Background Information – Job-specific
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations helping a wide range of partners in delivering peace, security, humanitarian and development projects across the world.
UNOPS Sri Lanka implements tailored socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable communities and supports the Government national capacities. UNOPS has been working across Sri Lanka managing education, public health, roads, water and sanitation, fisheries, agriculture and solid waste infrastructure projects. UNOPS also provides expertise in procurement, fund management and human resources management services.
As part of its programme implementation and advisory capacity, UNOPS will work closely with members of the Government of Sri Lanka and its representatives, and the Sri Lankan civil society to deliver agreed sets of projects and activities to support the work of Sri Lankan civil society in assisting the people and communities of Sri Lanka.
The Programme Management Associate will support the execution of programmatic tasks and activities under the UNOPS Sri Lanka peacebuilding programme. They will work closely with other team members in Protection, Project Management, Financial Management and Grants Management for Civil Society partners. More specifically, the Programme Management Associate will be responsible to provide support for the day to day programmatic activities with the civil society partners including the coordination of the training, technical support, provision of equipment, and grant implementation follow up.
Under the supervision of the Programme Manager and in close coordination with other members of the project team, the Programme Management Associate will provide programmatic support for the delivery of all activities as per UNOPS agreed policies, processes and standards. They will have a high sense of integrity, confidentiality and the ability to engage sensibly with local stakeholders including local authorities and local communities. These positions are based in Batticaloa, Hatton or Mullaitivu with extensive travel/presence in field locations.
Functional Responsibilities
Summary of functions:
- Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
- Programme Implementation Monitoring and Reporting
- Communication
1. Support and coordination of Stakeholder Engagement
- Document, map and regularly update key stakeholders of the projects including implementing partners, civil society organizations, local authorities and donors.
- Ensure liaison and communication with partners and key stakeholders in the relevant duty station and geographic area.
- Interact with UNOPS project teams, partners to exchange information on operational implementation related to the programme.
- Coordinate routine activities and operational aspects and report problems and issues to the supervisor.
- Arrange and support the facilitation of meetings, training and workshops with different stakeholders.
- Arrange and facilitate field visits.
2. Support to Programme Implementation Monitoring and Reporting
- Support the documentation of all relevant project documents and administrative files in the field office.
- Support and contribute to the timely reporting to donors in collaboration with different functional units.
- Assist and participate in field visits to the project sites, including the related logistics and administrative matters as necessary.
3. Communications
- Support communication and visibility activities for the programme as part of the programme communications plan and strategy.
Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others.
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- High school diploma is required.
- A university degree is desirable, but not required, and may substitute for some of the required years of experience.
Experience
- Secondary education with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience working in a similar function in Civil Society Organizations, NGOs or UN agencies in Sri Lanka is require or A Bachelor degree with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in a similar function in Civil Society Organizations, NGOs or UN agencies in Sri Lanka is considered equivalent.
- Good knowledge of the development and humanitarian sector/working with UN, Donors, NGOs in Sri Lanka is an advantage.
- Additional experience of project support functions (finance, human resources, procurement & logistics) is an advantage.
Language
- Full working knowledge of English is essential.
- Knowledge of at least one of the local languages, Sinhala and/or Tamil, is required.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: Local ICA Support Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance The position is only open to Sri Lankan nationals For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspxAdditional Information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
