About the Job

CMU-Africa seeks a passionate and experienced UX Designer/Developer to join our team working with EdTech Hubs to implement Learning Science training and research. The EdTech Project, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aims to enhance educational technology products for Africa by training EdTech entrepreneurs and their staff in learning sciences and learning experience design. The UX designer will be responsible for improving the experience of project stakeholders and integrating the project website with associated online courseware refined for the African educational context. Additionally, this person will support the EdTech Hubs and Entrepreneur Fellows with product design recommendations to ensure high-quality learner experiences and meaningful outcomes are achieved. This role will report to the CMU Africa Project Manager.

About Carnegie Mellon University

Since its founding in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has been a birthplace of innovation. Ranked #1 in Computer Science and #4 in Engineering by U.S. News & World Report, CMU is dedicated to producing creative and technically strong engineers who have a meaningful impact on their communities and accelerate positive technological change in the world. In 2011, CMU extended its global footprint into Africa as the Regional Center of Excellence for ICT based in Rwanda and the anchor tenant of Kigali Innovation City. In a region booming with opportunities, CMU is the only U.S.-based research university offering its master's degrees with a full-time faculty, staff, and operations in Africa.

About the EdTech Project

This project aims to enable demand-driven tech innovations that close the gap in access, quality, and relevant learning for the most underserved secondary education students on the African continent. Mastercard Foundation is collaborating with a set of Tech Hubs who will grow the innovation ecosystem by hosting and supporting educational technology entrepreneurs from across the continent. In this program, there is a unique and timely opportunity for world-renowned learning science faculty at Carnegie Mellon University to help to increase the quality and relevance of those educational technology innovations by supporting the Tech Hubs and their EdTech entrepreneurs fellows in the skills and knowledge of the science behind learning, through a set of coordinated training and mentoring activities. The core activities include:

• In-person and online deep dive workshops with EdTech Hubs

• Online certificate program in the Learning Sciences

• Online mentoring and office hours with CMU faculty in Africa and Pittsburgh

• Novel research and knowledge creation together with Hub staff and entrepreneurs

At least 12 Tech hubs will enroll 12 ed tech entrepreneurs and/or members of their teams every year for 3 consecutive years in an acceleration program that supports entrepreneurs to improve the learning outcomes of their EdTech products and other aspects of their business. Data will be collected throughout the program to be analyzed to produce informative research. The novel research and knowledge will contribute to the learning science in Edtech and importantly to the improvement of EdTech products that deliver high quality education on the African continent.

The Role:

As UX Designer, you will work closely with the team to ensure high-quality learner experiences. While specific responsibilities will vary, they will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the ongoing design and development of the CMU Africa project website, future social media channels, project blog, and integration of the OLI Torus online courseware experience. This will involve collaborating closely with the CMU Africa communications team to grow and maintain associated EdTech Hub web properties as well as other marketing and branding materials.

• Collaborate with learning engineers to adapt CMU's online learning sciences curriculum and products to be culturally relevant in the African regional contexts and hubs. This involves formatting and graphic design skills to improve the project components' communication design.

• Conduct user research and stakeholder mapping to gain insights into the needs of EdTech Hubs, Entrepreneurs, and the project teams.

• Develop wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch).

• Implement front-end development using modern web technologies (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript) and frameworks (e.g., React, Vue.js).

• Liaise with Learning Engineers to help manage digital assets, including project photographs, audio, video recordings, podcasts; obtain media releases as needed.

• Provide quarterly reports on web analytics, social media impressions, and courseware usage data, and present recommendations to the project and management team. Document design improvements and outcomes for annual reporting.

• Collaborate with learning engineers to conduct user testing and evaluation of CMU's online learning platform and learning science courses, proposing courseware modifications for user interface elements, interaction flow, navigation structures, and visual design enhancements as necessary.

• Conduct heuristic assessments of Ed Tech company products to ensure they meet basic usability and digital accessibility requirements (e.g., WCAG 2.1).

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, human computer interaction, graphic, design, or other related fields

• 2+ years of experience in UX design and front-end development, preferably in EdTech or e-learning sectors, with strong media design and user researcher skills

• Proficiency in UX design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch) and front-end technologies (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript)

• Strong portfolio demonstrating user-centered design process and problem-solving skills.

• Experience working on educational technologies in the African context

• Experience working on multicultural teams

• English fluency; excellent written and verbal English communication skills. Knowledge of additional languages is an added value

• Media production skills including film, motion graphics, and video editing are a plus

To Apply:

If you are an experienced UX Designer with a strong commitment to enhancing educational technology across Africa, we encourage you to submit your application by Friday 29, February, 2024. Applications should include a cover letter with your motivation for applying, a comprehensive resume/CV, and a portfolio showcasing your work. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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