Director, Research Monitoring Evaluation at Room to Read

Haputhale, Uva Province, Sri Lanka -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

06 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

08 Oct, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, Data Analysis, Project Management, Communication, Capacity Building, Strategic Planning, Collaboration, Technical Reporting, Digital Transformation, Policy Engagement, Quantitative Analysis, Qualitative Analysis, Education Issues, Stakeholder Engagement

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

World Change Starts with Educated Children® 2025 is our 25th Anniversary! Join Us in Celebrating 25 Years of Progress. IMPORTANT: All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located. Room to Read is not able to provide sponsorship. Position Overview The Director - Research, Monitoring & Evaluation (RM&E) is a new position being created to strengthen Room to Read Sri Lanka RM&E portfolio and contribute to the leadership of Room to Read Sri Lanka. The incumbent will lead the RM&E team, provide strategic and technical assistance, execute a transformative research plan, liaise with government counterparts, academicians and sector experts and serve as a thought-leader at the country and global level, presenting Room to Read Sri Lanka RM&E work. The RM&E Director will also build the capacity of the RM&E team. The position will report directly to the Country Director, be a part of the Country Management Team, and work in collaboration with the Room to Read Global office RM&E team. This position will be based in Colombo but will require frequent travel to all areas where Room to Read operates. Key Responsibilities Design and Implementation of RM&E work Develop a transformative research plan that helps establish Room to Read Sri Lanka in support of Room to Read’s programmatic scope, with a primary focus on foundational literacy, girls’ education/life skills programming. Execute the research plan to meet both long and short-term strategic goals of the organization; Develop standardized research methodology and data-management protocols that promote effective and efficient project execution and build organizational expertise; Regularly engage with key members of Literacy and GEP team to understand the research needs and priorities; Leverage strategic partnerships with academic, government and other non-profit research organizations; Effectively communicate research findings to broad stakeholder network, tailored based on stakeholder priorities and information needs; Publish research findings in national and international journals; Represent Room to Read in different forums and advocate the importance of our educational work in the developing world. Monitoring Evaluation Portfolio: Design and implement an M&E system for RtR Sri Lanka programs and projects, in line with global guidance and practices; Oversee and guide in the analysis of M&E data and assessment results to determine the status of the programs/projects; Identify additional areas of analysis and assessment that can feedback into program design and implementation; Innovate new M&E systems and projects in order to continuously improve our work in the field; Explore and promote use of technology tools to increase efficiency of M&E systems; Lead and develop M&E Annual Plan of action for RtR Sri Lanka, oversee the implementation of the plan and ensure M&E section performance is meeting with organizational expectations; Develop M&E frameworks/ log frames for new projects and contribute to project proposal development; Coordinate with external consultants and assessment agencies, as required, to ensure fidelity of assessments; Develop data quality protocols and communicate the same with various stakeholders; Synthesize and analyze data and write summary reports based on the M&E results. Present data/information to internal and external stakeholders in an understandable form. Contribute to donor reports and internal organization reports/annual reports etc; Work with program staff and Global Office staff to codify best practices for Room to Read’s programs so that they can be shared across existing countries of operation and rolled out in new ones. Conduct regular site visits to active project sites to ensure compliance with implementation plans, identify problems, and make needed improvements. Other Responsibilities As a member of the Country Management Team, provide strategic inputs and contribute to decision-making; Develop capacity of the RtR Sri Lanka RM&E Team through continuous coaching and supervision Establish a collaborative relationship with all other departments within the organization, manage expectations and help resolve interpersonal conflicts; Support the Global RM&E team on specific initiatives, as and when required; Network with RM&E teams of other organizations, identify best practices in the sector and implement them in RtR Sri Lanka; Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor. Qualifications Required Masters or advanced degree in social sciences, Economics; PhD preferred Minimum 12 years of post-education relevant experience with at least 3 years of management experience in the development sector or international development in line with the duties and responsibilities outlined above. Strong technical competence in research, monitoring, and evaluation theories, methods, and their practical application in the field. Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, with proven ability to work with data analysis software packages such as STATA/ SPSS Strong operational management ability: a clear focus on results – sets goals, plans and prioritizes effectively, monitors quality and progress of work against plans; Proven ability to design and produce high-quality complex technical reports; Experience with digital transformation strategies to support data collection, analysis and visualization; Experience with engaging policy makers and influencing outcomes at the sector level; Entrepreneurial skills; Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Sinhala / Tamil; Good knowledge and understanding of education issues. Ability to travel frequently within the country; Compensation The salary range for this position will be determined based upon the experience of the candidate hired. Benefits including health, accident and provident fund are also provided. Additional benefits include a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, and rapidly growing organization that is changing the world through the lifelong gift of education. Should you meet our expectations, forward your detailed CV together with the names & contact details of 03 non-related referees within 10 days. Child Protection Principles Room to Read is committed to the education and welfare of children and protecting them from abuse and exploitation Room to Read has zero tolerance for child abuse and exploitation. All children have the right to be free from abuse and exploitation, including neglect, maltreatment, and physical, mental or sexual violence, injury or abuse. All children should be treated with respect and dignity. The well-being of the child is Room to Read’s first priority when dealing with all identified or suspected cases of child abuse. Room to Read shall integrate child protection into all its organizational strategies, structures and work practices. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Principles Room to Read Representatives must create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. Room to Read has zero tolerance for adult sexual exploitation and abuse. Sexual exploitation and abuse are serious violations of fundamental human rights and will not be accepted or tolerated. All adults should be treated with respect and dignity. Room to Read implements a survivor-centered approach, putting the survivor’s rights and dignity at the forefront. Survivors referred to available professional assistance (e.g. mental health counselling), upon consent. Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel must adhere to Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy, Child Protection Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy. About Room to Read: Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow – creating lasting change. Through our Literacy Portfolio, we train and coach teachers of the early grades in literacy instruction; create and publish quality books and curricular materials in local languages; and establish children’s libraries filled with diverse children’s books that can be enjoyed at school and home. Our Gender Equality Portfolio supports adolescents, particularly girls, in developing life skills that promote gender equality, helping them to pursue lifelong learning and make informed decisions. We support young people of all genders to overcome gender biases and build the knowledge and skills to create a gender-equal world. Room to Read collaborates with local communities, partner organizations, publishers, and governments to test and implement innovative models that can be integrated into the education system to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale. To date, Room to Read has benefited more than 50 million children in 28 countries. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org. 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. Thank you for considering a career with Room to Read. I was first attracted to Room to Read because of the mission to create a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality. What I have found here is the joy in working with a group of extraordinary people towards this bold goal. In my work, I aim to shape an inclusive and supportive organizational culture where everyone feels valued and respected, and where we each thrive. Our team members are our greatest asset, and I am personally committed to creating an environment that supports both personal and professional growth and empowers individuals from everywhere in the world to contribute their best. I hope you will join us in creating a better, more equal world. Cynthia Orme Chief People and Technology Officer

Responsibilities

The Director of Research, Monitoring & Evaluation will lead the RM&E team, develop and execute a transformative research plan, and communicate findings to stakeholders. This role also involves designing and implementing M&E systems for programs and projects in Sri Lanka.