Program Associate, Literacy Field

Job Description

World Change Starts with Educated Children

Position Overview:

The position involves overseeing the quality implementation of the Literacy program in the state, ensuring its timely, efficient, and well-coordinated execution in adherence to program and budget guidelines. The role also entails providing technical support to government bodies and ensuring the progress of literacy goals in the state.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Develop Understanding:

- Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read's Literacy program design.
- Develop a strong awareness of literacy programs, strategies, and education policies like NEP 2020, NCF, FLN, SIQE, etc.

On-ground Implementation and Monitoring:

- Oversee the quality implementation of the Literacy program in the state, ensuring adherence to timelines, efficiency, and program guidelines.
- Make regular visits to program schools, either alone or with government officials, to monitor implementation.
- Supervise library activities, manage the Library Coach (LBC), and interact with teachers and headmasters.
- Ensure that program schools are monitored according to guidelines and assess field staff performance.
- Analyze data and develop programmatic correlations, flagging issues for larger discussion.
- Supervise data entry and compilation, including GSD, Dashboard data, ensuring high data quality.
- Track progress of implementation and expenditures via regular review meetings and field visits; flag any deviations or delays promptly.
- Participate in activities that further the objectives of the organization.
- Ensure teacher training and capacity-building activities are conducted per plan, including receiving necessary approvals.
- Lead online and offline trainings for teachers and field staff, and facilitate review meetings.

Budget and Financial Management:

- Ensure the effective utilization of program budgets through proper planning and activity tracking.
- Monitor adherence to financial and procurement norms, making efforts to reduce costs without compromising quality.
- Assist in preparing the annual plan of action and budget for the Literacy program.
- Responsible for the literacy program AWPB, IC, and development of program tracking systems for timely, quality implementation.
- Track program progress on key indicators as per the ME framework through monthly meetings and throughout the project timeline.
- Coordinate all state-level activities (trainings, review meetings) related to the project.

Social Media and External Relations:

- Actively participate in Room to Read campaigns on social media.
- Stay updated on new programs/interventions by like-minded organizations in the state.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and weaknesses and develop solutions in consultation with the state manager.

Government Liaison and Technical Support:

- Serve as a technical resource at the state level and attend government meetings, advocating for policies supporting literacy.
- Represent Room to Read in various forums and advocate for foundational literacy, libraries, and quality children's literature.
- Engage with key stakeholders like government departments, DEOs, DIETs, etc., to ensure delivery of program objectives and explore systemic integration.
- Provide technical support to SCERT in foundational literacy, library management, research, assessment, and training under NEP 2020 and NIPUN Bharat.

Team Coordination and Capacity Building:

- Provide operational oversight to Library Coaches and identify gaps in operational capabilities.
- Offer technical oversight and mentoring to Library Coaches to enhance their communication with government officials and schools.
- Manage performance evaluation and capacity building of the team.
- Participate in IDTS workshops on material development, training module development, and training of trainers.
- Attend review meetings and provide reflective feedback on program implementation.

Planning, Reporting and Documentation:

- Prepare regular (monthly, quarterly, and yearly) qualitative reports, event documentation, case studies, and best practices.
- Ensure high-stakes donor reporting, developing annual, half-yearly, quarterly, and monthly work plans for implementation.
- Prepare an implementation calendar, cash forecast, PRs budget outlook, and regular tracking of budget management.
- Assist in preparing all programmatic and financial reports as required.

Qualifications:

Required:

- Master's degree in education, social sciences, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in the education sector.
- In-depth knowledge of foundational literacy, language, and reading practices and approaches.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Prior experience in managing a large team.
- Proven track record of achieving results and managing large-scale projects.
- Proven ability to work effectively with schools and communities.

Room to Read is a child-safe organization.

Location(s):

India - Delhi

To be successful at Room to Read, you will also:

- Have a 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

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