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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, Balvatika will play a critical role in providing essential support to SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training) and Samagra Shiksha. This position is central to the mission of strengthening the state's education system, with a specific focus on Balvatika program for early childhood education. The work involves collaborating directly with government bodies on a wide range of initiatives, from curriculum and content development to professional training and assessment design.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with SCERT and Samagra Shiksha to develop and implement curriculum, content, and assessments related to Balvatika, and children's literature in the domain of Balvatika.

• Support the state in establishing Model Balvatika's in DIETs (District Institutes of Education and Training) and provide technical assistance for their effective operation.

• Provide capacity building to Master Trainers on Balvatika and children literature and reading corners.

• Support in development of a resource pool of writers and illustrators among teachers and DIET faculty to create quality children's literature in Hindi and other state languages.

• Provide Ed-tech support by integrating digital resources and offering online courses and digital nudges for continuous teacher learning in Balvatika domain.

• Facilitate internal communication and collaboration within the existing PMU (Project Management Unit), ensuring seamless communication and alignment between different team members.

• Make regular visits to balvatika /schools alone and with key government officials for quality implementation of program in the state.

• Analyze various data and information emanating from the field, develop programmatic co- relations and flag off issues for larger discussion.

• Responsible for preparing regular (monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis, including program data) qualitative reports and documenting event reports, case studies and best practices.

• Support knowledge sharing and capacity building within the team by organizing sessions and helping to disseminate online courses and other content.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master’s degree in education / social sciences or equivalent preferred.

• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience in the education sector. At least a year of experience working at the state level/ DPMU/PMU.

• In-depth knowledge on foundational literacy and numeracy.

• Critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Good interpersonal skills and a team player.

• Prior experience of working with government.

• Proven track record of achieving results and managing large stake projects is preferred.

• Proven ability to work effectively with schools and communities.

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.