Room to Read is a non-governmental, non-religious nonprofit organisation that works with many local NGOs and community based organisations to implement programmes of the organisation. Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organisations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children.
Room to Read seeks to appoint a Literacy Programme Associate, based in Pretoria.
The Literacy Programme Associate – Quality Reading Materials’ (“QRM”) primary responsibilities include implementing and coordinating all aspects of Room to Read’s publishing initiatives including sourcing content, reviewing, editing, and negotiating agreements. S/he will also be required to research and form networks within the publishing industry to gauge local market trends and promote Room to Read as a key player in children’s book publishing.
The position will require some travel and involves frequent interaction with authors, illustrators, publishers, printers, and officials.
The position will report directly to the Literacy Program Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Management, Coordination and Implementation
- Book layout and/or organises and oversees the complete process of publishing Room to Read books in the Country Office (“CO”). This involves: sourcing local authors and illustrators, advising on story development, reviewing, editing, securing copy rights and ISBN codes, obtaining government approval, sending to print, etc.
- Collaborates with authors and illustrators to produce original, high quality content that is appropriate for target age groups, suitable for the local cultural context and functional as a tool for education
- Facilitate dialogues between authors and illustrators; ensures attention to detail and steers efforts toward a shared vision of a final product
- Initiates and manages a writers’ competition in which manuscripts for children’s books are submitted and reviewed by Room to Read
- Collaborates with the Literacy team on book levelling and analyses and makes recommendations for improving book content and layouts before submitting final drafts to Literacy Director for approval
- Ensure global guidelines are being adhered to and adapted as needed
- Gets quotes from several publishers to ensure competitive pricing
- Collaborate with Admin/Procurement team to source and procure needed materials
- Participate in any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfil the objectives of the organisation
- Planning, Reporting and Documentation
- Support donor affairs including supporting donor site visits and documenting anecdotes that evolve through field work
- Documents best practices and lessons learned during field work and shares with other project sites, relevant local staff, the Country Director and appropriate Regional and Global Office-based team members
- External Coordination and Networking
- Maintains relationships with other NGOs, government officials and local educational facilities/authorities
- Represents Room to Read in different forums and advocates the importance of reading and the need for local language children’s books
- Stays informed about the local children’s book publishing industry, investigating major children’s book publishers and local market demand
- Tracks changes in market trends with respect to content, format, types, age/grade levels, themes, languages (bi-lingual and/or minority languages) etc., and use this information to evaluate and inform Room to Read’s publishing initiatives
- Builds partnerships with organisations and associations involved with children’s books (NGOs involved with content development, writer’s groups, creative writing departments of universities, etc.) with the goal of becoming a key player in this community
Requirements:
- University diploma information science, languages, communications, or a related field
- A minimum of one to two years of related professional work experience
- Knowledge and understanding of local book publishing industry
- Experience managing a printing and publication process
- Manuscript editing, design and layout experience
- Facilitation and training skills
- Experience in developing and implementing programmatic improvements
- Prior success working closely and building relationships with diverse groups of people and organisations
- Effectiveness in working or volunteering in a non-profit organisation that is focused on maintaining high quality work and low overhead
- Prior experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented global or regional organisation
- Proven track record of achieving results
- Verbal and written communication skills in English
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously
- Have a passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic non-profit organisation
- Be an innovative and creative thinker – 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
To apply, submit a motivation letter with a comprehensive CV to [email protected]
Enquiries: HR Manager (012) 346 8731/3157.
Room to Read welcomes applications from persons with disabilities.
Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer.
If you do not hear from Room to Read within one month of the closing date, accept that your application was unsuccessful.
Late applications will not be considered and correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only.
More Information
- Job City Pretoria
