Job Description
MANAGER, GIRLS EDUCATION AND GENDER EQUALITY PROGRAM
01 POSITION - BASED IN COLOMBO
POSITION OVERVIEW
The GEP Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership and ensuring the technical quality of Room to Read Sri Lanka's Girls Education and Gender Equality Program (GEP) across both direct and accelerated implementation models. The role ensures the GEP is aligned with Vision 2025 and the country strategy. The Manager leads the development of partnerships to integrate gender‑focused programming and works with government and other stakeholders to ensure quality, scale and sustainability. The Manager reports directly to the Country Director (CD) and works with other senior program staff to deliver results.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Program Management, Contextualization, Training and Coordination:
- Develop, design and lead gender-transformative interventions that are scalable and designed for implementation on the ground in both direct and accelerated formats.
- Provide technical leadership to ensure quality of program content and alignment with national policies and Room to Read standards.
- Build and manage partnerships with government, NGO and community actors to strengthen gender equality programming.
- Supervise and mentor program staff in field offices and ensure cohesive, high-quality delivery of GEP.
- Coordinate with the Country Office's technical lead and other program teams to align with Vision 2025 and country strategy.
- Represent Room to Read in relevant external forums and advocate for girls' education and gender equality.
- Planning, Reporting, and Documentation:
- Develop program plans, budgets and monitoring and evaluation frameworks; regularly monitor progress and document learnings.
- Prepare and submit program reports on time and ensure documentation of best practices and case studies.
- Backstop field teams with documentation, data collection, and data quality assurance.
- Government Coordination and External Networking:
- Develop and maintain relationships with government bodies and other partners to advocate for policies supportive of girls' education.
- Coordinate with other NGOs and donors to align programming and share knowledge.
- Represent Room to Read at national and local forums; engage with POs, NGOs and government partners to strengthen programming.
Qualifications Required:
- Master's degree in a related field of study, e.g., education, social work, gender equality or related area; or equivalent experience in program management and education.
- Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience in program management, ideally in girls' education or gender equality programs.
- Strong knowledge of program content and best practices in gender equality, education and youth development.
- Experience in monitoring, evaluation and evaluation design, with ability to analyze data and translate findings into program improvements.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse teams and stakeholders including government officials.
- Ability to travel frequently to field sites within Sri Lanka and engage with partners and communities.
- Fluency in English; working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is desirable.
Preferred:
- Significant experience working in Sri Lanka with government agencies, government schools, teachers, youth workers and NGOs.
- Experience mentoring, coaching, and providing capacity-building support to partner staff and field teams.
- Proven track record in designing and implementing gender-responsive programs and in advocating for girls' education.
To be successful as a member of the Room to Read team, you will also:
- Have high energy, flexible and comfortable performing multifaceted tasks.
- Have strong interpersonal abilities and ability to work with diverse personalities, tactful, mature, flexible, and team-oriented.
- Be resourceful and well-organized.
- Be comfortable with frequent travel and fieldwork; have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Be able to lead, train and motivate staff and community volunteers.
Salary, Benefits and Other Details:
The salary range for this position will be determined based on the experience of the candidate. Benefits include health insurance and other standard Room to Read benefits. The organization provides inclusive opportunities and respects diversity and equality of opportunity.
Application Process:
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer. Selected candidates will undergo background checks. Please include the post title in the subject line of your application and send your resume and cover letter to hr@roomtoread.org or the designated email address.
Note:
Room to Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel must adhere to Room to Read's Child Protection Policy.