Program Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROGRAM MANAGER

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 Program Manager for Padhnako Lagi Kotha’s (PLK’s) is responsible for the strategic and tactical execution of all program-related activities. This senior management role oversees implementation, coordination, development, reporting, and expansion of current and prospective program and administrative work. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors (BoD) of PLK, the Program Manager supervises program and program support teams. The Program Manager will also coordinate closely with Room to Read’s Literacy Director and Program Operations Director who will provide technical and operational expertise on the related matters.

C. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

i. Management and Coordination:

• Directs and ensures efficient, effective and timely management of all designated program development, implementation, and internal controls as per PLK’s policy to ensure high quality achievement of annual goals.
• Provides leadership and strategic direction for the Quality Reading Material’s Program.
• Supervises Program (technical) and supports staff, coordinates and leads procurement, inventory management, and distribution activities to ensure effective implementation.
• Maintains close coordination with Room to Read’s Literacy Program team for technical expertise.
• Oversees capacity building of office staff through training and development initiatives.
• Ensures effective research, monitoring, and evaluation (RM&E) systems are in place.
• Facilitates regular interaction and mobilization of all staff members.
• Prepares terms of agreement for outside program consultants and oversees the non-technical aspects of their work. 
• Leads as the chair of the Management Committee of PLK
• Coordinates and communicates with PLK board as and when necessary.

ii. Program Implementation and Monitoring:

• Oversees all aspects of program design, material development, printing, and delivery.
• Coordinates professional development activities for staff on quality reading material development.
• Ensures RtR’s Literacy Program (LP) schools receive engaging, relevant, and appropriate books and instructional materials.
• Supervises frequent travel to project sites to monitor program implementation and support staff.
• Implements and monitors the annual program in alignment with RtR’s country strategy.
• Lead/Supports annual planning and budgeting for effective program implementation.
• Coordinates with Admin/Finance team to ensure accurate oversight of budgets and spending, and supports monthly and quarterly budget forecasts
• Develops and implements ideas that address program priorities in collaboration with the RtR’s technical program staff, provides input into strategic and operational planning exercises
• Collaborates with relevant RtR staff to strengthen and improve program impact and sustainability
• Provides regular updates on program implementation and plans to the BoD as well as RtR.

iii. Planning, Reporting, and Documentation:

• Leads PLK’s annual planning and contribute to Room to Read’s annual program planning.
• Ensures timely and accurate progress reporting to the BoD, Room to Read and other stakeholders.
• Documents best practices and lessons learned for policy influence and wider replication.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive program records and documentation.
• Oversees the reporting of program achievements and challenges to stakeholders.
• Ensures that organizational, governmental and donor reports are of high quality and are provided on a timely basis

iv. External Coordination and Networking:

• Explores shared-learning and networking opportunities
• Develops and manages relationships with government, NGOs and appropriate educational bodies as related to program implementation
• Represents PLK at relevant meetings and assist in planning and hosting donor visits
• Ensures government approvals are obtained and legal compliance are met for all PLK’s programs being implemented
• Advocate for policy influence and network with relevant authorities for program support.
• Facilitate collaboration and joint efforts with Room to Read for program scaling through co-publishing initiatives.

v. Others

• Participates in any other activities as required to fulfill the objectives of PLK
• Other duties as necessary are assigned by Manager, RM&E.

D. PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Required:

• Master’s degree in Education, Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in program management, preferably in education or literacy programs.
• Strong leadership, management, and coordination skills.
• Experience in material development, publishing, and professional development activities.
• Excellent communication, networking, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to travel frequently to project sites.
• Proficiency in program planning, reporting, and documentation.

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.