NOMADIC

Instructional Designer [Consultant]

I joined Turn2us on a temporary contract to support the development of three online courses, each introducing one of the organisation’s core financial assessment tools: the Turn2us Benefits Calculator, the Turn2us Grants Search, and the Turn2us PIP Helper. Developed using Absorb Create, these courses are freely available upon registration via the Turn2us Learning Management System (LMS): https://turn2us.myabsorb.eu.

Learning Design Consultant

In collaboration with @Nathalie Doswald as the subject matter expert and presenter, we developed the Nature-based Solutions for Climate and Disaster Resilience course for the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC). Building on her existing UNEP course (still available on edX), we adapted the foundational modules by integrating interactive elements and adding five additional hours of tailored learning content specifically designed for RCRC staff and volunteers. The course empowers participants to design Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects that enhance community resilience. Working with @Armando Guerra and the Mambo Panda team on multimedia development was a standout experience—their expertise and efficient workflow were key to the project’s success.

Digital Learning Designer [Consultant]

Between two extensive humanitarian projects, I had the opportunity to reengage with the private sector, bringing a fresh perspective to Bain & Company's dynamic environment. Collaborating with Ashley Keenan's multinational team, I managed multiple parallel projects in a fast-paced consulting setting, navigating complex challenges and delivering results. Due to the confidentiality of the content, I’m unable to include details of this project in my portfolio. However, you can find Ashley’s review of our collaboration below on my profile.

Learning Design Consultant

Field surveys are a fundamental method for data collection, whether in rapid-response programs following emergencies or for establishing baseline and endline assessments. As part of this project, we developed a foundational survey design course tailored specifically to the humanitarian context. The course is designed to be easily accessible to anyone working in the humanitarian sector, providing essential skills and knowledge to support effective data collection in challenging environments. See it in my portfolio: http://zsofiaszarka.co.uk/project/ifrc-survey-design/

E-Learning Senior Project Officer

I joined CEPOL in Budapest, where I quickly integrated into the multinational team and gained a deep appreciation for the agency’s mission in international law enforcement cooperation. However, I came to realise that my skills and working style are better suited to the flexibility and pace of freelance work than to the more structured environment of a bureaucratic institution. After a few months, I transitioned to a new opportunity with the IFRC. That said, the personal and professional relationships I built at CEPOL have remained strong and enduring.

Digital Learning Designer [Consultant]

I joined Amadeus as a consultant on an eight-month fixed-term contract to develop digital learning resources for newly released software designed for Amadeus' airline clients.

This project was entirely self-managed, with the exception of the initial scoping and training needs analysis.

My responsibilities included:

• Collaborating with Product Managers, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), project owners, and pilot customers to ensure alignment and relevance.
• Designing and scripting the course content to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Creating and designing visual assets, along with reusable templates for future use.
• Recording and editing both audio and video materials.
• Developing the course in Articulate Storyline, ensuring a seamless user experience.
• Conducting rigorous testing and releasing the final course packages.

Instructional Design Specialist [Freelance Consultant]

I joined Alvanon as a consultant during an exciting period in the company’s history, coinciding with the development of their groundbreaking online learning platform, MOTIF. Our mission was to establish MOTIF as a central hub for fashion professionals, designed to connect industry experts and bridge critical knowledge gaps across the sector. Learn more about the launch here: https://motif.org/alvanon-launches-motif/

In my role, I was responsible for designing courses for MOTIF’s off-the-shelf content library. This gave me the unique opportunity to collaborate with pioneers and global experts in the fashion industry on topics such as the Mechanics of Fit, Sustainability in Fashion, and Apparel Costing.
You can find out more about these projects in my portfolio: http://zsofiaszarka.co.uk/project/motif/ http://zsofiaszarka.co.uk/project/fit-form/

Senior Instructional Designer [FTC]

At PPG, I was based in Cathay Pacific City, where I led the Instructional Design Team in redesigning the company’s online training programs. We introduced a range of innovative approaches, including explainer videos and mobile apps, to enhance the learning experience and modernize the training framework. It was an incredible opportunity to collaborate with and work under the guidance of digital learning expert @Chetan Kalidas.

Instructional Designer / Content Developer

Based in London, I was dedicated to PHM's Ford account. I have been doing instructional design and e-learning development, as well as UX, UI and creative design. My projects included remote learning solutions of all kinds: from eLearning through mobile applications to cheat sheets and other print-outs, and most often, the combination of these. The side effect of working in the automotive industry is that I have also accumulated a vast knowledge of wheel trims, boot capacities, seat-folding arrangements and, of course, state-of-the-art in-car technologies.

Marketing Assistant / Instructional Designer

(via KVG Konvergencia Kft.) n 2010, Organica Water began expanding into new markets, including the US and several countries in the Far East (China, India, and Singapore). This expansion necessitated the development of a refreshed company identity, a new marketing strategy, an updated website, and the creation of new presentations and educational materials (both online and print). Additionally, there was a need to establish a strong and active presence in online communities and social media platforms. I played a key role in driving these initiatives, working closely and collaboratively with company leadership and the marketing team based in the US. My primary focus was on the instructional design and creation of company presentations and ensuring the consistent implementation of the new visual identity across all materials.

Instructional Designer / Content Developer

At KVG, I developed customized learning materials for international clients across commercial and higher education sectors. Over time, I expanded my expertise in various aspects of learning content creation, taking on increasing levels of responsibility. I gained a comprehensive understanding of e-learning development methodologies and instructional design, from initial course planning to the design and build of individual pages. My experience spans content design, development, the management and maintenance of e-learning materials and the administration of Learning Management Systems.

Key responsibilities:

• E-learning development (GE Capital, Veolia, Raiffeisen Bank, Organica Technologies, ENI);
• Instructional design;
• E-learning software training and technical support;
• Design and creation of marketing materials: presentations, websites, brochures;
• LMS, LCMS administration.

Visual Communication / Teacher of Visual Arts BA (Hons)

My first degree provided a strong foundation in both academic knowledge and visual aesthetics—elements that have shaped my entire career. I focused on visual communication as well as pedagogy and andragogy, balancing creative and educational disciplines.

Political Science and Public Policy

I have always been intrigued by politics and driven by a desire to better understand how the world functions and how decisions are made. This degree focused primarily on the practical aspects of governance rather than abstract theory, which aligned well with my hands-on, pragmatic approach. During this programme, I was awarded a full scholarship to attend the International Summer School at the University of Oslo where I concentrated on topics such as social contracts and multicultural societies.

Television Journalism

I enrolled in METU’s postgraduate program out of a strong interest in media and a desire to deepen my understanding of screen-based communication. The coursework included subjects such as field reporting, documentary production, and video editing, among others.

Mental Health and Community Counselor