Job Opportunity for Program Officer, Girls’ Education and Gender Equality at Room to Read in New Delhi

Position Overview:

The Program officer at the Country office will be responsible for supporting the India Country Office in achieving the Country goals set out for the Girls Education and Gender Equality Program (GEGEP) in direct implementation sites as well as scale-up and technical assistance interventions. This is a key position housed in the national office, responsible to provide technical support to the direct implementation program as well as program being implemented in partnership with the government in 8 states of India.

The role requires expertise in gender, life skills and a thorough understanding of girls’ education issues in India and an ability to enhance both kinds of programing at the same time. The position will require the incumbent to understand the varied state contexts with an expectation of devoting 40% time to field travel and working with the state program team as well as the state leadership team. The position is responsible for ensuring robust implementation and support in realizing state lead vision for the program. The position will also require regular interaction with key stakeholders like state teams, government, field staff and colleagues in different offices.

Roles & Responsibilities: 

Program Implementation Support:

• Leads in ensuring that the program(s) (depending upon the allocated state) are being implemented on agreed benchmarks and stays on top of implementation of the allocated states by working with relevant stakeholders.
• Works closely with Program Operations team and the State Team in identifying bottlenecks of implementation and resolving it.
• Takes initiative in identifying and resolving quality issues in the program while working together with the country office colleagues and other stakeholders as required.
• Ensures that relevant data (reports/ dashboards) are analyzed timely, and the feedback loop is closed by using it in the program.
• Regularly undertakes and documents the monthly check in calls conducted with the relevant stakeholder(s).
• Ensures that Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) are being followed, keep abreast of the     ground zero challenges being faced by the state teams.
• Takes corrective measures and proposes relevant changes/process improvement(s) (if any) that might be required to fine-tune the existing SOPs for better implementation of the tasks.
• Undertakes monthly field visits to ensure quality implementation of the program as per the prescribed standards. Supports Capacity Building efforts of States on specific themes.
• Develop an understanding of state budget and keep track of program implementation at state level 

Leading quality discourse:

• Supports the National Program Coordinator to develop standards and checklists for defining them.
• Assess the quality parameters of the programs and shares and takes on board for further discussion and follow up with team at State level.      
• Play a leading role in getting all the teammates (across the country) on a common page for delivering a quality program – whether in direct model or in partnership.
• Supports Research/Baseline studies as well as Action Researches as required and interfaces with external and internal stakeholders, as and when required.
• Participates in Special Task forces as and when required.
• Anchors and delivers different activities of the Country office as assigned from time to time.
• Contribute to development of strategic documents at the country level; Contribute to QPR,  Annual
• Reports, Donor reports, and other documents as necessary
• Help develop proposals and budget  as and when required. 

Liaison with other departments to strengthen the program (all models):

• Liaison with other departments like administration for follow-up on Requisitions for workshops,
• Logistics, other services required like translations etc.
• Liaise closely with Operations on tracking spending and initiating corrective measures for budget utilization, lead the budget exercise for GEGEP – contribute in making budgets, reviewing state budgets etc (depending on the role assigned by the National Program Coordinator and to track implementation.
• Works closely with RM&E on using the existing monitoring mechanisms and data points for enhancing program quality and exactness of delivery, as well as designing new ones as need be.
• Works closely with HR if any support is required being a part of the interview panel or revising role expectation etc.
• Work with Communications Dept. to support in developing outreach materials for the program including brochures,  yearbook, case studies, films etc. as and when required. 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master’s degree in education/Social work/development studies/Gender or social sciences.
• Experience of working in the areas of secondary education, girls education, gender, school development.
• Experience in developing training modules, conducting trainings and managing events.
• Experience or working with the government, teacher training, reviewing government programs.
• Ability to travel frequently and spend time in the field.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Hindi.
• At least 6 years relevant experience in working with an NGO/INGO. 

Preferred:

• Prior experience living and/or working in rural areas.
• Prior experience working with schools, teachers, and government officials. 

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.

Location(s)

India – Main – New Delhi 

To be successful at Room to Read, you will also: 

• Have passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic nonprofit organization 
• Be a proactive and innovative thinker who achieves results and creates positive change
• Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness  
• Embrace diversity and a commitment to collaboration 
• Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment  

Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled