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 Senior Program Operations Associate (Sr. POA) plays a critical role in ensuring smooth and effective program implementation at the field level. This position manages administrative, financial, and logistical aspects of program operations and coordinates closely with the program team and the Administration & People Operations team. The Sr. POA contributes to optimizing program delivery, strengthening coordination with partners, and maintaining compliance with organizational and donor requirements. This position reports directly to the Program Operations Director.

Responsibilities

Program Implementation and Support:

• Provide timely and effective logistical support for program activities, including transportation, accommodation, venue arrangements, invitations, and related tasks.

• Coordinate with local government officials to facilitate program implementation and monitoring.

• Prepare official documentation, such as notifications, invitations, and requests, supporting monthly and quarterly program plans.

• Support the Program Operations Director in liaising with key counterparts and partners.

• Assist with data collection, data entry, and consolidation of community and school information.

• Perform other program-related duties as assigned.

Planning, Reporting and Documentation

• Participate in the Annual Program & Budget (AP&B) process, including procurement planning and market trends and surveys in collaboration with Admin and People Operations teams.

• Collect and organize data and photos for Global solution database (GSD) data entry and donor reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Accounting and Finance tasks:

• Prepare cash advances, settlements, and reimbursements for program activities.

• Ensure all expenditures are accurately recorded against budget lines and accounting codes.

• Assist the Program Operations Director in implementing financial controls and ensuring compliance with programming activities.

• Support adherence to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) obligations and compliance requirements.

• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for program operations.

• Perform other finance-related duties as assigned.

Filing and Correspondence:

• Manage procurement and inventory of program and field assets in provinces.

• Maintain and update asset lists, conducting biannual checks (June and December).

• Ensure sufficient stock of office supplies and maintain accurate inventory records.

• Provide photocopying, document organization, and record management support to program staff as needed.

• Maintain records of all incoming and outgoing correspondence and ensure timely delivery and collection of letters and materials from government offices and other locations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in programming operations and accounting, preferably in private or international organizations.

• Experience in community and school development, with strong communication skills and ability to liaise effectively with local authorities.

Preferred

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English

• Good computer skills: MS. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook

• Work well independently and proven ability to build effective relationships with schools, communities, and diverse stakeholders.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to project sites, provincial, or district offices.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, adaptable, and a collaborative team player.

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

• Eagerness to learn new skills and take on additional responsibilities.

Compensation

Room to Read Laos values the commitment of our staff, and offers a professional & respected working environment, competitive monthly salary and other benefits such as annual salary review, a Wellbeing allowance, 13th month salary bonus, gratuity bonus, performance bonus, Staff Medical Insurance, Social Security Organization (SSO) for staff and family members, annual medical check-up, phone allowance and other leave benefits based on Lao Labour Law.

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.