Programme Manager Vacancy at Reach to Teach

Job Title: Programme Manager, Reach to Teach

Location: Vadodara based with substantial field travel, Gujarat

Organization’s profile :

Reach to Teach (R2T) is a UK registered charity specialising in primary education and teacher training in rural, hard to reach areas of India. We have been established and working in India since 2003. Our innovation is to provide high quality teacher training, teaching and learning materials and assessment systems based on global ‘best education practice’ principles. We have a team of primary educators who bring international best practice to on-the-ground operations and work closely with local partners. We provide bespoke resources for localised programmes and believe community participation and awareness lead to greater access and quality in education. We value inclusion and work collaboratively with local NGO partners and State education administration to achieve our core objectives. Currently over 30,000 children benefit from our interventions in Gujarat and we plan to expand our operations to other Indian States. We have secure, long-term investors who play an active role in our development.

Job Description:

The Programme Manager will be a senior member of the India Operations Team and will deputise for the Country Director and represent R2T as delegated. The incumbent will work under the leadership of the Country Director and in line with R2T’s strategic plans and policy guidelines in planning, implementing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating agreed programmes / projects operationally and with partners. The role is an exciting one and will play an important role in influencing R2T’s country programme strategy and support the Country Director in the growth and development of its India operations.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Lead / facilitate / participate in the analysis of the social, economic and political context and other research activities in the operational areas of R2T as and when required.
2. Work closely with the Country Director in identification and recruitment of local partner organisations following a rigorous process, in line with R2T’s partnership model.
3. Assist partner organisations in drawing up project proposals, in consultation with the Country Director and UK based Education Team.
4. Participate in grant processing and preparations for project approvals.
5. Closely follow up with partner organisations on the execution of project activities as outlined in the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) and take necessary actions to manage slippages and maintain regular communication with the partner.
6. Work closely with and provide all necessary support and assistance to the Education Team and facilitate their smooth engagement with the programme staff of partner organisations on joint activities.
7. work closely with the Education team to gain a deep understanding of the strategies and approaches utilised by the team and develop a broad knowledge of international education
8. In consultation with the Country Director, escalate issues to the senior management to resolve difficulties / blockages in the execution of the project implementation plan.
9. Achieve highest standards in programme quality through efficient Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems; and documentation and communication of impact of R2T’s projects.
10. Carry out regular monitoring visits to the projects areas and report back to the Country Director.
11. Facilitate capacity building of partner organisations as required.
12. Represent, liaise and work closely with the relevant government departments at the Block, District and State levels in consultation with the Country Director and advise on and participate in lobbying activities as necessary for the achievement of R2T programme objectives.
13. Draw up quarterly progress reports of India operations of R2T for submission to R2T Management Team.
14. Ensure that R2T’s basic minimum programme management standards and processes are maintained across the country programme.

Eligibility:

1. Post Graduate qualifications in any of the following disciplines: Social Sciences, Education, and Development Economics.
2. Proven knowledge and experience (at least 7 years) in the management of development programmes / projects in India with a leading NGO or consultancy.
3. Demonstrable experience in working closely and partnering with Government Departments at Block, District and State levels.
4. An understanding of the socio-economic and political context of India and prior working experience in Western Indian States.
5. High level of analytical, conceptual and strategic planning skills, with substantial programme / project development work with NGOs.
6. Skills in managing relationships and working with local partner organisations at senior management level, government officials and other stakeholders such as donors.
7. Ability and drive to achieve results and demonstrable impact of projects / programmes.
8. Sensitivity to gender and diversity issues.
9. High level of programme management skills – including planning, designing, training, communication and budget management skills.
10. Ability to work within a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team and strong interpersonal skills to maintain positive team dynamics.
11. Information technology skills
12. Physical fitness for travel and sustained fieldwork.
13. Excellent communication skills with fluency in English, Gujarati or Hindi.

Relocation:

During the course of employment the post holder may be required to move base on a temporary or permanent basis to any workplace operated by R2T.

How to apply:

We offer excellent working conditions, professional development opportunities and a competitive salary package in line with INGO standards.

For an application pack, which includes the detailed job description and an application form, please email Falguni Joshi at falguni@reach-to-teach.org mentioning “Programme Manager”.

Last date for the application: 10 Dec, 2013

Reference: Reach to Teach