Project Management Support

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). 

The main outcomes of the project is to support establishing ISWM systems at the local authority level with ISWM and circular economy policies, aim at increased recycled materials through improved ISWM facilities and infrastructure and capacities and finally increase community participation in involvement in the waste management governance. Due to the mid-high level of impact and as per requirement of the donor and government, a comprehensive Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) will be conducted. 

Functional Responsibilities

• 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.

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. 

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.

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

Education/Experience/Language requirements

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.
• Data collection.
• Community awareness/mobilization
• Field assessment/ survey
• Public services

Language 

• Fluency in either Sinhala or Tamil is required.
• Intermediate English language skills.

Source: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=27911