Project Associate (Governance, SDG Planning & Finance)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. Since 1966 UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nation. 

• Support research and analysis of the costing and financing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka; 
• Conduct research on innovative financing schemes for the SDGs; 
• Support work with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sustainable Development and their four thematic clusters; 
• Support the compilation of data and information on the SDGs; 
• Contribute to the production of research reports and publications, policy position/discussion papers, and knowledge management products on the SDGs; 
• Provide coordination and administrative support where required – for e.g., policy event management, policy networks, etc.; and 
• Any other tasks required by the Unit. 

• Support research on international standards, principles and best practices on business & human rights
• Review regional initiatives on Business & Human Rights and identify opportunities for collaboration within the region
• Conduct research on the scope for intervention in the field of business & Human Rights in Sri Lanka
• Conduct research on entry points within the private sector
• Keep abreast of emerging opportunities within the country in line with the governmental priorities
• Engage with relevant stakeholders including Government, Private Sector and Civil Society in implementing the Business & Human Rights programme
• Contribute to the production of research reports and publications, country briefs, concept documents and discussion papers, presentations, knowledge management products on Business & Human Rights 
• Provide coordination and administrative support where required (e.g. – event management, management of stakeholder coordination platforms – Working Group meetings)
• Liaise with the UNDP Regional Centre in Bangkok during implementation
• Support the compilation of data and information on Business & Human Rights (i.e – case compendiums)
• Any other tasks required in furtherance of the Business & Human Rights programme in Sri Lanka

• demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. 

• mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. 

• initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. 

• effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. 

• ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gen- der; 

• proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; 

• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; 

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

• Secondary Education (G.C.E. Advanced Level ) with 6 years OR Bachelor's degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, law or any other related field with minimum of one (1) year, progressive experience in research work and statistical methods. (Economics, finance, administration and human resources)

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required, and knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is an asset.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

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UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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