Project Management Support -Senior Assistant, Multiple positions

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.