Job Opportunity for Sr Program Associate – Technical Assistance at Room to Read in Uttarakhand

Position Overview:

The Sr PA Literacy Program leads the planning and execution for all works related to providing technical support at DIET, DPO and other institutions where scale up technical support is required at district level. S/He will be responsible for implementing Room to Read’s Literacy Program’s technical support activities such as various workshops and coordinating studies for program quality and provides strategic, technical and management support. S/he will oversee the quality of program implementation of the Literacy program. If needed s/he may be assigned for overseeing the literacy program implementation. S/he would identify quality issues related to program design and management and discuss them with the supervisor keeping the country office in loop and provide solutions at the field level.  The Sr PA will report to the Officer – Literacy. 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.  S/he would serve as the main point of contact for the DIET, DPO, CEO and other institutions and local government officials and coordinate the work of other Room to Read (RtR) staff in his/her jurisdiction. This position would preferably be based at DIET in district.  

Roles & Responsibilities:

Program Understanding:

• Have an excellent understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy Program design and the ability to defend the program in various forums
• S/he has good awareness of literacy programs, their design and strategies operating in project region.
• Oversee the quality of program implementation and adherence to program guidelines in Literacy.

Technical Assistance and Advocacy:

• Undertake joint action research with DIETS around issues of FL as per field insights. Since the PA will be working in close collaboration with DIETs, s/he should be able to lead action research preferably in Hindi.
• Serve as a technical resource at the state/district level, will organize and participate proactively in technical assistance discussions and workshops especially on early grade reading, library. 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 Room to Read in different forums and advocate the importance of reading, need for libraries for children.  
• Regularly communicate and work with government counterparts to build awareness and understanding among them with respect to the Room to Read literacy program and its main features.
• Participate in the district and state level discussions organized by government counterparts and advocate for RtR approach through developing good understanding of state curriculum, text books and various education projects/programs.
• Provide technical assistance to schools in teaching-learning of reading and life skills by using instructional materials and make suggestions for improving quality and utilization of these materials.
• S/he will also be responsible for developing a cadre of Master Trainers on early grade reading, library in district and will follow up with them in providing technical support as and when required.
• Liaison with district education departments to explore opportunities for technical assistance and devise a plan for the same
• Build a district level literacy network and make this as an advocacy event for early grade literacy.
• Engage with print and electronic media to create visibility for Literacy as per communication policy. 

Program Coordination and Monitoring:

• Responsible for managing the implementation of the Literacy program for the set of schools under his/her jurisdiction, ensuring timely, efficient and well-coordinated implementation, adhering to the TA guidelines
• Analyze various data and information emanating from the field, develop programmatic co-relations and flag off issues for larger discussion.

Training, Workshop and Meeting:

• Provide technical oversight to DIET, district level officials and support them in their coaching and communication with government teachers and schools. Identify gaps in their capabilities and plan for their capacity building in discussion with the team.
• Participate in IDTS workshops on material development, training module development and training of trainers as and when required.
• Attend review meetings at state level and provide reflective feedback on program implementation and design issues. At the same time acts as the conduit for transferring innovative ideas and practices from the state level on to the field. 

Planning, Reporting and Documentation:

• Responsible for preparing regular (monthly, quarterly and yearly) qualitative reports and documenting case studies and best practices.
• Participate in any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the organization. 

Annual Planning and Budgeting:

• Contribute to the Annual Planning and Budgeting (AP & B)guidelines for TA
• Track implementation and spending patterns with government counterparts. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent
• Master Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent preferred
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the education sector
• Previous experience of undertaking action research-based projects, especially with government stakeholders
• Should have experience/knowledge into action research.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in Hindi and English
• 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 pay with excellent benefits. 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.

Location(s)

India – Uttarakhand 

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