School Libraries Program Officer

Position: School Libraries Program Officer
Duty Location: Ha Noi and frequent travel out of Hanoi to project sites
Employment term: 6-month temporary

Position Overview:

The School Libraries Program Officer (SLPO) will work at HN office and travel frequently to project sites in which School Libraries Program activities are implemented. SLPO will be part of the SL team to be responsible for all aspects of Room to Read (RtR)’s library program, including program development, planning, implementing and monitoring of libraries. S/he will be constantly engaged in working to improve the library program, with the aim of ensuring that Room to Read libraries are effectively and fully utilized by schools and communities as a tool for increasing student motivation as well as for development of educational activities and promotion of reading. This position requires skills in project management, training, curriculum development, networking, accounting, and supervising. The SLPO will report to the North Region Coordinator.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

School Libraries Program activities

• Liaise with government officials and/or school principals to implement RR program at the selected project sites, including school surveying, assessment, selection, implementation of program activities, and monitoring;
• Prepare detailed cost estimations for each project, specifying each school’s and/or NGO partner’s cost-sharing contribution and items contributed for the challenge grant;
• Do financial payment, advance, and liquidation and keep track of all expenditure related to project activities.
• Visit project sites as needed to supervise the projects; gather feedback and ensure that they deliver on their portion of the challenge grant and on all terms of agreement with RtR;
• Organize review meetings, planning meetings between RtR and partners, field facilitators, principals and teaching librarians;
• Assist in conducting monitoring and evaluation of RtR libraries and follow through with recommendations for improvement; input and update Global Solutions Data (GSD) every quarter
• Write project reports to North Region Coordinator in a timely manner, documenting best practices and lessons learned during field work and share with other project sites, relevant local staff, the Country and Program Directors and appropriate US based Program Officers;
• In consultation with the North Region Coordinator and appropriate headquarters staff, work to develop and conduct an effective RtR librarian training model on library management and activities, update training materials and manuals accordingly; with assistance of other Program Officer(s)/Associates(s);
• Organize activities/events to promote reading;
• Help select and purchase library furniture (or furniture designs) and educational materials; ensure the delivery and receipt of furniture, materials, books between RtR and local authorities;
• Participate in any other activities/events which may be required to be undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the organization.

Meetings/Networking

• Establish and manage relationships with other NGO’s, government officials and local educational facilities/authorities; schedule and attend meetings with them to coordinate planning and implementation of libraries;
• Represent RtR at relevant meetings if required and occasionally assist in hosting key donor visits;
• Provide regular updates on program activities and plans at regular meetings with SL Team Meetings;
• Perform other agreed tasks assigned by the North Region Coordinator;

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in library science or education;
• Three years of professional experience in education or community development;
• Prior experience in working with schools, teachers, administrators and government officials;
• Good knowledge and understanding of education issues, including teaching methodologies and community involvement in schools;
• Strong planning, budgeting, report writing skills;
• Ability to travel frequently to project sites;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Preferred:

• Good knowledge and understanding of children’s books issues, including the publishing trends in Viet Nam and the world, and children’s habit of reading;
• Working experience with NGOs or international development organization/project;
• Prior experience in delivering or facilitating training workshops;
• Experience in developing and/or implementing large-scale literacy initiatives.

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

Expected starting:  December 2014

Term of employment: 6-month temporary

Application due: 31 October 2014 or until the position is filled

Please send your Curriculum Vitae (in English) to HR department at [email protected]

Due to the high volume of applicant response, not all applicants may 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.