Assistant - Programme Implementation (Academic Support Fellow)

Job DESCRIPTION

Job Title

Academic Support Fellow - PIU

Grade

I

Department

Programme Operations

Reporting to

Centre Coordinator /Project Lead- PIU

Location

Varanasi - Uttar Pradesh

Contract duration

September 2026 to March 2027

About Bal Raksha Bharat

Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children) is Indias leading independent child rights organisation. It is a member of Save the Children movement that operates globally with the mission to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and achieve immediate and lasting changes in their lives. We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

No child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday

All children learn from a quality basic education and

Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We run programmes in the remotest corners of India and urban and rural areas in the areas of Health & Nutrition, Education, Child Protection and Livelihood & Economic Wellbeing in order to facilitate quality education, healthcare and protection from harm and abuse and life-saving aid during emergencies to children.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Academic Support Fellow will lead the education component for children in the 3-6 years and 6-14 years age groups at the Learning Centre. The role will focus on planning and facilitating age-appropriate learning activities, supporting childrens regular participation and learning progress, and creating a safe, inclusive and child-friendly learning environment.

The Academic Support Fellow will also act as the day-to-day in-charge of the Learning Centre. The person will oversee the routine functioning of the center, maintain required records, coordinate with volunteers and community stakeholders, support implementation of programme activities and regularly report the progress and key issues to the Centre Coordinator.

SCOPE OF ROLE

Scope: The person will be responsible for leading education-related activities and supporting the overall day-to-day functioning of the Learning Centre.

Reports to: Centre Coordinator

Staff reporting to this post: No

Budget Responsibilities: No

Role Dimensions:

Context: Development / Education

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

The key area of accountability required will be as follows:

• Plan and conduct regular learning sessions for children aged 3-6 years and 6-14 years as per the programme plan.
• Prepare age-appropriate activities and learning materials according to the needs and learning levels of children.
• Support children who require additional attention and provide individual or small-group support wherever needed.
• Track childrens attendance, participation and learning progress and maintain updated records.
• Encourage children to attend the Learning Centre regularly and follow up with children and families in case of irregular attendance.
• Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive and child-friendly learning environment at the center.
• Ensure that children are treated with dignity and respect and that the center follows child safeguarding practices.
• Take day-to-day responsibility for the functioning of the Learning Centre and ensure that planned activities are conducted on time.
• Maintain center-level records, registers, attendance sheets, learning records and other programme documents.
• Coordinate with volunteers, community members, parents and other stakeholders to improve childrens participation and learning.
• Conduct regular communication with parents/caregivers regarding childrens attendance, participation and learning progress.
• Identify children facing barriers to education and discuss appropriate support with the Centre Coordinator.
• Support community mobilization activities related to education and childrens participation.
• Participate in assessments, baseline/end line activities, learning assessments and other data collection processes as required.
• Support the Centre Coordinator in preparing monthly work plans, activity updates and reports.
• Ensure that learning materials, teaching aids and other center resources are properly used and maintained.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, review meetings and capacity-building sessions.
• Share challenges, field observations, success stories and relevant cases with the Centre Coordinator on a regular basis.
• Coordinate with other programme team members for smooth implementation of center and community activities.
• Undertake any additional responsibilities assigned by the Centre Coordinator related to programme implementation.

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)

Accountability

• Takes responsibility for assigned work and ensures that activities are completed as planned.
• Maintains accurate records and communicates challenges or delays in a timely manner.

Ambition

• Demonstrates commitment towards improving childrens learning and participation.
• Takes initiative to identify practical ways to improve the quality of learning sessions.

Collaboration

• Works respectfully with children, parents, volunteers, community members and programme colleagues.
• Builds positive working relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Creativity

• Uses simple and practical methods to make learning interesting and engaging for children.
• Adapts activities according to childrens age, learning level and needs.

Integrity

Maintains honesty and confidentiality while dealing with children, families and programme information.

• Follows organizational policies, child safeguarding standards and professional conduct.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Child Development, Humanities or a related field.
• Preference will be given to candidates having a B.Ed., D. El. Ed, BSW, MSW or equivalent qualification.
• Basic understanding of child development, foundational learning and age-appropriate teaching practices.
• Good understanding of classroom/learning-center activities and child-friendly approaches.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Good command of Hindi; knowledge of the local language/dialect will be an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of MS Office/Excel and digital data entry.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in education, teaching, community-based education or a similar development programme is desirable.
• Fresh candidates with relevant educational qualifications and strong interest in working with children may also be considered.
• Experience of working with children from vulnerable or underserved communities will be an advantage.
• Ability to plan and conduct group activities with children.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare basic reports.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Willingness to travel within the assigned programme area as required.

Generic Competencies

• Being the Voice of Children: Keeps childrens needs, participation and well-being at the center of day-to-day work.
• Advancing Equality & Inclusion: Promotes an inclusive learning environment where every child gets an opportunity to participate and learn.
• Builds & Strengthens Partnerships: Develops positive relationships with parents, volunteers and community stakeholders.
• Child Rights: Understands and promotes childrens rights and dignity through everyday work.

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

Equal Opportunities

Bal Raksha Bharat aims to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications irrespective of age, race, color, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. Women candidates are encouraged to apply.

Child Safeguarding

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Safeguarding our Staff

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the BRB s anti-harassment policy.

Note: Monthly Salary / Honorarium will include with Travel and communication.