Job Opportunity for Associate, Literacy Field at Room to Read in Maharashtra

Position Overview:

The Program Associate, Literacy Field leads the planning and execution for all work related to implementing Room to Read’s Literacy program at the field level and provides strategic, technical and management support. S/he will oversee the quality of implementation, coordination, development and reporting of the Literacy program for a set of schools. S/he would identify quality issues related to program design and management and discuss them with the supervisor and provide solutions at the field level. S/he would lead the teacher training and capacity building of government officials. The PA will report to the Program Officer. 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.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy program design
• Lead the program independently of assigned project area and ensure the program outcome in consultation with Reporting manager
• Ensure the block level officials engagement in program, Encourage and facilitate field visit and create favorable environment for program implementation
• Manage the ongoing implementation of the Literacy program for the set of schools under his/her jurisdiction, ensure timely, efficient and well-coordinated implementation, adhere to the program and budget guidelines
• Manage relationships with school, community and government counterparts and respond to issues that may arise in these relationships.
• In regions with library only schools, the LPOA will manage both the operational and technical support and oversight of the Library Coaches. In regions with both instruction and library components, the LPOA will manage the operational support and oversight of the literacy coaches and Literacy Facilitators.
• Assist in selecting the program schools as per program guidelines
• Ensure that all program schools receive books, materials and furniture at the appropriate time.
• Ensure that all teacher training and capacity building activities are held as per plan and program guidelines, including the receipt of necessary approvals
• Ensure that program schools are monitored as per guidelines and the field staff perform their job effectively
• Ensure effective utilization of program budget through proper planning and tracking of planned activities. Ensure that financial and procurement norms are adhered to and efforts are made to be reduce cost to the extent possible, without compromising on the quality.
• Prepare cash advance, settlement, and reimbursement for program activities
• Supervise and ensure all data entry and compilation on monthly, quarterly and yearly basis, including GSD data. Maintain high level of data quality
• Assist the Literacy Program Operations Officer in preparing programmatic and financial reports
• Track progress of implementation and expenditures through regular review meetings and field visits; flag off deviations and delays at the earliest; ensure proper documentation of the meeting including follow up actions.
• Liaison with district education departments to explore opportunities for technical assistance
• Read and update oneself regarding the current national/international research in the field.
• Provide technical oversight to DIET/ district level 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.
• Assist PO in preparing regular (monthly, quarterly and yearly basis, including GSD data) qualitative reports and documenting case studies and best practices.
• Assist PO in literacy program AWP&B, IC and development of program tracking system for timely and quality implementation of activities.
• Make regular visits to program schools, observe classroom and/or library activities, speak to teachers and headmasters and supervise the functioning of the LFs/LBCs
• 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.
• Conduct informal discussion at least 5 children during every school visit and discuss with teachers and share report to supervisors.
• Observe and Coach LFs/LBCs by using structured observation form during regular school support visit.
• Act as the resource person with respect to teacher training and capacity building of field team.
• Assist in planning for all teacher trainings at the district/state level.
• Participate in training of trainers (TOT), central and monthly review meetings, provide reflective feedback on program implementation and design issues.
• Ensure proper implementation of community engagement plans.
• Participate actively on social media in all RtR campaigns.
• 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
• Strong written and oral communication skills in state 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 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 

Compensation:

Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, and rapidly growing organization that is transforming the lives of million of children in developing countries by focus on literacy and gender equality in education.

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.