Call for applications: connect.hubs 2.0 workshop trainers in SA

The talented workshop associates must be based in Southern Africa with experience in learning facilitation, creative enterprise, creative hubs and the wider creative economy to deliver the Creative Hubs Academy (CHA). The trainers may be leaders of hubs themselves, independent sole-traders or be employed at a creative or social business.

Creative hubs – whether physical or virtual – are spaces for creative and social entrepreneurs to connect and support one another while developing their businesses in a nurturing environment.

"For the last 18 months, together with British Council and Hivos, we’ve been developing a new learning programme for leaders and convenors of the creative hubs that serve communities in the fields of creative, digital and social innovation," Coloured Purple said. "Based on research and five pilot workshops, and an ongoing global programme, the three- to six-month programme has been designed for hub leaders to take a step back from their day-to-day-work and gain new skills and insights to help them shape and grow their hub offers."

Following initial testing of the programme, the British Council is looking to further strengthen its strategic focus on creative hubs and its connection to the community of hub leaders by working with in-country or regional trainers.

The aim is to recruit a small team of CHA trainers who will:

• Be trained to facilitate the CHA programme from 4 to 6 November with the British Council and Nesta providing contextual examples and expertise to shape the programme content.
• Design content and activities to support the learning of hub leaders throughout the programme.
• Build strong networks and communities around the CHA to maximise its impact and reach.

How to apply

Applicants should apply in English and providing the following via email at info@thecolouredcube.co.za with the subject 'connect.hub 2.0 trainer application'.

• CV (two pages, covering work experience).
• A short cover letter describing how you feel you meet the candidate specification (no more than 500 words).

The submission deadline is 9 October.

The trainers will undertake the following roles:

• Facilitate multi-day workshops and retreat with groups of up to 25 creative and social hub leaders.
• Deliver the CHA workshop and retreat to the outlined learning goals and standards.
• Design and deliver the Learning in Action phase of the CHA programme in collaboration with the delivery partner (usually a local hub), British Council and Nesta.
• Through the workshops and other activities, support the learning journey of individual creative and social hub leaders.
• Capture learning insights and reflections and share these with other trainers and the British Council office.
• Work with the British Council and Nesta teams to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery as is outlined in the trainer guidance.
• Advocate for and champion the CHA and the works of social and creative hubs.
• Participate in regular meetings with Nesta, the British Council, Hivos and key stakeholders.
• Take initiative in the further development of the creative hubs academy and help grow the community of creative and social hub leaders, with the support of the British Council and Nesta.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be confident leading and facilitating multi-day workshops and have an engaging and adaptable facilitation style.
• Be able to deliver an intensive learning programme consisting of face to face workshops and remote support to a high standard over a sustained period.
• Be confident in presenting and using design-led techniques and social enterprise tools.
• Be experienced in designing and delivering learning support activities and events to maintain momentum and support learners (e.g. mentoring, forums, webinars).
• Be able to communicate complex concepts in a succinct and meaningful way.
• Be able to deliver workshops in English.
• Be able to build rapport and trust with participants.
• Be a creative practitioner or have first-hand experience of either setting up or being part of their own social or creative hub and be in a good position to share their in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by hubs and collectives.
• Possess good time management skills and be organised and solutions-focused.
• Have a willingness to travel, where necessary.
• Be a champion for creative and social hubs in your region and know of support, advice and networks that can help hub leaders contribute to the wider social and creative economy.

Important dates

If you are shortlisted as a potential Creative Hubs Academy trainer, you should be available on the following dates. If there are any concerns, please state so in your cover letter.

• Initial interview: Face-to-face/zoom interview (in English): 11 October.
• Induction part 1: CHA trainer team induction and observing the Creative Hubs Academy workshop with a UK workshop associate: 3 to 7 November.
• Induction part 2: Co-deliver the Creative Hubs Academy retreat with fellow trainers and supported by a UK workshop associate: May 2020 (date TBC). If you are invited to inductions, the British Council will arrange and cover any necessary travel or accommodation.

View the original call here.