Project Development and Communications Officer

UNOPS Sri Lanka

UNOPS office in Sri Lanka provides technical, operational and administrative support to 4 countries in the South Asia region: Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. UNOPS work in this region focuses on the construction and operation of high quality sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement, project management for host governments, development partners and UN agencies.

UNOPS’ work in Sri Lanka focuses on the construction and operation of high quality sustainable infrastructure and sustainable procurement, project management, timely provision of services, and the use of most relevant technologies. Such projects provide social and economic benefits to vulnerable populations across the country, and contribute to poverty eradication. This includes construction of schools, hospitals, water networks, urban sewerage and drainage facilities, harbours and anchorages, waste management facilities, climate change mitigation, as well as a range of “soft” support in Capacity Building, operations and maintenance of public assets, local governance, etc.

Background of Project / Assignment

UNOPS operates within the overall framework of the UN Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) and is working with UN Agencies to better support the Government of Sri Lanka within the focus areas of the UNSDF. UNOPS co-chairs UNSDF Driver 4 on Environment Sustainability, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, and also actively takes part in other UN coordination structures.

Within this context, UNOPS is looking to recruit a suitable a candidate for the post of Project Development and Communications Officer.

The incumbent will work within the Partnership Development Unit, and shall have a direct reporting line to UNOPS Sri Lanka Director and will support partnership development, communications, and coordination activities of the office. 

Under the overall supervision of the Director a.i. of UNOPS Sri Lanka, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties and responsibilities; 

Support the Director and Project Managers and the Partnership Development Unit to ensure:

i)        timely reporting for both internal and external purposes; ii)       implementation of a communication strategy for the country office;
iii)      projects receive necessary support in communications, M&E and reporting;
iv)      regular and consistent coordination with key stakeholders involved in UNOPS activities, including  coordinating with UN agencies and other coordination structures; and
v)       Support necessary UNOPS planning activities and compliance with UNOPS standards and procedures.

Supporting Partnerships Development

• Work within the Partnership Development Unit and support the Project Development Officer in developing new concepts and projects.
• Support the Project Development Officer in engaging with Government and Donor counterparts for project development.

• Coordinate annual planning exercise for the office as well as supporting the Director in regular monitoring of progress of activities within the office including for Quarterly Business Reviews.
• Coordinate timely completion of internal reporting and compliance processes such as Quarterly Assurance and RBR by supporting Project Managers and other team leaders.
• Function as Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator for the office and follow up on compliance with UNOPS policies on the topic.
• Coordinate with other offices supported by Sri Lanka Office to ensure timely compliance with UNOPS reporting requirements.
• Supporting the Director and Project Development Officer in responding to ad-hoc reporting requirements that come from HQ or the Regional Office.

• Support project managers in ensuring consistent and timely reporting is carried out for all projects and programmes.
• Liaising with project counterparts, including donors and government as necessary to facilitate project delivery.
• Supporting projects in developing and implementing communications and M&E plans as necessary in compliance with donor and UNOPS guidelines.
• Ensure UNOPS project management tools and procedures are integrated into projects, including knowledge management.
• Providing oversight on reporting and communications activities of projects.

• Develop and implement a communications strategy for the office.
• Ensure that all external communications of the office and projects are compliant with UNOPS communication guidelines.
• Develop and disseminate communications material for UNOPS activities in the country.
• Coordinate with UNOPS Communication Group to develop and share content.
• Support other offices and projects in communications activities as needed.

• Support the Director in activities related to Co-Chairing the UNSDF Driver 4 Group.
• Participation in UN Coordination Groups including the UN Communications Group (UNCG) and the UN M&E Group, among others.

Education

• Master degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences, Environmental Management or related field.
• A Bachelor degree in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master degree

• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in project development and communications is required.
• Relevant experience in monitoring & evaluation and reporting is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in data analysis and research is required.
• Excellent written communication skills in English is required. 

• Strong negotiation skills;
• Ability to engage constructively with governments at central and decentralised levels;
• Ability to identify, scope and support development of business opportunities;
• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally in English and Sinhala. Excellent command of English;
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment and different stake holders with sensitivity and respect for diversity; 
• Good analytical skills; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment;
• Demonstrated knowledge of office applications including presentation software;
• Strong organizational skills, and an ability to multi­task and prioritize work schedules;
• Knowledge of UN rules and regulations will be an asset.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• This post is open to Sri Lankan nationals only.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.