Learning & Development (L&D) Specialist
The Learning & Development (L&D) Specialist at OIST will focus on designing, implementing, and assessing programs that enhance employee skills, promote continuous learning, and support the organization’s strategic goals. This role involves collaboration with HR and departmental leaders to identify training needs, as well as working with Center for Professional Development and Inclusive Excellence (C-Hub) in the Faculty Affairs Office on joint initiatives that foster a cohesive development culture across employees. Additionally, the L&D Specialist will establish partnerships with domestic and international institutions to develop exchange programs, facilitating cross-institutional learning and professional growth opportunities for OIST members.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
- Training Program Design and Implementation:
i. Develop, coordinate, and facilitate training programs and workshops on topics such as leadership, communication, project management, and other relevant skills.ii. Tailor content to various departments and roles, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values.
- Needs Assessment and Consultation:
i. Collaborate with department heads and HR to assess learning needs across the organization.ii. Conduct surveys, interviews, and feedback sessions to continuously improve and adapt training offerings.
- Learning Management and Tracking:
i. Manage and optimize the Learning Management System (LMS) to streamline training schedules, materials, and participant tracking.ii. Maintain and update training records to ensure accurate reporting and compliance
- Development of Educational Materials:
i. Create and curate learning resources, including digital content, manuals, and interactive activities.ii. Ensure materials are accessible and engaging, meeting the needs of diverse learning styles and preferences.
- Collaboration with C-Hub:
i. Work with C-Hub to develop joint training initiatives and share resources, promoting a cohesive development culture across faculty and administrative staff.
- Exchange Program Development with Partner Institutions:
i. Establish and manage partnerships with domestic and international institutions and universities to develop staff exchange programs.ii. Facilitate the design of exchange initiatives, focusing on cross-institutional learning opportunities and skills development that benefit both OIST staff and partner institutions.
- Evaluation and Reporting:
i. Analyze the effectiveness of training programs using metrics and feedback to gauge participation, satisfaction, and impact on performance.ii. Prepare reports and presentations for senior management to communicate progress and propose future initiatives.
- Budget Management:
i. Develop a budget plan for the Learning & Development section and ensure sound budget execution along with obtaining the approval of the Vice President for Human Resources.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Education, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
- At least 3-5 years of experience in Learning & Development or a related HR field, ideally within a complex organizational structure (e.g., academic institutions, research organizations, or large corporations).
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging diverse audiences effectively.
- Knowledge in learning technologies, including LMS, e-learning software, and digital tools such as Microsoft 365.
- Experience facilitating workshops and training sessions.
- Native-level Japanese proficiency and Business-level English proficiency for effective communication with international staff.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Remote Work System
- Curriculum vitae in English and Japanese
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential in accordance to the OIST Privacy Policy; documents will not be returned.
- Recruiting Organization: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation
- Prevention of Passive Smoking: No smoking indoors
- Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities: Rules for Concurrent Appointment.
- Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00
Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.