Scope of Work

Position: Consultant Hire for Support in Action Research.

Location: Raipur-Chhattisgarh Preferred, Country India.

Room to Read is a global organization transforming the lives of millions of children in low-income communities by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, our innovative model focuses on deep, systemic transformation within schools that are most critical in a child’s schooling: early primary school for literacy acquisition and secondary school for girls’ education. We work in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations, and governments to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children and ensure girls can complete secondary school with the skills necessary to negotiate key life decisions.

By focusing on the quality of education provided within the communities and ensuring these outcomes are measured, we have created a model that can be replicated, localized, and sustained by governments. With its global headquarters in San Francisco, Room to Read to date has benefited 32 million children across 21 low-income countries.

Room to Read India was established in 2003 and presently has programs in twelve states – Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi NCR, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

By working closely with the government and other partner organizations to create equal and robust education systems that reach the most vulnerable children and improve teaching and learning environments and materials, as of 31st December 2021, Room to Read India’s interventions resulted in: Establishment of 15,553 libraries, 367,844 girls benefitting, Training of 31, 395 teachers in various programs, Tertiary education/job opportunities for 63.8% of scholars within a year after graduation and Publication of 220 Room to Read India titles, and distribution over 9.35 million books

SERI is a large-scale, innovative, early grade reading program aimed at benefiting children in government primary schools in India. The project aims to demonstrate an effective model towards improving reading outcomes among primary grade children and an innovative approach for scaling NGO-led interventions through the government system. The foundation for SERI is Room to Read’s Literacy Program, a multi-faceted intervention that works in collaboration with local governments to strengthen child reading skills and habits in the primary grades.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced consultant to join our team for an action research initiative. The consultant will play a key role in designing, implementing, and analysing action research project with faculties of 19 DIETs and 8 Block resource members aimed at driving positive change in context of Foundational literacywithin the state

The consultant will be working on the following:

Qualification:

• Educational Background: A master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field such as education, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Proven experience in designing and conducting action research projects. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Relevant Experience: 2-5 years of experience in research, writing and project management.
• Familiarity with various programs and organizations in the field of early-grade reading/literacy, both in India / internationally.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate research findings into practical recommendations.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to convey complex research concepts in a clear and accessible manner.
• Collaboration: A team player with a collaborative mindset, capable of building strong working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in research, ensuring participant confidentiality and data integrity.

    Technical Evaluation for Action Research Consultant:

     Professional/Academic Background:

• Evaluate consultant's work samples for documentation, innovative frameworks, and critical reflection.
• Score out of 5 based on demonstrated expertise.

Experience in Relevant Research:

• Review work samples and CV for research experience in children, literacy, language, and development.
• Assign a score out of 5 based on the assessment.

Local Contextual Awareness:

• Demonstrated understanding of Chhattisgarh's educational challenges, including foundational literacy issues.
• Knowledge of regional policies and guidelines governing education in the state

Understanding of Scope of Work:

• Assess comprehension of project scope through the proposal and interviews.
• Score out of 5 based on clarity and alignment with project requirements.
• Assign a score out of 5 based on knowledge.

Note: For all the above-mentioned activities and deliverables there may be 3 to 4 rounds of feedbacks and suggestions that will come from Room to Read and the consultant should be open to that.

Room to Read has zero tolerance when it comes to child abuse and exploitation and believes that all children have equal rights to protection. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to the child protection policy, code of conduct and standards and will undergo rigorous reference and background check through third party. Background check will include the verification of employment history and criminal check. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

     The duration of the contract would be for 6 Months.

How to apply 

• Consultant should apply with their detailed CV and share relevant work experience and samples, where required.
• CV to be sent to ravi.rastogi@roomtoread.org without copying anyone in RTR.     
• Last Date for the submission is 18 Jan 2024.
• Subject line for sending (CV):-  CV_Consultant Hire for Support in Action Research CG
• Financial proposal will be asked later upon successful completion of Interview process of shortlisted candidates.

For Any Clarification / support, please contact Ravi Rastogi @ ravi.rastogi@roomtoread.org