Project Management Support -Senior Assistant, Multiple positions

UNOPS Sri Lanka

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services and capacity building and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability and accountability of Projects. Key projects in Sri Lanka include the Technical Project Management support for the Maternal and Newborn Health Care Strengthening Project in Matara District, Sri Lanka funded by KOICA.UNOPS Sri Lanka also facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

Project Information 

The proposed project “Developing Sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) and Circular Economy in the Uva and Northern Provinces” aims to support strengthen sustainable and inclusive integrated solid waste management system in Northern and Uva Provinces with an overall goal for “Reducing environmental impacts, greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of life of local residents by developing the ISWM system and circular economy (SDGs 12,13). 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Environmental Technical Officer, who will be managing the IEE process and the overall supervision of the project team lead, the Project Management Senior Assistant will provide a range of administrative and liaison support. 

1. Communication and engagement with local stakeholders  

• Support effective and active communication with the local authorities for the IEE assessment by keeping close contact with the focal points at different offices in the local authorities that have been already identified. 

• Assist in identifying, developing and maintaining a wide range of connections with different stakeholders within the communities, such as schools, businesses, community leaders, CSOs leaders, etc. 

• Support collection of necessary information, documents from local authorities and communities as requested by the supervisor during the IEE assessment process. 

• Assist in organising communication activities and developing communication materials that will support the local authorities and communities in better understanding of the importance of the specific project, the procedures and intended activities. 

• Support research and screening of any conferences, meetings and/or events (both governmental, public) that will help keep abreast of the relevant information and updates within the district and attend the functions if necessary.   

2. Reporting and monitoring  

• Collect and compile district level data and information and share with relevant teams. 

• Participate in coordination meetings with the local authorities and local communities as necessary and prepare meeting minutes. 

• Support in recording and report writing of identified risks, issues and lessons learned. 

• Follow up, on a regular basis, the overall situation and updates in the district and report accordingly, indicating progress, constraints and requirements. 

• Track, follow up and provide regular updates on the status of pending requests and any approaching deadlines. 

• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. 

3. General 

• Support coordinate meetings and visits, including delegation visits, technical and public meetings, events, community consultations and interviews, and other requirements as needed. 

• Support informed decision making process for the project team by providing local community context and information.  

• Support in translating and interpretation as required. (Sinhala/Tamil/English)

• Perform other responsibilities as may be required from time to time requested by the Manager 

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Field Assistant contributes to the successful achievement of the project and consequently reinforces the UNOPS impact on climate action initiatives as well as strengthen its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services. 

Education 

• A Diploma/Certification in a relevant subject, preferably Environmental Science, Social Science, Civil Engineering is required.

• A Bachelor's Degree from a recognized institution,  in the aforementioned fields may substitute for some of the required years of experience.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in solid waste management / community infrastructure projects. 

• Knowledge and work experience related to the following areas are desirable.

1. Data collection. 

2. Community awareness/mobilization

3. Field assessment/ survey

4. Public services

Language 

• Fluency in either Sinhala or Tamil is required.

• Intermediate English language skills.  

Contract type:  Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)

Contract level: LICA 5 

• 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.