Program Associate, Literacy Field

Room to read; Rajasthan; On-site; INR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Thirteenth month bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Room to Read seeks a Literacy Program Associate to plan and execute FLN-NIPUN Bharat Mission activities in Rajasthan. You will supervise program quality, coordinate with government officials, teachers, and staff, and support training and reporting at district level.

The role involves frequent field travel, strong collaboration with education departments, and ensuring adherence to budgets and program guidelines. A committed, detail-oriented professional will thrive here.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to travel regularly to project sites in remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy program design & FLN-NIPUN Bharat Mission.
• Lead the FLN roll out program independently of assigned project area and ensure the program outcome in consultation with Reporting manager.
• Ensure district & block level officials engagement in FLN-NIPUN Rajasthan program, encourage field visits and create favorable environment for program implementation.
• Manage ongoing implementation of the Literacy program for FLN rollout/schools under jurisdiction, adhere to budget guidelines.
• Manage relationships with government counterparts and respond to issues that may arise.
• Ensure teacher training and capacity-building activities are held as per plan and approvals.

Skills

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent

Master’s degree in education / social sciences or equivalent preferred

Job description

World Change Starts with Educated Children® IMPORTANT: 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 Literacy Program Associate (LPA) assists the planning and execution for all work related to implementing Room to Read’s program at the district & field level and provides strategic, technical and management support. They will oversee the quality of implementation, coordination, development and reporting of the support interventions for FLN-NIPUN Bharat Mission in the allocated districts of Rajasthan state. They would identify quality issues related to program design and management and discuss them with the supervisor and provide solutions at the field level. This position would assist Program Officer with respect to teacher training and capacity building of government officials in assigned district of NIPUN Rajasthan. The LPA will report to the Senior Program Associate. This position will involve frequent travel to field locations as well as regular interaction with education officials, school administrators, teachers and students. They would serve as the main point of contact for the school and local government officials and coordinate the work of other Room to Read staff in their jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy program design & Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)-NIPUN Bharat Mission.
• Lead the FLN roll out program independently of assigned project area and ensure the program outcome in consultation with Reporting manager.
• Ensure the district & block level officials engagement in FLN-NIPUN Rajasthan program, Encourage and facilitate field visit and create favorable environment for program implementation.
• Manage the ongoing implementation of the Literacy program for the FLN Rollout/set of schools under their jurisdiction, ensure timely, efficient and well-coordinated implementation, adhere to the program and budget guidelines.
• Manage relationships with the government counterparts and respond to issues that may arise in these relationships.
• Ensure that all teacher training and capacity building activities are held as per plan and program guidelines, including the receipt of necessary approvals.
• 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 reduce costs to the extent possible, without compromising on quality.
• Prepare cash advance, settlement, and reimbursement for program activities.
• Supervise and ensure all data entry and compilation on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis, including Global Solutions Database (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 department 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 meetings, training and development workshops.
• Assist Program Officer 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 locations alone and with key government officials from block/district/state level.
• Act as the resource person with respect to teacher training and capacity building Assist in planning for all teacher training 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 in social media in all Room to Read campaigns.
• Participate in any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the organization.

Required Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• thirteenth month bonus
• health insurance
• 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.

Child Protection and Safeguarding

Room to Read is a child-safe organization Child Protection Principles

Room to Read is committed to the education and welfare of children and protecting them from abuse and exploitation

Room to Read has zero tolerance for child abuse and exploitation.

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 children should be treated with respect and dignity.

The well-being of the child is Room to Read’s first priority when dealing with all identified or suspected cases of child abuse.

Room to Read shall integrate child protection into all its organizational strategies, structures and work practices.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Principles

Room to Read Representatives must create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.

Room to Read has zero tolerance for adult sexual exploitation and abuse.

Sexual exploitation and abuse are serious violations of fundamental human rights and will not be accepted or tolerated.

All adults should be treated with respect and dignity.

Room to Read implements a survivor-centered approach, putting the survivor’s rights and dignity at the forefront.

Survivors referred to available professional assistance (e.g. mental health counselling), upon consent.

Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds.

Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel must adhere to Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy, Child Protection Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds.

About Room to Read

Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow – creating lasting change.

Through our Literacy Portfolio, we train and coach teachers of the early grades in literacy instruction; create and publish quality books and curricular materials in local languages; and establish children’s libraries filled with diverse children’s books that can be enjoyed at school and home.

Our Gender Equality Portfolio supports adolescents, particularly girls, in developing life skills that promote gender equality, helping them to pursue lifelong learning and make informed decisions.

We support young people of all genders to overcome gender biases and build the knowledge and skills to create a gender-equal world.

Room to Read collaborates with local communities, partner organizations, publishers, and governments to test and implement innovative models that can be integrated into the education system to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale.

To date, Room to Read has benefited more than 50 million children in 28 countries.

Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.

Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read is creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality through education.

Thank you for considering a career with Room to Read.

I was first attracted to Room to Read because of the mission to create a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality. What I have found here is the joy in working with a group of extraordinary people towards this bold goal. In my work, I aim to shape an inclusive and supportive organizational culture where everyone feels valued and respected, and where we each thrive. Our team members are our greatest asset, and I am personally committed to creating an environment that supports both personal and professional growth and empowers individuals from everywhere in the world to contribute their best. I hope you will join us in creating a better, more equal world. Cynthia Orme Chief People and Technology Officer