Instructional Designer

Position

Instructional Design Expert (IDE)

Organisation

Knowledge Networks — ERAI Fellowship Program

Engagement Type

Contract / Consultancy (with potential to extend)

Location

Remote (Global) — with occasional virtual sessions aligned to ERAI cohort schedule

Experience

1–3 years minimum in instructional design or related field

Start Date

Immediate — aligned to ERAI First Cohort (2026)

Reports To

ERAI Programme Director, Knowledge Networks

Apply Via

LinkedIn |

About Knowledge Networks

Knowledge Networks is a global convening and education organization dedicated to equipping policymakers, media professionals, corporate leaders, and practitioners with the clarity, ethics, and insight needed to harness artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively. Our mission is to build platforms for dialogue and learning that ensure AI innovation is balanced with governance, foresight, and accountability.

Our flagship initiative, the ERAI Fellowship Program (Ethical & Responsible AI in Journalism), trains cohorts of journalists, storytellers, and media professionals from across the world to report on, investigate, and hold accountable the AI systems reshaping public life. The 2026 inaugural cohort — \"The Public Interface\" — brings together 17 exceptional fellows from across five continents, with Cohort 2 scaling to 100 fellows later in the year.

The Opportunity

As our Instructional Design Expert, you will serve as the critical bridge between Knowledge Networks' distinguished faculty and the ERAI fellows. Our programme draws on leading academics, AI practitioners, policy experts, and investigative journalists as instructors — individuals who are world-class in their domains but who may present content in formats that require structuring, sequencing, and pedagogical refinement to maximise fellow learning outcomes.

This is a high-impact, high-visibility role at the heart of a programme that is setting the global standard for AI literacy in journalism. You will shape how knowledge is architected, delivered, and retained across an internationally diverse cohort — ensuring that every session, module, and resource reflects the rigour and quality that Knowledge Networks demands.

Key Responsibilities

Faculty Collaboration & Content Transformation

▪     Work directly with ERAI faculty to review, assess, and transform raw subject-matter content into structured, pedagogically sound learning materials

▪     Translate complex AI, ethics, regulatory, and media concepts into accessible, sequenced learning frameworks appropriate for practising journalists at varying levels of technical familiarity

▪     Conduct pre-session briefings with faculty to align on learning objectives, timing, and participant engagement strategies

▪     Provide structured, constructive feedback to faculty on content clarity, pacing, and delivery — always with sensitivity to the expertise and seniority of the instructors involved

Curriculum Architecture & Learning Design

▪     Design and maintain the ERAI curriculum framework — ensuring coherent sequencing, appropriate scaffolding, and measurable learning outcomes across all modules

▪     Develop instructional materials including session guides, fellow workbooks, case study frameworks, reflection prompts, and practicum briefs

▪     Apply adult learning principles and active learning methodologies to ensure high engagement and knowledge retention across a globally diverse, experienced cohort

▪     Design and implement formative and summative assessment instruments aligned to ERAI's certification standards

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

▪     Establish and maintain a systematic quality review process for all programme content — from pre-session materials through to post-session resources

▪     Gather, analyse, and act on fellow feedback to continuously improve the learning experience across the cohort lifecycle

▪     Identify and address gaps between faculty-provided content and fellow learning needs, proposing and implementing solutions in a timely and professional manner

▪     Document and maintain a living repository of instructional assets, templates, and standards for use across current and future ERAI cohorts

Programme Coordination & Communications

▪     Serve as a consistent, professional communication interface between the ERAI Programme Director, faculty, and fellows on all matters relating to content and learning design

▪     Prepare clear, well-structured content briefs, feedback reports, and curriculum status updates for Knowledge Networks leadership

▪     Coordinate content development timelines, ensuring all materials are reviewed, refined, and delivered ahead of programme schedules

▪     Support the onboarding of new faculty members with clear guidance on ERAI's pedagogical standards and content expectations

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

▪     1–3 years of demonstrated experience in instructional design, learning experience design, or curriculum development — ideally within a professional education, fellowship, or executive training context

▪     Articulate 360

▪     Story onboarding

▪     Exceptional written and verbal communication skills — able to engage credibly and diplomatically with senior academics, practitioners, and executives

▪     Proven ability to transform dense, complex content from subject-matter experts into clear, structured, and engaging learning experiences

▪     Strong working knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional systems design (ISD) frameworks (e.g. ADDIE, SAM), and active learning methodologies

▪     Experience designing both synchronous (live/virtual) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning programmes

▪     Comfort working across a global, multicultural environment with sensitivity to diverse learner backgrounds and professional contexts

Desirable

▪     Familiarity with AI, technology ethics, data literacy, or media/journalism — enabling meaningful engagement with ERAI's subject matter

▪     Experience designing learning programmes for journalism schools, media organisations, or policy institutes

▪     Proficiency with digital learning tools and platforms (e.g. Articulate, Canvas, Moodle, Google Workspace, Notion)

▪     A postgraduate qualification in Instructional Design, Education Technology, Learning & Development, or a related discipline

▪     Demonstrated experience working in a start-up, fellowship, or high-growth programme environment where adaptability and initiative are essential

What We Offer

A Mission-Driven Platform

Work at the forefront of the global conversation on AI, press freedom, and democratic accountability — with a programme that genuinely matters.

Distinguished Faculty Network

Collaborate with world-class academics, AI governance practitioners, investigative journalists, and policy leaders at the cutting edge of the field.

Global Reach & Impact

Contribute to a programme that trains journalists across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the MENA region — with Cohort 2 scaling to 100 fellows in 2026.

Flexible, Remote Engagement

Work remotely on a schedule that aligns with ERAI's cohort calendar — with autonomy to structure your workflow around programme milestones.