Job Description

Position Overview:
The Program Officer Technical Assistance (PO-TA) leads the planning and execution for all works related to providing technical support at SCERT, SSA level and other institutions where scale up technical support is required. S/He will be responsible for implementing Room to Read’s Literacy Program technical support activities such as various workshops and coordinating studies for program quality and provides strategic, technical and management support. S/he will oversee the quality of program implementation of the Literacy program. If needed s/he may be assigned for overseeing the literacy program. S/he would identify quality issues related to program design and management and discuss them with the supervisor keeping the country office in loop and provide solutions at the field level. The PO-TS will report to the State Manager and will have dotted reporting to the Instruction Design and Technical Support (IDTS) INCO.
This position will involve frequent travel to district locations as well as regular interaction with education officials, organization and departments working with similar mandate, school administrators, teachers and students. S/he would serve as the main point of contact for the SCERT, SSA and other institutions and local government officials and coordinate the work of other RtR staff in his/her jurisdiction.
This position would preferably be based at State where key government institutions are based.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Program Understanding

• Have an excellent understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy Program design and the ability to defend the program in various forums
• S/he has good awareness of literacy programs, their design and strategies operating in project region.
• Oversee the quality of program implementation and adherence to program guidelines in Literacy.

Technical assistance and advocacy

• Serve as a technical resource at the state/district level, will organize and participate proactively in technical assistance discussions and workshops especially on early grade reading, library and life skills. Attend government meetings, discussions and committees on literacy and life skills 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, need for libraries for children, necessity of life skills for girls.
• S/he will also be responsible for the coordinating various research studies that state may take in coming years on local language and developing various materials thereof.
• Regularly communicate and work with government counterparts (SCERT, DIET, SSA, KGBV, Education department, Women and child development and others) to build awareness and understanding among them with respect to the Room to Read literacy program and its main features.
• Participate in the state level discussions organized by government counterparts and advocate for RtR approach through developing good understanding of state curriculum, text books and various education projects/programs.
• Provide technical assistance to schools in teaching-learning of reading and life skills by using instructional materials, life skills sessions designed and produced and make suggestions for improving quality and utilization of these materials.
• S/he will also be responsible for developing a cadre of Master Trainers on early grade reading, library and life skills issue in state and will follow up with them in providing technical support as and when required.
• Liaison with State education departments, KGBVs, Ashram schools etc. to explore opportunities for technical assistance and devise a plan for the same
• Build a state level literacy program network and make this as an advocacy event for early grade literacy.
• Engage with print and electronic media to create visibility for Literacy
• Identify and strengthen community development structures (SMCs, VCPC) for creating safety nets for girls and strengthening similar institutions at the State level.

Program coordination and monitoring

• Responsible for coordinating with SCERT, SSA, Districts and DIET for the implementation of the Literacy program in the state.
• Responsible for managing relationships with government counterparts and other stake holders in their jurisdiction and respond to issues that may arise in these relationships.
• Working with other state team to coordinate advocacy part
• Analyze various data and information emanating from the field, develop programmatic co-relations and flag off issues for larger discussion. Undertake at least one action research project every year.

Training, workshop and meeting

• Provide technical oversight to the state Program team and support them accordingly.

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

Planning, Reporting and Documentation

• Responsible for preparing regular (monthly, quarterly and yearly) qualitative reports and documenting case studies and best practices.
• Responsible for high stake donor reporting, developing their annual work plan and its implementation.
• Support the State Manager in strategic planning and advocacy, technical assistance, quality assurance, 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.

Annual planning and budgeting

• Contribute to the Annual Planning and Budgeting (AP & B)guidelines for TA
• Prepare annual LP TA budget of the State in assistance with the State Manager
• Ensure monthly budget forecast and re- appropriation of under spending funds
• Track implementation and spending patterns of the TA budget.

Qualification & Experience :

• Bachelor Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent
• Master Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent preferred
• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in the education sector
• Strong written and oral communication skills in Telugu, Hindi, and English
• 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 :

• 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

Location(s) India - Telangana
To be successful at Room to Read, you will also:

• Have 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