The Officer, Literacy Field leads the planning and execution for all work related to implementing Room to Read’s Literacy program at the field level. S/he will oversee the implementation, coordination, development and reporting of the Literacy program for a set of schools. 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. The Literacy Program Officer will report to the State Manager and will have regular interaction with education officials, school administrators, teachers and students. This position would preferably be based near the project location (District/Block/Mandal/Cluster).
Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy program design.
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 program and budget guidelines.
Responsible for managing relationships with school, community and government counterparts in their jurisdiction and respond to issues that may arise in these relationships.
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.
Overall Lead different trainings organized for teachers, field staff and review meeting. Also, play role of key facilitator for these trainings.
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 in preparing all programmatic and financial reports as required, including donor reports.
Analyze various data and information emanating from the field, develop programmatic co-relations and flag off issues for larger discussion.
Organize and lead review meetings at field level.
Track progress of implementation and expenditures through regular review meetings and field visits; flag off deviations and delays at the earliest.
Participate in IDTS workshops on material development, training module development and training of trainers.
Assist to prepare annual plan of action and budget for the Literacy program.
Support the State Manager in strategic planning and advocacy, including sustainability planning and future expansion decisions.
Participate in any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the organization.
Make regular visits to program schools alone and with key government officials from block/district/state level, observe Classroom Instruction, Library Management, library activities, speak to teachers and headmasters and supervise the functioning of the LC & LMF
Identify design and quality issues, including problems being faced by LC & LMF. Discuss these issues with supervisor and based on that provide solutions at the field level.
Provide technical assistance to schools in teaching-learning by using instructional materials designed and produced especially for teachers and make suggestions for improving quality and utilization of these materials.
Attend review meetings at the national 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 national level (or from other states) on to the field.
Attend government meetings, trainings, discussions and committees on early literacy and use those forums to advocate for enabling policies and government orders in support of RtR literacy program.
Represent Room to Read in different forums and advocate the importance of reading and need for libraries for children.
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.
Working knowledge and understanding of project management methodology and software.
Strong planning, budgetary, supervising, and project implementation skills.
Critical thinking and analytical skills.
Ability to travel regularly to project sites in remote locations.
Proven track record of achieving results.
Proven ability to work effectively with schools and communities.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Good interpersonal skills and a team player.
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.
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 changing 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.
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.
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.
