Associate, Literacy Field

World Change Starts with Educated Children® 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 Associate will support teacher training and capacity building of government officials, work closely with Literacy Facilitators, and coordinate field-level implementation. The Associate will report to the Senior Associate. This position involves frequent travel and regular interaction with education officials, school administrators, teachers, and students. They will serve as a key point of contact for schools and local government officials within the assigned geography. The base location for this position will be Tumukuru (Karnataka).

Responsibilities: Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read’s Literacy program design, Demonstration School model, and FLN frameworks aligned with NIPUN. Support rollout and ongoing implementation of FLN and Demonstration School interventions in assigned districts, ensuring outcomes in consultation with the State Head. Ensure engagement of district and block-level officials for FLN–NIPUN initiatives, facilitate field visits, and create an enabling environment for program implementation. Manage implementation of literacy programs across Demonstration Schools and other assigned schools, ensuring timely, efficient, and well-coordinated delivery in line with program and budget guidelines. Manage relationships with government counterparts and proactively address issues arising in coordination and implementation. Ensure all teacher training and capacity-building activities are conducted as per approved plans and program guidelines, including coordination for necessary permissions and approvals. Ensure effective utilization of program budgets through detailed planning, tracking, and adherence to financial and procurement norms while maintaining quality standards. Prepare cash advances, settlements, and reimbursements for program activities as required. Supervise and ensure accurate data entry, compilation, and reporting on monthly, quarterly, and annual bases, including CICO (Check-in and Check-out) and other Demonstration School-related data. Assist the State Head in preparing programmatic and financial reports. Track implementation progress and expenditures through review meetings and field visits

• flag deviations or delays promptly and ensure proper documentation and follow-up. Liaise with district education departments to explore opportunities for technical support under the state education system. Stay updated on national and international research related to foundational literacy and numeracy. Provide technical support to DIET (District Institutes of Education & Training) and district-level officials and assist in coaching, communication, and implementation support for government teachers and schools. Attend district, state, and national review meetings
• participate in government-led meetings, trainings, and workshops relevant to literacy and FLN. Assist the State Head in preparing qualitative reports, documentation, case studies, and best practices from Demonstration Schools and other interventions. Support planning and review of literacy program AWP&B (Annual Work Plan and Budget), Implementation Calendars, and development of tracking systems for timely and quality implementation. Conduct regular field visits independently and jointly with block, district, and state officials. Act as a resource person for teacher training and capacity building
• support planning and execution of district- and state-level trainings. Participate in Training of Trainers (ToT), review meetings, and provide reflective feedback on program implementation and design. Ensure proper implementation of community engagement plans linked to literacy interventions. Participate actively in Room to Read campaigns and knowledge-sharing platforms, including social media as appropriate. Undertake additional responsibilities as required to support the objectives of Room to Read.

Qualifications: Required: Bachelor’s Degree in education / social sciences or equivalent. Master’s degree in education / social sciences or equivalent preferred. Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in the education sector. Strong written and oral communication skills in state language. Critical thinking and analytical skills. Proficiency in local language. 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. Strong written and oral communication skills in Hindi.

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. Prior experience living and/or working in rural areas. Prior experience working with schools, teachers, administrators and government officials.

Compensation: 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. 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. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org. 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. Thank you for considering a career with Room to Read. I was first attracted to Room to Read because of the mission to create a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality. What I have found here is the joy in working with a group of extraordinary people towards this bold goal. In my work, I aim to shape an inclusive and supportive organizational culture where everyone feels valued and respected, and where we each thrive. Our team members are our greatest asset, and I am personally committed to creating an environment that supports both personal and professional growth and empowers individuals from everywhere in the world to contribute their best. I hope you will join us in creating a better, more equal world. Cynthia Orme Chief People and Technology Officer