models, theories of change, PMF/M&E frameworks, and guidelines.
- Develop and maintain an accessible knowledge base and repository for program resources, case studies, and best practices to support both internal staff and replication partners.
- Ensure regular updates of knowledge resources based on new evidence, program data, and field feedback.
Staff Learning & Capacity Building
- Design and implement scalable learning systems and onboarding programs for new and existing staff to ensure consistent understanding of RTV’s methodology and standards.
- Develop learning solutions embedded within RTV’s digital ecosystem (Venn) to promote real-time knowledge transfer and adaptive learning.
- Lead the review and improvement of community training curricula used across program areas (agriculture, WASH, livelihoods, and gender), ensuring alignment with RTV’s methodology and adult learning principles.
Data-Informed and Technology-Integrated Learning
- Support the integration of qualitative and quantitative insights into predictive and prescriptive data models that guide program decisions.
- Lead A/B testing and content adaptation for AI-enabled and human-centered learning systems.
Research, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement
- Lead the synthesis of learnings from pilots, RCTs, and research studies to inform adaptive program design and future innovations.
- Facilitate organizational learning through program reviews, lessons-learned sessions, and adaptive management processes.
- Document and disseminate innovation insights, contributing to RTV’s thought leadership through learning briefs, case studies, and sector publications.
Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Recruit, train, and supervise a multi-country team of Coordinators to deliver Applied Learning’s mandate across Knowledge Management, Learning & Development, and Innovation.
- Guide team planning, prioritization, and performance management to ensure quality and timeliness of deliverables.
- Promote a culture of learning, collaboration, and accountability across teams.
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, and adaptive management processes.
- 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.
- Exposure to AI-enabled learning, 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.
