Project: SECOND LIFE

Contract Type: Fixed-term consultancy

Duty Station: Remote

Start Date: Aprile 2026 – End Date: June 2027 (renewable subject to project needs and performance)

Workload: 50 hours per month

Application Deadline: 28 February  2026

AREA is recruiting an Elearning Platform Project Manager for the SECOND LIFE project to support the continuous maintenance and development of the Smart Step eLearning platform: https://smartstep-community.com/en/. The selected candidate will coordinate the platform updates, the development of new functionalities, and the update of learning materials hosted on the platform.

PROJECT CONTEXT: SECOND LIFE

The SECOND LIFE project will be implemented in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa in Ethiopia. It supports the creation of decent jobs in sectors that offer economic opportunities while protecting the environment. The project focuses on the solid waste management sector, helping improve environmental and public health conditions. SECOND LIFE aims to strengthen the vocational training system in Ethiopia’s green economy by building new skills in waste management and supporting the inclusion of vulnerable groups. This will be achieved through capacity building and innovation support activities. The project is supported by AICS (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation).

ROLE PURPOSE

The E-Learning Platform Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating, supervising and ensuring the successful implementation of Smart Step elearning platform new functionalities and contents.

The role combines technical coordination, project management ensuring that all developments are delivered on time, aligned with quality standards, and fully integrated into the Smart Step platform.

REPORTING & COLLABORATION

• Reports to: AREA SECOND LIFE Project Coordinator
• Works in close collaboration with the SECOND LIFE the SECOND LIFE Web Designer and Senior Web Developer assigned to the project, other AREA/project partners and stakeholders as needed

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and supervise the development of new platform functionalities, including:
  • Technology toolbox / sandbox for rapid prototyping of innovations
  • Plug-ins and modular elements for platform customisation
  • IoT sensor programming tools
  • Blockchain application development tools
• Oversee the integration of the Remote Expert Solution application into the platform.
• Ensure all tools enable hands-on experimentation and rapid prototyping for students.

Micro-credentials & Certification

• Coordinate the integration of micro-credentials, in line with Europass guidelines.
• Supervise the development of blockchain-based course completion certificates.
• Ensure traceability, transparency and interoperability of credentials.

Accessibility & Inclusiveness

• Oversee platform updates to ensure full accessibility for students with disabilities.
• Ensure compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
• Work with developers and designers to implement inclusive UX/UI solutions.

Training & Capacity Building

• Coordinate and support training activities for TVET teachers, enabling them to:

• • Upload and manage new learning content
  • Monitor students’ learning pathways
  • Guide and support learners through the online platform

• Ensure data on Smart Step use (logins; completion courses etc) are properly reported
• Ensure the team provides support as needed to users (WhatsApp channel; email etc)

Job Placement & Industry Engagement

• Ensure usability of the platform as a job-matching and job placement tool, promoting:

• • Publication of job offers by local enterprises
  • Connection between talents and companies

Project Management & Reporting

• Ensure alignment with project objectives, timelines and deliverables.
• Coordinate with partners, developers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to technical documentation, reports and dissemination activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience as Project Manager, Digital Platform Manager or E-Learning Project Coordinator.
• Strong understanding of e-learning platforms and digital learning ecosystems.
• Experience coordinating technical development teams.
• Knowledge of EU-funded projects (Erasmus+, development cooperation, innovation projects).
• Familiarity with micro-credentials, digital certification systems and Europass.
• Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG).
• Excellent organisational, communication and coordination skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multi-partner environment.

DESIRABLE / NICE-TO-HAVE

• Experience with blockchain-based certification or digital credentials.
• Knowledge of IoT, sandbox/toolbox environments or innovation labs.
• Familiarity with job placement platforms or employability services.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates should submit via email to info@areaprototipi.com

• Updated CV including Portfolio / links to relevant platforms or projects (GitHub, websites, etc.)
• Optional: short motivation statement

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AREA is committed to equal opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of nationalities, gender, age, background, disability, or identity.