JOB DESCRIPTION
Position title: Program Associate, Operations and Technical
Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand
Contract Duration: One (01) year contract with a scope of extension.
Organization Profile:
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 during two time periods 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 till 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, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi NCR, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Position Overview:
The Program Associate will assist the planning and execution for all work related to implementing Room to Read’s program at the field level and provides strategic, technical and management support. S/he will oversee the quality of implementation, coordination, development and reporting related to the program.
S/he would identify issues related to program design and management and discuss them with the supervisor and provide solutions at the field level. S/he would assist Program Officer with respect to teacher training and capacity building of government officials. The PA will report to the Program Officer/State Manager. This position will involve frequent travel to field locations as well as regular interaction with education officials, school administrators, teachers and students. S/he would serve as the main point of contact for the school and local government officials and coordinate the work of other RtR staff in his/her jurisdiction.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy program design.
- Ensure the District/state level officials engagement in program. Encourage and facilitate field visit and create favorable environment for program implementation.
- Contribute to the preparation of conceptual notes, operation manuals/guidance and related tool kits as per requirement.
- Contribute in the co-creation of Co-creation of resources and participate in strategic discussion around FL in State.
- contribute in annual planning or prospective plan development and incorporate core literacy activities in these planning.
- Liaison with State/District education departments to explore opportunities for technical assistance.
- Provide technical oversight to SCERT/State officials and support them in their coaching and communication with government teachers and schools.
- Attend review meetings at the district and state/national level and participate in key government level meeting, trainings and development workshops.
- Support the ongoing implementation of programs at state and district level to ensure timely, efficient, and well-coordinated implementation, adhere to the program and budget guidelines.
- Ensure that all target teachers access and go through the digital resources shared under teacher professional development plan.
- Read and update oneself regarding the current national/international research in the field.
- Identify design and quality issues, including problems being faced by LFs/LbCs. Discuss these issues with supervisor and based on that provide solutions at the field level.
- Act as the resource person with respect to support in taking approvals and advocacy required for Teacher training at state level.
- Should maintain high quality accurate and up to date documentation and systemic record keeping of different activities and ensure sharing on a regular basis with PO/State Manager.
- Participate in training of trainers (TOT), central and monthly review meetings, and provide reflective feedback on program implementation and design issues.
- Ensure Reading Campaigns of RtR jointly with State.
- Participate in any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the organization.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent.
- Master’s degree in education / social sciences or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience in the education sector.
- Good knowledge of Hindi and English language.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Good interpersonal skills and a team player.
- Proven track record of achieving results.
- Proven ability to work effectively with schools and communities.
- Ability to travel regularly to project sites in remote locations.
Preferred:
- Prior success working closely and building relationships with diverse groups of people.
- Prior experience of working in a non-profit organization that is focused on maintaining high quality work and low overhead.
- Prior experience of engagement with State/District Education department
- Prior experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented global or regional organization.
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously and take initiative.
- Prior experience living and/or working in rural areas.
- Prior experience working with schools, teachers, administrators and government officials.
- Experience in successful implementation of a wide range of tasks as well as developing and implementing improvements in a prior position.
To be successful as a member of the Room to Read team, you will also:
- Have a passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact an up-and-coming non-profit organization.
- Be an innovative and creative thinker – you are not afraid to try something new and inspire others to do so.
- Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
- Have a strong work ethic and require minimal direction.
- Be both self-confident and humble.
- Work well independently as well as part of a team.
- Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment.
Compensation:
Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. Benefits include thirteenth month bonus, health insurance and a retirement plan. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, and rapidly growing organization that is changing transforming the lives of millions of children in developing countries on literacy and gender equality in education.
Room to Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel are expected to adhere to Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy and Child Protection Code of Conduct.
Application Procedure:
Due to the high volume of applicant response, not all applicants may receive a response from Room to Read. Regret the inconvenience. Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. We always encourage women to apply. |