Position Overview:
The School Infrastructure Unit Program Manager will be responsible for carrying out all activities of Room to Read’s School Infrastructure Unit, including program development, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation, and project reporting. S/he will also be required to research and form networks within the technology industry to inform effective utilization of Room to Read School Infrastructure. This position requires skills in community mobilization and development, use of technology, building design, project management, training, networking, accounting, and supervising. This position will report to the Program Operations Director (POD).
Duties & Responsibilities:
Strategy & Program Development
Take a lead in developing new concepts/ideas and strategies to improve Room to Read (RtR) program efficiency in Nepal
Review RtR Nepal School Infrastructure Unit (SIU) Strategy regularly, propose changes if required with newconcepts/ideas/strategies. Ensures global guidelines are being adhered to and adapted as needed.
Be responsible for creating and reviewing designs periodically for new classroom blocks, criteria and standards for repair and renovation of existing rooms, and internal designs for child friendly furniture and classroom layouts in collaboration with
Global Office (GO) school infrastructure technical team and Country Office (CO) Teacher Professional layouts in collaboration with GO school infrastructure technical team and CO Teacher Professional Support Unit. Secure design approved from Ministry of Education (MoE).
Research new construction technologies and materials that are cost-effective and locally relevant to improve the quality of our buildings.
Annual Planning & Budgeting
Develop annual plan, and budget of School Construction Project (SCP) for RtR Nepal in line with the guideline provided by RtR Nepal Country Office (NPCO) and Global office in close consultation with POD.
Recommend POD and Finance to release funds to project sites after reviewing the expenditure and progress of the construction.
Analyze SCP budget variance monthly and quarterly and suggest appropriate actions.
Implementation
Support School Infrastructure Unit (SIU) Officers to select and survey the sites and review the Bill of Quantity (BOQ)
Develop MoU and assist SIU Officers to facilitate the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Provide regular updates on program activities and plans at regular meetings with POD.
Capacity Building of Partner and RtR Staff
Monitor and supervise the work of SIU Officers/Sub-Engineers.
Provide technical advice and support to SIU Officers whenever needs arise in the overall aspects of SIU program management.
Assess the capacity building needs on all aspects of program management of SIU staff regularly and design and implement capacity building programs systematically so that they will be able to implement SIU program effectively.
Program Monitoring, Evaluation & Research
In working closely with Research, Monitoring & Evaluation (RM&E) team
Design the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework/strategy for SIU program, implement the framework/strategy and identify the areas of improvement for quality work.
Undertake field visits as stipulated in the SIU monitoring table of Country Annual Plan; be involved in collecting, analyzing, monitoring data and identifying actions that need to be implemented for program quality.
Implement approved actions coming out of RM&E findings and assess the effectiveness of these actions.
Identify the major research and evaluation areas for SIU program and assist in coordinating such research and evaluation studies either in-house or commissioned by external agency.
Networking, Coordination & Advocacy
Build strong relationship with relevant ministries, government departments, relevant I/NGOs and donors, experts, academic institutions, strategic meetings, seminars, forums of key decision makers of education sector in Nepal.
Establish and manage relationships with other NGOs, government officials and local educational facilities/authorities; schedule and attend meetings to coordinate planning and projects implementation.
Documentation & Reporting
Prepare all internal and external reports with quality required by RtR such as donor report, government report, monthly/annual/quarterly progress report, best practices, newspaper article, case studies, lessons learned, etc.
Manage the SIU database in a timely basis to monitor progress and manage appropriate materials.
Provide information to POD for MIU update and quarterly report.
Support Communication and Documentation Unit in planning and implementing donor site visits.
Regional Support
Provide support to other SIU Program Managers (PMs) of the region as and when necessary.
Qualifications:
Required:
Master’s degree in construction and field work or experience related to the tasks mentioned above.
Minimum of 7 years work experience.
At least 5 years experience in community development, particularly in Education Sector.
Ability to travel frequently throughout the country.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Nepali.
Preferred:
Prior experience working with INGOs, schools, teachers, administrators and government officials.
Good command of computer programs including Auto CAD, Auto desk, and MS Office suite, familiarity with databases, and internet skills.
Compensation:
Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits; benefits including 13th month bonus, provident fund, accidental and health insurances for staff and their family; 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 changing, transforming the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.
Location(s)
Nepal - Main - Lalitpur
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.
Apply
Apply with LinkedIn
We envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education, reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world.
To achieve this goal, we focus on two areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact: literacy and gender equality in education. We work in collaboration with communities and local governments across Asia and Africa to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the life skills they’ll need to succeed in school and beyond.