Job Description

Organization Profile:

Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read is creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality through education. We are enriching the lives of millions of children in historically low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading, and by supporting girls as they build the skills to succeed in school and navigate key life decisions. Room to Read has benefited more than 45 million children and has worked in 14 countries and more than 213,000 communities, providing additional support through innovative solutions that facilitate learning beyond the classroom. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.

Position Overview:

The Country Director (CD) has the overall responsibility for the strategic leadership and direction for the Room to Read country program to achieve the organizational vision, mission, and objectives. The CD leads the in-country senior management team and is responsible for all operational aspects of Room to Read’s work. The CD represents Room to Read with the Government at all relevant levels and local and international organizations within the country. The CD leads in developing, overseeing implementation, reviewing and monitoring results. The CD is responsible for program goals, objectives and impact, financial sustainability, and compliance. The CD’s decisions and actions are based on Room to Read. Travel to all districts where Room to Read works will be required as needed. This position is based in Sri Lanka. Country Office also reports directly to the Vice President, Program Operations - Asia.

Primary Roles & Responsibilities:

• A. Strategy and Program Development, Implementation and Management:
  • Develop country-specific strategies, aligned with the overall Room to Read strategy and ensure timely reviews and updates.
  • Provide leadership for the development, management, and implementation of all program activities in line with Room to Read’s strategic plan and the country context.
  • Provide leadership to the Country Management Team (CMT) to ensure that program activities are implemented according to established requirements and in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that all program activities are monitored, evaluated, and reported on, and that country-level results are achieved.
• B. Financial and Budget Management and Control:
  • Provide oversight in financial and administrative functions in the Country Office ensuring full compliance with policies, manuals and local conditions.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of the annual country budget in accordance with established organizational goals and targets.
  • Ensure systematic budget monitoring and review is conducted.
• C. Human Resource Management and Organizational Development:
  • Provide management support and leadership to the country team and ensure a work environment that encourages collaboration and team spirit.
  • Lead team management and staff meetings to assess organizational progress and communicate updates.
  • Oversee the recruitment and selection of staff and other personnel.
• D. Compliance and Ethics Incident Reporting:
  • Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures.
  • Address any compliance issues and ensure that they are reported appropriately.
• E. Compliance and Ethics Training and Awareness:
  • Guide the team in the implementation of future Global Office or country ethics policies and procedures.
• F. Representation and Relationship Building:
  • Develop and manage relationships with other NGOs, government officials and appropriate educational facilities/authorities.
  • In close coordination with the Global Office and Relationship managers (RMs), represent RtR at relevant meetings and events.
• G. Security and Risk Management:
  • Ensure that appropriate contingency plans for emergencies are in place in accordance with global guidelines.
• H. Resource Development:
  • In liaison with the Global Development and Communication Team, identify fundraising opportunities and guide in the development of quality proposals to build and diversify the country’s resource base.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Required:
  • Master’s degree in business or public administration/management/education/related field.
  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior management capacity (preferably in NGO sector).
  • Demonstrated experience in successful implementation of a wide range of tasks as well as developing effective programs.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills – capacity to listen well and inspire trust. Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills, and positive attitude.

Compensation:

Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. 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. 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/Minorities/Vets/Disabled.

Application:

Please click here CAREERS AT ROOM TO READ to access the JD and Apply. Alternatively, you can visit the career section of Room to Read on our website at www.roomtoread.org or send your resume to hr@roomtoread.org.

Due to the high applicant volume, you may not receive a response from Room to Read. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. All selected candidates will be subject to background checks.

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