Associate, Quality Reading Material position will be based at New Delhi, Country Office and report directly to the National Program Coordinator, Quality Reading Material. Primarily an editorial role in local language children’s literature, the position might require some travel and involves frequent interaction with authors, illustrators, publishers, printers, and Government officials.
Help organize and facilitate workshops for writers and illustrators to produce new children’s books every year.
Edit, and finalize manuscripts. Translate the manuscripts in English.
Coordinate with translators, writers, illustrators, designers and other external and internal stakeholders to produce the books.
Understand the technical aspects of book printing and publishing. Provide technical advice to Admin on the bidding and printing process of books/other material: issue requisition, undertake technical assessment, provide soft copies, proofread and approve errors, follow up with printer, check quality of printing, approve payments.
Help organize and facilitate events such as the annual Children’s Literature Awards and other efforts around advocacy for high quality children’s books and a strong reading culture.
Help develop modules for internal and external trainings on book production, book selection, usage in classroom and libraries, etc.
Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read's (RtR’s) Literacy program design.
As part of the QRM team, assist in defining criteria for engaging, relevant, and culturally appropriate reading material for primary school grades to create ideal book lists for RtR libraries.
Contribute to Gap Analysis (in all the languages of RtR operation) for determining the kind of reading materials available in the market (for purchase) or in schools and therefore, identify the gap with respect to the ideal book list.
Coordinate with the Operations team to ensure distribution of all reading materials to project areas and libraries and understand the inventory management process for books and other materials and keep it updated
Communicate with Global Office and other external stakeholders as needed.
Contribute to preparation of various reports, budget reviews, forecasts and documentation of good practices. Manage PRs, contracts, invoices, and tracking for projects assigned.
Any other work assigned from time to time to meet the technical needs of the organization.
Bachelor’s degree in literature/language/education/social sciences or equivalent.
Master’s in literature/language/education/social sciences or equivalent preferred.
Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in developing good quality children educational/learning material like storybooks, textbooks etc.
In-depth understanding of the role of supplementary materials on reading skills and habits of children.
Experience of developing teaching learning materials (TLM) and other instruction materials will be a plus.
Experience of having worked directly with teachers and children will be an added advantage.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
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.
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.