JOB OPPORTUNITY
Field Manager, Program Operations
Position Overview:
The key accountability of the Field Manager, Program Operations (FPM) are a) to make primary school children independent readers by improving their literacy skills and reading habit, b) ensuring that girls complete at least secondary school and equipped with life skills by overcoming barriers that they face at family, community and school and c) Coordinate with local and state level governments to develop strategic partnership for successful implementation of country strategy 2021-2024 in line with RtR’s Vision 2025.
To deliver this accountability, the position holder will contribute to Padhnako Lagi Kotha (PLK) program & strategy development and play a lead role in annual planning and budgeting for field office operation, effective implementation of PLK programs, improving quality through the application of effective Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems, capacity building of field office based PLK and Partner NGO staff, progress reporting and district/regional level networking and advocacy for policy influence and wider replication of PLK best practices. The FPM is the PLK representative of the district (s).
Duties & Responsibilities:
The position will require performing the below-given job responsibilities not limited to:
Strategy & Program Development:
- Bring new concepts/ideas and strategies and local-level knowledge and situation analysis while developing PLK program/country strategy in Nepal.
- Review PLK program’s effectiveness (e.g., design and implementation) regularly at school/community & district level and propose changes if required with new concepts/ideas/strategies.
- Develop field-based management, operation, and implementation program approaches in the district(s) in line with RtR’s new country strategy in coordination with Country Office (CO) Program Operations Department.
Annual Planning, Budgeting & Financial Management:
In close consultation with relevant Kathmandu Office Program Managers/Section Heads/Directors:
- Develop an annual plan and budget of PLK programs to be implemented in the district (s) directly or through partner NGOs in line with the guideline provided by PLK Kathmandu office.
- Review fund requests and expenditure of partners in line with the agreed agreement and recommend relevant Program Managers/CO Program Operations for approval and fund disbursement.
- Approve expenditure occurred by PLK field offices/units in line with PLK procedures and send monthly reports to the Kathmandu office on time. Ensure that the budget has been spent wisely and audit findings have been implemented.
- Analyze budget variance of field office/units monthly and suggest appropriate actions.
- Coordinates with CO Program Operations/Finance teams to ensure accurate oversight of FO budgets and spending, and supports monthly and quarterly budget forecasts.
Implementation:
- Be accountable in implementing the annual plan of PLK programs in the district (s), either implemented directly by PLK or by partner NGOs and ensure that they have been implemented correctly, on time with maintaining high-quality standards in line with the processes described in the annual planning document/calendar/program handbook or partnership agreement.
- Adhere to and apply PLK’s cultural behaviors.
- Supports the development and implementation of ideas that address program priorities in collaboration with the CO technical team and provides input for strategic improvements.
Staff Management, Partnership Management and Capacity Building:
In close consultation with relevant Kathmandu office program managers/section heads/directors:
- Manage PLK field-based staffs’ work, assess the capacity building needs on all aspects of program management regularly and design and implement capacity building programs systematically so that they will be able to implement the PLK program effectively.
- Manage PLK partner NGOs work, assess the capacity building needs regularly on all aspects of program management and design and implement capacity building programs systematically so that they will be able to implement PLK programs effectively.
- Provide technical advice to partners and PLK field offices/units staff whenever needs arise in the overall aspects of PLK program management.
- Manage/ strengthen strong teamwork in the Field Office (FO) and across the Kathmandu office.
Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Research:
In close consultation with relevant Kathmandu office program managers/section heads/directors:
- Contribute to designing the Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RM&E) framework/strategy for all components of PLK programs, be accountable in implementing the framework/strategy, and identify the areas of improvement for quality impact.
- Implement approved actions coming out of RM&E findings and assess the effectiveness.
- Contribute to identifying the major research and evaluation areas for PLK programs and assist in coordinating such research and evaluation studies either in-house or commissioned by an external agency.
Networking, Coordination & Advocacy:
- Build a strong relationship with district/regional/state based relevant government authorities, relevant networks and other appropriate stakeholders, etc. and improve coordination, partnership, knowledge sharing and learning.
- Advocate PLK best practices, PLK research findings and lessons learned and influence their policies and programs by attending the strategic meetings, seminars, forums of key decision-makers of the education sector at the district/regional/state level.
- Represents PLK at relevant meetings at the district/state level and assist in planning and hosting donor visits.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Prepare all internal and external reports with the quality required by PLK such as donor reports, government reports, monthly/annually/quarterly progress reports, best practices, newspaper articles, case studies, lessons learned etc.
- Identify, track and document program trends, lessons learned and best practices and report to respective CO teams to document and also consider improving program designs.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Master’s degree in Education, Social Science, arts and management (preferably in Education).
- Minimum 7 years of program management experience preferably in education program (e.g. planning, implementation, budgeting, M&E, staff management, networking & advocacy, partnership management, etc).
- Expertise in designing and delivering capacity building training programs.
- Good knowledge and understanding of the education issue in Nepal.
- Good reasoning abilities, sound judgment, good communication, and negotiation skills.
- Proven track record of achieving results.
- Positive traits.
- Strictly adhere and comply with Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy and Child Protection Code of Conduct.
Compensation:
Padhnako Lagi Kotha offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits; benefits including 13th month bonus, provident fund, medical insurance for staff and their dependents, accidental insurance for staff; leaves and staff professional development. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, fun, and rapidly growing organization that is transforming the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.
Location(s)
Nepal – Tanahun
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
