Call for Proposal: IT Subject Matter Expert for the Skill IT Up Program (freelance) (all genders)

At Kiron, we believe that everyone has an equal right to access quality education. We are an EdTech NGO dedicated to providing refugees and underserved communities free access to high-quality education, bridging skill gaps and promoting inclusion in the job market. As a team, we want to shape a world where everyone can fulfil their highest potential for a self-determined, dignified life, shaping a sustainable future together.

As part of the federal initiative “IQ - Integration durch Qualifizierung”, Kiron is currently developing Skill IT Up: a six-month, fully digital upskilling programme targeting the role of IT Operations & AI Support Specialist. The programme combines technical IT training, AI literacy, German workplace language development and career coaching in a blended learning format. It is designed for people with a migration or refugee background seeking to build sustainable careers in Germany’s IT sector. The program is funded until December 2028 with the first cohort planned for launch in summer 2026.

Purpose of This Call

Kiron’s learning design team does not have in-house IT expertise at the level required to develop technically sound and up-to-date curriculum content for Skill IT Up. We are therefore seeking an experienced external IT Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide specialist guidance and input throughout the learning design process. The SME will work closely with our Senior Learning Designer and, where relevant, with the Senior Program Manager and Career Development Specialist, to ensure the programme content is accurate, current and aligned with real-world expectations in the German IT market.

• Hours of consultation: approximately 40 hours

• Duration: June 1 – August 31, 2026

• Budget: approximately €75/hour

• Scheduling: exact phasing and distribution of hours will be agreed in coordination with the Senior Learning Designer and Senior Program Manager.

1. Curriculum Review and Technical Validation

• Review and provide expert feedback on the programme structure, learning objectives, and content across three sequential phases: IT fundamentals and AI literacy, IT operations specialisation, and cloud fundamentals.

• Validate the technical accuracy and labour market relevance of proposed content areas, including IT support fundamentals, cloud operations, and AI-assisted IT workflows.

• Advise on appropriate depth and sequencing of technical topics for an intermediate-level learner audience.

• Recommend relevant free or low-cost learning resources, tools, and platforms (e.g. DataCamp, Microsoft Learn, Coursera for Impact).

2. Content Development Support

• Provide input to the Learning Designer for the development of learning content, activities, assessments and scenario-based exercises.

• Review storyboards and digital learning materials prior to production.

• Advise on the integration of AI literacy and AI-assisted operations content alongside core IT support topics.

3. Quality Assurance

• Review completed learning modules for technical correctness and practical relevance.

• Provide structured written feedback and suggest revisions as needed.

• Participate in coordination meetings with the learning design team as required.

Essential experience and skills

• Demonstrable professional experience in IT operations, IT support, or a closely related technical field

• Sound, up-to-date knowledge of IT tools, platforms, and workflows relevant to the target role (IT support, cloud operations, AI-assisted operations)

• Experience in or familiarity with the German IT job market

• Ability to explain complex technical topics clearly and accessibly for learners at an intermediate level

• Good written and spoken English, German language skills are an asset

• Willingness to collaborate closely with a learning design team and provide structured, actionable feedback

Nice-to-have

• Experience working with or for people with a migration or refugee background

• Familiarity with blended or digital learning environments

• Knowledge of relevant certifications such as CompTIA A+, Microsoft AZ-900, or similar

• Experience with AI tools used in IT operations or support contexts

Please attach your proposal to your application. You can upload your document in the "other" section of the application form.

How to Submit a Proposal

Your proposal should include:

• A short cover letter or statement of interest (max. 1 page) explaining your relevant experience and approach

• A CV or professional profile, including relevant references or examples of prior work

• Your proposed hourly or daily rate, noting that the hourly budget available is between 75 - 88€.

• A note on your availability between June and August 2026

Please note: any contractual relationship resulting from this call will be governed exclusively by the terms and conditions of Kiron Open Higher Education gGmbH. The general terms and conditions of proposers are expressly excluded, regardless of whether they are referenced in the proposal or accompanying documents.

Kiron is committed to empowerment and inclusion and continuously works to create a diverse, safe and inclusive environment. We welcome proposals from people of all backgrounds - regardless of cultural and societal background, gender, age, religion, worldview or sexual orientation.