Associate, Program Operations

Room to read; New Delhi; On-site; INR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Thirteenth month bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Room to Read is seeking an Associate, Program Operations in New Delhi to support literacy and gender equality programs. This role involves managing program execution and administrative tasks while collaborating with various departments to ensure successful outcomes.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree and has 3-6 years of experience. Benefits include a competitive salary, health insurance, and a thirteenth month bonus.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years of relevant experience in program operations.
• Knowledge of short-grade reading/literacy programs in India.
• Strong work ethic and able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of literacy and gender equality programs.
• Coordinate across departments for effective program delivery.
• Analyze budgets and forecasts for programs.

Skills

Managerial skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and oral communication

Experience managing and mentoring

Knowledge of literacy programs

Education

Master’s degree in education or related field

Job description

World Change Starts with Educated Children®

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located. Room to Read is not able to provide sponsorship.

Position Overview

The Associate, Program Operations will support the effective implementation of literacy and gender equality programs across Delhi, Jharkhand and Bihar. Reporting to the Manager/Senior Manager, Program Operations, the role will assist in program planning, execution, reporting, and budget management to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. The position involves close coordination with state teams, as well as departments at the Country Office (CO) and Global Office (GO) levels while ensuring adherence to organizational policies and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Support procurement processes ensuring compliance with quality standards and procurement guidelines.
• Prepare and submit program, project & event reports and Implementation Calendars for allocated states; coordinate monthly operation calls.
• Review and submit CO and GO level reports from assigned states, working closely with RM&E for final reporting.
• Coordinate across department teams, including Finance, Admin, GEP, and Literacy Programs to complete activities at Country and State level, ensuring smooth operations and timely resolution of operational challenges.
• Maintain records of state‑level partnerships, ensuring timely renewal of agreements and MoUs.
• Identify implementation challenges and propose actionable solutions, escalating unresolved issues to the Manager.
• Undertake field visits as per touch points and program requirement; participate in trainings and review meetings in consultation with the manager.
• Provide operational support to State teams to ensure efficient program delivery while maintaining quality standards.
• Design and implement adaptive systems to enhance field‑level operational efficiency, including updating ICs and managing trackers, toolkits, and frameworks.
• Track progress of agreed program outcomes, collate monthly and quarterly program reports, dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Coordinate weekly and monthly meetings with state teams and departments and share meeting minutes.
• Generate timely reports on GSD to track program implementation and conduct basic data analysis.
• Support the operations team in coordinating national events, trainings, and meetings, managing procurement, logistics, and administration as required.
• Assist in coordinating recruitment, onboarding, and capacity‑building efforts for State teams; ensure compliance with HR policies, labour laws, and workplace regulations.
• Analyze budgets and forecasts for LP & GEP programs, highlight variances, and support budget revisions throughout the fiscal year.
• Support budget planning, Outlook, Cash Forecast, BVA, payments, and financial approvals for allocated states, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines.
• Collaborate with state teams to ensure effective budget utilization aligned with the program plan.
• Support the annual planning and budget process; monitor budget vs. actual performance and provide timely analysis and recommendations.
• Provide support in preparing budgets for donor proposals in collaboration with the Global Donor Finance Team; collaborate with DEV & OPS to ensure donor budget adherence.
• Assist in preparing technical assistance proposals for allocated states and provide logistical and operational support for technical assistance projects.
• Coordinate donor visits in collaboration with Communications and Development teams; submit donor reports and case studies in a timely manner.
• Document best practices and lessons learned from state‑level implementation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, social sciences, social work, management, consulting or equivalent.
• Minimum 3-6 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of short‑grade reading/literacy programs in India and abroad.
• Excellent managerial, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Experience managing and mentoring people.
• Knowledge or training in linguistics is an added advantage.
• Passion for our mission with a strong desire to impact a dynamic non‑profit organization.
• Innovative and creative thinker who inspires others.
• High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
• Strong work ethic, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. Benefits include a thirteenth month bonus, health insurance and a retirement plan. 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.

Child Protection & Equal Opportunity Statement

Room to Read is a child‑safe organization committed to protecting children from abuse and exploitation. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, sexual exploitation, and abuse. All children have the right to be free from abuse and exploitation, including neglect, maltreatment and physical, mental or sexual violence, injury or abuse. All adults must treat children with respect and dignity.

Room to Read is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. All personnel must adhere to the Company’s Child Protection Policy, Child Protection Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.