Program Operations Director, Sri Lanka

Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.

We are non-governmental, non-religious and work with many local NGOs and community based organizations to implement our programs. We currently work in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Zambia – countries with a desperate lack of resources to educate their children. Since our inception, Room to Read’s worldwide team has impacted over 7.8 million children by constructing more than 1,600 schools, establishing over 15,000 libraries, publishing 874 new children’s book titles in 27 local languages, and reaching over 20,000 girls through our Girls’ Education program.

Room to Read has an annual budget of approximately US$43.7 million and our global staff numbers over 600. Our global headquarters is located in San Francisco, and we have smaller fundraising offices in Delhi, New York, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, Sydney, and Tokyo. We have an Asia Regional Office located in New Delhi and program offices in Colombo, Dar es Salaam, Dhaka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Lusaka, New Delhi, Pretoria, Phnom Penh, and Vientiane.

Position Overview:

This is a senior management Country position primarily responsible for leadership with the strategic and tactical execution on all work related to implementing Room to Read’s various programs. The Operations Director will oversee the implementation, coordination, development, reporting and expansion of our current and prospective Program work. The position will report directly to the Country Director and will share supervisory responsibility of the programs team with the country Literacy Program Director and GEP manager. Regular travel to all geographical areas where Room to Read works will be required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Direct and ensure efficient and effective management of all designated program development, implementation, budgeting and internal controls per the design created by the technical programs staff.
• Supervise, coach and mentor the Field Operation Managers who are responsible for overseeing the implementation of program activities in specified geographical areas, including budgeting, scheduling, reporting and other project implementation related tasks for their assigned schools.
• Develop Country Office program implementation calendar and budgeting processes in coordination with the Country Office Field Operations Managers and Programs staff.
• Work with Human Resources to handle recruitment and training of staff according to need.
• Conduct Field Operations Managers appraisals.
• Prepare terms of agreement for program consultants and oversee the non-technical aspects of their work.
• Visit project sites to support and supervise program implementation.
• As part of the Senior Management Team, which provides overall support and direction for the work of Room to Read in country, develop and implement ideas that address program priorities and in collaboration the technical program staff, provide input into strategic and operational planning exercises. 
• Work with relevant in-country, regional, and global office staff to strengthen and improve program impact and sustainability.
• Ensure high quality achievement of annual goals.
• Collaborate with the Programs, and Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RM&E) team to support RM&E of all programs.
• Prepare the annual project permission and fund release documents and persuasion to obtain such permission from the NGO affairs bureau, Directorate of Primary Education and with the other government bodies both at the national and district level.
• Identify, track and document program trends, lessons learned and best practices and report to Country Office Program technical staff to consider in improving program designs.
• Ensure that organizational, governmental and donor reports are high quality and provided on a timely basis.
• Explore shared-learning and networking opportunities.
• Ensure government approval and legal compliance of the programs implemented directly or through Room to Read partners.
• Develop and manage relationships with government, NGOs and appropriate educational bodies as related to program implementation.
• Represent Room to Read at relevant meetings and assist in planning and hosting donor visits.
• Provide regular updates on program implementation and plans to the Country Director.
• Participate in any other activities as required to fulfill the objectives of the organization.

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management or other related field
A minimum 8 years of professional experience, including 3 years working in a senior managerial role

• At least a working knowledge and understanding of project management methodology and software.
• Strong planning, budgetary, supervising, and project implementation skills
• Ability to travel regularly to project sites and Province or District offices throughout the Country
• Strong English verbal and written communication skills
• Proven track record of achieving results
• Direct and indirect project implementation experience

Preferred:

• Prior success working closely and building relationships with diverse groups of people
  Effectiveness in working or volunteering in a non-profit organization that is focused on maintaining high quality work and low overhead
• Prior experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented global or regional organization
• Proven track record of achieving results
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously and take initiative
• Prior experience living and/or working in rural areas,
• Prior experience working with schools, teachers, administrators and government officials
• Experience in successful implementation of a wide range of tasks as well as developing and implementing improvements in a prior position,

To be successful as a member of the Room to Read team, you will also:

• Have a passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact an up-and-coming non-profit organization
• Be an innovative and creative thinker; you’re not afraid to try something new and inspire others to do so
• Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
• Have a strong work ethic and require minimal direction
• Work well independently as well as part of a team
• Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment

Compensation:

The salary range for this position will be determined based upon the experience of the candidate hired. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, and rapidly growing organization that is changing the world through the lifelong gift of education.

Application Procedure:

Please e mail your cover letter with a detailed CV together with the names & contact details of 03 non-related referees to lk.hiring@roomtoread.org or through post, to Country Director, Room to Read Sri Lanka, No.38, Dr. E. A Cooray Mawatha, Colombo 06. Please mention the post applied on the subject line of the e mail or top left side of the envelope. Only shortlistedcandidates will be notified. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer committed to identify and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse background.