Officer, Literacy Field

Full-time
On-site
Bangladesh - Narail Bangladesh

World Change Starts with Educated Children®

Position Overview:

The Literacy Program Officer works as technical lead on literacy skills and the habit of reading at upazila level and coordinates closely with the district field office to ensure successful implementation of the program on Reading Advancement activities. This position reports to the Field Manager and provides technical supervision to the Literacy Facilitators. This position is based in Narail.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Have an excellent understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy program design and the ability to advocate for the program in various forums

  • Oversee the quality of program implementation and adherence to program guidelines for the set of schools under his/her jurisdiction.

  • Identify design and quality issues, including problems being faced by local team. Discuss design and quality issues with the country office and based on that provide solutions at the field level.

  • Act as the point person and support teacher training and capacity building of district/Upazila level officials and local RtR team at the Field office level.

  • 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 all program schools receive books, materials and furniture at the appropriate time

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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Assist in preparing qualitative reports and documenting case studies and best practices.

  • Provide technical oversight to the Literacy Facilitators (LF) 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 IDTS unit.

  • Manage the Literacy Facilitators (LF), including their performance evaluation, capacity building and coaching.

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

  • Develop a resource pool of MTs on literacy learning & library Management and plan their continuous capacity building.

  • Provide assistance in developing digital content for instruction & training for Literacy Program.

  • 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.

  • Supervise and ensure all data entry and compilation on monthly, quarterly and yearly basis, including GSD data. Maintain high level of data quality

  • Assist to prepare annual plan of action and budget for the Literacy program

  • Serve as a technical resource at the local field office 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 RtR literacy program. Represent Room to Read in different forums and advocate the importance of reading and need for libraries for children.

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

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Master’s degree in education/ project management/ social science/child development or any other relevant subject;

  • Minimum of 5 years’ related work experience;

  • Strong planning, budgeting, supervisory, training management and facilitation skills;

  • Good knowledge and understanding of education issues and priorities;

  • Strong interpersonal communication, language and computer skills.

Preferred:

  • Prior success working closely and building relationships with diverse groups of people

  • Effectiveness in working or volunteering 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

  • Proven track record of achieving results

  • 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

To be successful as a member of the Room to Read team, you will also:

  • Have a passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic non-profit organization

  • Be an innovative and creative thinker – not afraid to try something new and inspire others to do so

  • Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness

  • Have a strong work ethic and require minimal direction

  • Work well independently as well as part of a team

  • Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment

Room to Read is a Child Safe Organization and is committed to the education and welfare of children and protecting them from abuse and exploitation (Child Protection Principles)

  • 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.

Room to Read Representatives must create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. (PSEA Principles)

  • 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.

Compensation:

We offer a competitive salary. The benefits include:

  • Provident Fund

  • 13th Month Allowance

  • Gratuity

  • Health coverage for staff and dependents

  • Insurances

  • Professional Development opportunities. The most significant benefit is the opportunity to work with one of the fastest growing international organizations, which has sole focus on education & continuously innovating efficient & effective social entrepreneurship

Location(s)

Bangladesh - Narail

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

About Room to Read:

Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read is creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality through education.

We are achieving this goal by helping children in historically low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading, and by supporting girls as they build life skills to succeed in school and negotiate key life decisions.

We collaborate with governments and other partner organizations to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale.

Room to Read has benefited more than 45 million children and has worked in 24 countries and in more than 213,000 communities, providing additional support through remote solutions that facilitate learning beyond the classroom.

Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.