Associate, Quality Reading Materials (QRM)

JOB DESCRIPTION 

ASSOCIATE QUALITY READING MATERIALS QRM)

A. ORGANIZATION PROFILE: PADHNAKO LAGI KOTHA

Padhanako Lagi Kotha (PLK) is a local non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing early-grade literacy and promoting gender equality in education for over 22 years. PLK is one of the local implementing partners for Room to Read's Literacy Program and Girls’ Education Program and specializes in developing the Quality Reading Material (QRM) to support both programs. Registered under the Associations Registration Act, 2034, PLK collaborates with communities, partner organizations, education sectors, and government agencies at all levels to cultivate literacy skills and foster a reading culture among primary school children.

B. POSITION OVERVIEW

The Associate – QRM will support Officer - QRM to contribute to design and development of quality reading materials including children’s book and Teaching Learning Materials (TLM) to support the successful implementation of the Literacy Program of Room to Read. S/he will support in conducting the writers’ and illustrators’ workshop, providing technical support to the Officer in close coordination with LP team of Room to Read.

C. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in QRM design and development orientation in Room to Read initiated program and supports the Officer during LP/QRM design and development.
• Supports Officer, QRM in influencing the government officials and other stakeholders on Quality Reading Materials (QRM) and Library under the literacy program. 
• Supports to collaborate with private publishers, like-minded organizations and other stakeholders for co-publishing (co-creation and licensing).
• Designs, develops and enhances the quality of Local Language Publishing (LLP) books, Teaching Learning Materials (TLM) and library materials with the support from Officer, QRM and Room to Read technical team.
• Provide information/input to Officer, QRM for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Supports to facilitate writers' and illustrators' workshops effectively, mentors them and provides needed feedback on the manuscript, story structure, character development, storyboard, cover and color. Manages the logistic arrangements, participant selection/confirmation and sends invitations for writers'/illustrators' workshops.
• Actively participates in workshops conducted by RtR (LP, RM&E).
• Supports managing Ideal Book Collection (IBC; selection, gradation, and finalization) based on QRM manual in coordination with Officer, QRM and provides input for IBC report to be submitted to Room to Read to identify gaps.
• Supports editing new book manuscripts based on QRM book development guidelines.
• Supports translation of the manuscripts and upon discussion with QRM Officer shares it with Room to Read’s technical team to collect technical feedback.
• Travels to the field for manuscript field testing before sending them for printing and records observation of the uses of TLM. This requires good coordination with the Officer, QRM and Room to Read’s team.
• Proceeds for printing process as per PLK's policy/guidelines on time.
• Supports in technical evaluation of the quality of procured goods, services and training.
• Prepares design, and templates and shares with the Officer, QRM before sharing it with RtR technical team.
• Coordinates with consultants for timely delivery of illustrations and design.
• Liaises with the Room to Read team for recommendations on improving the content and layout of books and materials.
• Reviews illustrations in all the reading materials and facilitates discussions between QRM (PLK) and the Room to Read team for illustration review.
• Share the design of the draft of the reading materials for feedback and incorporate the feedback during the review of the draft with Officer, QRM and Room to Read to identify revisions required.
• Prepares layout and designs of student's portfolio, layout and design of new titles, workbooks, learning facilitation guidelines, manuals and other department's required documents such as visiting cards, birthday cards, etc. in coordination with Room to Read. 
• Reviews or re-designs and layout of adapted books if required.
• Reviews layout and design for re-prints (if needed).
• Recommends specifications for procurement of LLP titles and other TLM. 
• Participate in any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfil the objectives of the organization.

D. PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (preferred in Education)
• Strictly adhere and comply with Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy and Child Protection Code of Conduct
• Minimum Three (3) years’ experience in the field of publication 
• Experience in Children's Language Development
• Proficiency in Nepali Language Skills
• Possessing a background of proficiency in teaching methodologies, community involvement and Nepali Curriculum Development will be an added value.
• Good knowledge and understanding of education issues, including teaching methodologies and community involvement in schools
• Strong planning, supervising, and program development skills
• Ability to travel frequently to provinces throughout the country
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Nepali
• Proven track record of achieving results 
• Experience developing and/or implementing large-scale literacy initiatives.

Preferred:

• High energy level, comfortable performing multifaceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities
• Superior interpersonal abilities. Ability to get along with diverse personalities, tactful, mature, flexible
• Good reasoning abilities, Sound judgment
• Good communication skills
• Resourceful and well organized
• Participative management style-advocate of team concept
• Ability to establish credibility and be decisive – but be able to recognize and support the organization's preferences and priorities
• Results and people-oriented but have sound judgment ability to balance other business considerations. Service-oriented but assertive/persuasive

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and team management skills.
• Knowledge of research, monitoring, and evaluation systems.
• Familiarity with local market trends in the publishing industry.
• Capacity to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

To be successful as a member of the PLK team, you will also:

• Have a passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic nonprofit organization.
• Be an innovative and creative thinker that tries new things and inspires 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.

Application procedure:

Please submit your cover letter explaining with evidence how you meet the above specifications along with your recent resume in email: plknepal@gmail.com

Last date for application: November 25, 2024.