Job Opportunity for Senior Program Associate, Literacy Field at Room to Read in Jharkhand

Position Overview:

The Senior Program Associate (SPA) assists Project Lead (Literacy) towards planning and execution for all works related to providing technical support at state level towards implementing Foundational Literacy and systemic strengthening reforms. The work would include working with state level institutions like SCERT, Education Department and other institutions and also with key state level officials including Master Trainers. S/He will be responsible for organizing/ implementing various literacy workshops, trainings, documentation, content preparation and coordinating various research studies at state level.  The Sr. Associate – will report to the Project Lead – Literacy and will be part of the State level PMU.

This position will involve frequent travel to district locations as well as regular interaction with education officials, organization and departments working with similar mandate, school administrators, teachers and students. 

This position would preferably be based at State Mission Office in state capital.  

Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Understanding:

• Have an excellent understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy Program design and the ability to present the program in various forums.
• S/he has good awareness of literacy programs, their design and strategies operating in project region.
• S/he is aware of all national and state level policies related to Foundational Learning
• S/he has an in-depth understanding of project approach and goals. 

Technical assistance and advocacy:

• Assist Project Lead in organizing technical assistance meetings and workshops (related to curricular revisions, textbook reviews, Learning Outcomes finalization etc) especially on Foundational literacy.
• Assist Project Lead  in working with cadre of Master Trainers, DIET representatives and other state level cadre on Foundational Literacy and will follow up with them in providing technical support as and when required.
• Organize and provide inputs to State Government in development of teaching-learning materials (for teachers, CACs, and students).
• Assist RtR in conducting reviews of current practices related to in-service teacher training, pre-service teacher training and other FL related technical inputs.
• Attend government meetings, discussions and committees on literacy and use those forums to advocate for enabling policies and government orders in support of RtR literacy. Represent IPEL in different forums and advocate the importance of FL reforms.  
• Participate in the state level discussions organized by government counterparts through developing good understanding of state curriculum, textbooks, and various education projects/programs. 

Program coordination and monitoring:

• Work with all other consortium partners as per direction from Program Officer and RtR’s Country Office towards achieving the desired outcomes.
• Participate in all consortium meetings, RtR’s internal meetings and provide update as required.
• Analyze various data and information emanating from the field, develop programmatic co-relations and flag off issues for larger discussion. 

Training, workshop, and meeting:

• Assist Project Lead in providing technical oversight to SCERT, state level officials and support them in their capacity development as agreed with partners and government officials.  
• Organize Literacy workshops on material development, training module development and training of trainers as and when required.
• Participate in all internal trainings/workshops as required. 

Planning, Reporting and Documentation:

• Responsible for preparing regular (monthly, quarterly, and yearly) qualitative reports and documenting case studies and best practices. 
• Document proceeding of all meetings, workshops and share with all concerned.
• Participate in any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the organization.
• Keep record of all government letters, circulars and share updates with all concerned.  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent, Master’s degree is preferred
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the education sector
• Strong technical understanding on issues related to Foundational Literacy
• Strong written and oral communication skills in Hindi and English
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Proven track record of achieving results
• Proven ability to work effectively with schools, communities and state govt
• Ability to travel regularly to project sites in remote locations.    

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 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.

Location(s)

India – Jharkhand 

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