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:

Lead, Quality Reading Material position will be based at New Delhi, Country Office, and report directly to the Director, Literacy. The position will require some travel and networking with authors, illustrators, publishers, like-minded organizations, and education officials. The Lead, QRM will be responsible for planning and execution of national campaigns, capacity building workshops at state and national level, other events and collaterals. Support in planning and tracking of IC & budget, budget review and forecast. Oversee team to ensure projects are on track, Inputs into QPR (Quarterly Progress Report) budget documents, strategic documents, reporting etc. The person will also contribute on growth plans and custom project proposals, Capacity Building and Technical Guidance to QRM team and states team on quality reading material.

About QRM:

QRM create and publishes local language books for children between the ages group of 5 to 12 years. These books cover topics that capture children’s imaginations and make reading fun. Our goal is to inspire children to read, expand their minds, and develop a lifelong love for reading and learning. Apart from publishing books for our libraries, the department is also responsible for procuring relevant reading material for the libraries.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a thorough understanding of Room to Read Literacy program design and role of QRM within the program.

• Plan, oversee and enable various events held by the department through the year, both at state and national levels, like Author and illustrator workshops to produce new reading material every year. Workshops for book selection for RtR libraries, both at state and national levels. Other events or workshops with stakeholders in the children literature field like publishers, other like-minded organizations.

• Planning and organizing QRM Annual Events and/or support other events/webinars being organized by the organizations at national and state level.

• The person will lead the development and publishing of RtR books as well as other forms of reading material being developed in the department.

• Support and assist in sourcing, purchasing and distribution of books. Also seeks and arrange opportunities for book rights and licencing.

• Leading the Annual Planning and Budgeting for the department and will track the budget, IC and procurements on a monthly basis.

• Ensure QRM department is planning and executing book selection events on regular basis for all languages that we work in.

• Explore and support the opportunities of co-creations, co-publishing, technical assistance at state level and national level. 

• Work with Communications Team on promotional material for QRM events, campaigns and as well as contribute on any need for various collaterals being developed by Communications Team.

• Regularly communicate with Operations/ Administration/ Finance/ HR teams at the CO and State levels to ensure smooth execution of activities around children’s literature and other quality reading material.

• Ensure proper reporting and documentation in the department.

• Keep track of progress towards the defined and agreed outcomes.

• To coordinate with the consultants in creation of material, as and when needed.

• To read and update oneself regarding the current national/international trends in the field of children’s literature.

• To read and update oneself regarding the current national/international research in the field.

• Undertake any other work assigned from time to time to meet the technical needs of the organization.

• Oversee Reading material and book development, review and ensure quality.

• Contribute to preparation of conceptual notes, proposals, operation manuals/guidelines and workshop related session plan and materials/modules in local language. 

• Support state team in analyzing and identifying the gaps/needs in the state with respect to good reading material. Design and develop state specific approach and scope & sequence to help build awareness around children’s literature need. 

• Provide technical support and assistance to the Program Officers, Associates, and state teams with respect to all aspects of the QRM.

• In consultation with RM&E colleagues, support research and analysis, both at the local/field level as well as at the country level in the areas proposed for coming years.

• Communicate with GO and other external stakeholders as per need.

• Oversee any GO level need /requirement and workshops.

• Identify the supplemental materials needed, both digital and non-digital for multiple stakeholders, including states.

• Explore and ideate creation of new content or repackaging existing material/books, including for edtech platforms.

• Assist reading supplemental material requirement in the program. Also participate in workshops/ discussions regarding decidable reading material need in the instructional program.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in education / business administration/ social sciences or equivalent.

• Minimum 10 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 in book development and publishing and /or other educational materials will be a plus.

• Good project planning and execution skills.

• Strong time and budget planning skills.

• In-depth understanding of report generation and documentation.

• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

Preferred:

• Masters in education / Business Administration/ social sciences or equivalent preferred

• Experience of state level government initiatives around library, reading material for children and its strengthening process.

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.