Project Management Support Senior Assistant (Community Mobilization)

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

The South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) supports UNOPS operations across six countries: Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAMCO delivers a broad range of services and technical expertise in climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), infrastructure, procurement, human resource management, and fund management. Each country office is staffed with local technical experts and maintains strong partnerships with national governments, ensuring context-specific solutions and effective project implementation.

The project was developed following a series of assessments and consultations conducted since 2022 by the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government, KOICA, UNOPS, and relevant national and local stakeholders. These assessments identified significant gaps in waste collection, treatment, and final disposal systems in the Uva and Northern Provinces, particularly in Badulla and Vavuniya districts. Both districts were recognized as high-priority areas due to increasing waste generation, limited infrastructure, operational constraints within local authorities, and continued reliance on open dumping practices. The assessments further emphasized the need for an integrated approach that combines infrastructure development, institutional strengthening, and community participation.

Based on these assessments' findings and recommendations, the Government of Sri Lanka and KOICA agreed to develop a dedicated intervention to establish sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) systems in the selected districts. The collaboration was formalized through a Record of Discussion, and UNOPS was engaged to support implementation, drawing on its extensive experience in delivering ISWM and circular economy initiatives in Sri Lanka.

Under the supervision of the project manager, the Community Mobilisation Senior Assistant will support field-level implementation of community engagement and behaviour change activities in coordination with Local Authorities (LAs), community groups and project partners.

Community Mobilization and Local Authority Coordination

• Maintain close and regular communication with LAs, community leaders and residents, particularly in communities surrounding proposed waste management infrastructures including the sanitary landfill.

• Support community meetings, consultations, and engagement activities related to project infrastructure development in coordination with LAs and the project team.

• Assist the project team and LAs in implementing community engagement plans and communication activities to build trust and address community concerns.

• Facilitate inclusive community participation, including women and vulnerable groups, and communicate community feedback and concerns to the project team.

• Support implementation Complaints and Concerns Response Mechanism (CCRM) and facilitate institutionalization of the grievance redress mechanism at the local authority level and community-based organizations. 

Coordination for Behavior Change Activities

• Liaise with Local Authorities, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to facilitate community participation in waste management awareness and behavior change activities implemented by service providers.

• Support coordination between service providers, Local Authorities and communities to ensure smooth implementation of planned activities.

• Assist in mobilizing community members, schools and relevant community groups to participate in awareness campaigns, training sessions and other project activities.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor community concerns, potential disputes and emerging social risks related to project infrastructure activities, and promptly report issues to the project team for appropriate follow-up.

• Support the implementation of established grievance mechanisms by documenting community concerns and complaints and referring them through UNOPS procedures.

• Monitor community participation and engagement activities, including those implemented by service providers, and collect relevant field information and feedback.

Required:

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience OR

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in  Social Science, Sociology, Community Development, Development Studies, Environmental Studies or any other related field  with 1 year of relevant experience is required.

Required: 

• Experience in community mobilisation, community engagement, stakeholder coordination.

• Experience in working with local communities, government authorities, and other relevant stakeholders is required.

Desired:

• Experience in community engagement related to infrastructure development, solid waste management, or environmental projects is desirable.

• Experience in community relations, grievance management, or social risk monitoring is an asset.

• Previous experience working with UN agencies and other international organizations will be an advantage.

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
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• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
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