Program Officer, Literacy Field

World Change Starts with Educated Children 2025 is our 25th Anniversary Join Us in Celebrating 25 Years of Progress.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 Program Officer, Literacy Field will oversee the program implementation and lead the agenda of system strengthening at state level. They will be responsible for coordination, development, and reporting of existing multiple variants of the Literacy program in a state. 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 the state. The Officer will report to the State Coordinator and will have Program Associates reporting to them. This position will involve frequent travel to field locations as well as regular interaction with education officials, school administrators, teachers, and students.

Responsibilities:Programme Planning, Management & Implementation:

• Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read's Literacy program design

• Oversee the implementation of the existing multiple variants of the Literacy programs, including both demonstration, partnership or technical assistance in the state, ensuring timely, efficient and well-coordinated implementation, adhering to the program and budget guidelines

• Assist in selecting the program schools as per program guidelines

• Manage relationships with school, community and government counterparts in their jurisdiction and respond to issues that may arise in these relationships.

• 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 online and offline trainings organized for teachers, field staff and review meeting. Also, play role of key facilitator for these trainings.

• 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

• 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 actively on social media in all Room to Read's campaigns.

• Supervise and ensure proper implementation of community engagement plans.

• Participate in any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfil the objectives of the organization.

Technical Expertise & System Strengthening:

• Stay updated regarding the changing trends and any new state level policies, programmes or interventions in EGL, as announced by the government. Engage in discussions with the country team regarding future opportunities.

• Serve as a technical resource at the state level and participate in technical assistance discussions. Attend government meetings, discussions and committees on early literacy and use those forums to advocate for enabling policies and government orders in support of Room to Read literacy program. Represent Room to Read in different forums and advocate the importance of reading and need for libraries for children.

• Regularly interact with the Government officials and explore opportunities for systemic integration

• Stay updated regarding new programs/interventions of the like-minded organizations in states. Engage in discussions to explore opportunities.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. Identify gaps in their capabilities and plan for their capacity building in discussion with the team.  

• Participate in workshops on material development, training module development and training of trainers

Monitoring, Supervision & Reporting:

• Provide technical oversight to the program associates and support them in their coaching and communication with government officials and schools. Identify gaps in their capabilities and plan for their capacity building in discussion with the unit.

• Analyze various data and information emanating from the field, develop programmatic co-relations and flag off issues for larger discussion.

• Ensure that program schools are monitored as per guidelines and the field staff perform their job effectively

• Supervise and ensure all data entry and compilation on monthly, quarterly and yearly basis, including GSD (Global Solution Database) 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

• Manage Program Associates, including their performance evaluation, capacity building and coaching.

• 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 (Learning Circle).

Qualifications:Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent

• Master's degree in education / social sciences or equivalent preferred

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the education sector

• In-depth knowledge about language and reading practices and approaches

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• 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. 

• Good Knowledge of Kannada is must.

Compensation:

Room to Read offers 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.

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.

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.

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