Mount Kenya University (MKU), a chartered and ISO 9001:2015 certified academic institution, stands as a beacon of quality and inclusive education in Kenya and beyond. With a vision to provide world-class education, training, and research to its students, MKU has established itself as a regional academic leader, boasting campuses in Thika, Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Meru. The university also serves learners across the region through its Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODEL) centres located in various towns in Kenya, as well as in Burundi, Somaliland, and Uganda.
As part of its strategic expansion and commitment to improving the accessibility and delivery of education through digital platforms, Mount Kenya University, through its Directorate of Open Distance and Electronic Learning, invites applications from qualified, experienced, and motivated individuals to fill the position of E-Content Instructional Designer at the Thika Campus.
About the Faculty/Directorate: Open Distance and Electronic Learning
The Directorate of Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODEL) at MKU plays a vital role in democratizing education by leveraging digital technologies to reach diverse learner populations. The ODEL directorate oversees the design, implementation, and management of all e-learning initiatives at the university. Its mission is to offer flexible, accessible, and high-quality education that supports lifelong learning and professional development.
As the university continues to invest in its digital transformation journey, the ODEL directorate is enhancing its e-content development processes and platforms to align with international best practices in e-learning.
Position: E-Content Instructional Designer (One Position)
Location: Thika Campus
Faculty/Directorate: Open Distance and Electronic Learning
Reporting To: Principal, Open Distance & E-Learning
Application Deadline: Tuesday, 08 July 2025
Job Overview
The E-Content Instructional Designer will play a pivotal role in the university’s online education strategy. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and developing high-quality instructional materials for online and blended learning environments. This position requires a creative and technologically proficient individual who can effectively collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), faculty, and other stakeholders to translate traditional course content into engaging, interactive, and pedagogically sound e-learning modules.
Duties and Responsibilities
The key responsibilities for the E-Content Instructional Designer include, but are not limited to:
- Instructional Design and Content Digitalization
- Design and develop comprehensive instructional materials and course structures that facilitate effective online learning.
- Convert conventional teaching content into dynamic, digital learning experiences suitable for remote learners.
- Develop learning guides, e-books, instructional videos, interactive scenarios, and assessments.
- Multimedia Integration
- Integrate multimedia components such as animations, voice-overs, screen recordings, simulations, quizzes, and videos to enhance learner engagement.
- Ensure that multimedia elements support the pedagogical goals of the course and align with MKU’s instructional design standards.
- Collaboration and Course Alignment
- Work closely with academic departments, instructors, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to gather course content and learning objectives.
- Ensure that the digital learning content aligns with departmental curricula and specific learning outcomes.
- Provide expertise and support to faculty in developing pedagogically sound e-learning materials.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Ensure that all e-learning content developed complies with MKU’s quality assurance frameworks.
- Maintain standards that meet national accreditation guidelines and international e-learning best practices.
- Review and test developed content for instructional integrity, accuracy, and technological functionality.
- Continuous Improvement and Content Updates
- Maintain a detailed inventory of all developed e-content and associated course materials.
- Periodically review and revise digital content to ensure currency, relevance, and effectiveness.
- Evaluate learner feedback and course analytics to inform necessary updates and improvements.
- Training and Capacity Building
- Train and support faculty members in the effective use of instructional design software and e-learning tools.
- Conduct workshops and one-on-one sessions to enhance faculty capabilities in online teaching methodologies and content delivery.
- Accessibility and Usability
- Ensure that e-learning content is inclusive and accessible to diverse learners, including those with disabilities.
- Apply universal design principles and web accessibility guidelines to all digital materials.
- Test e-learning modules for usability across various platforms and devices to ensure optimal learner experience.
- Project Management
- Manage multiple instructional design projects simultaneously, adhering to defined timelines and quality expectations.
- Use project management tools to plan, track, and report on content development progress.
- Coordinate with the ICT department to troubleshoot any technical challenges related to content hosting or delivery.
- Other Duties
- Undertake any additional responsibilities assigned by the head of section or department in alignment with the broader goals of the university’s e-learning agenda.
Key Technical Competencies and Knowledge Areas
To effectively perform in this role, the successful candidate must demonstrate:
- Strong proficiency in instructional design methodologies, adult learning theories, and learner-centered pedagogies.
- Hands-on experience with e-learning development tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, iSpring Suite, or similar platforms.
- Proficiency in using Learning Management Systems (LMS), particularly Moodle.
- Advanced computer literacy and familiarity with content creation tools, audio/video editing software, and web authoring tools.
- Excellent skills in curriculum mapping, learning outcomes design, and assessment strategies.
- Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills.
- A learner-centric mindset with the ability to adapt instructional materials for various learning styles and preferences.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education Technology, or a related discipline from a recognized academic institution.
- Have at least three (3) years of proven experience in a similar role, preferably within a university or higher education environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the use of instructional design software, multimedia tools, and LMS platforms.
- Strong knowledge of pedagogical principles, instructional theory, and e-learning standards.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the requirements are invited to submit their applications through the Mount Kenya University recruitment portal. Applications should be accompanied by a cover letter clearly indicating the applicant’s salary expectations.
Please Note:
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further engagement.
- Applications submitted through any other channel other than the designated recruitment portal will not be considered.
- Mount Kenya University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic instructional designer to join one of the most dynamic academic institutions in the region. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of digital learning at MKU, helping thousands of learners access high-quality, flexible education. If you are passionate about online education, digital pedagogy, and student-centered learning, this role is ideal for you.
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