Project Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

Climate related hazards pose a significant threat to Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. In the 2019 Global Climate Risk Index Report, Sri Lanka was ranked second among the countries most affected by extreme weather events in 2017, and one of ten countries most affected in 2018. There were several large-scale disaster events in recent years such as severe droughts in 2011 & 2016, and major floods & landslides in 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2017

The ADB member countries have spearheaded important initiatives after recognizing the necessity for greater investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific.

Apart from the ‘Building Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure through Enhanced Knowledge programme initiative’ UNDP also supports a few other initiatives in the DRR portfolio such as ‘Accelerating Disaster Risk Reduction and Enhancing Crisis Response through Digital Solutions (Digital Solutions for DRR)’ with support from the Government of Japan, building on the achievement and partnership under the Global Centre for Disaster Statistics (GCDS). further, UNDP Sri Lanka, along with the UNDP Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team based in the Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH DRR Team) is also addressing multiple challenges imposed by disasters through ‘Building Disaster Resilience of MSMEs in Tourism Sector of Sri Lanka’ to address some of the critical needs of the Tourism MSME sector and ‘Partnerships for Strengthening School Preparedness for Tsunamis in the Asia Pacific region -Phase III’

Under the direct supervision of National Project Coordinator, UNDP and Climate & Environment team, the National UN Youth Volunteer will:

• Assist the National Project Coordinator in the preparation of detailed work plans for project activities, follow-up actions, and submitting timely, accurate reports of the ongoing project. • Support the National project coordinator to ensure the timely and smooth implementation of all DRR project activities under the supervision of the National Project Coordinator. • Support the National project coordinator in coordination for the implementation of the DRR digital solution(s) in the country with private sector provisional engagement. This task will be led by local experts/consultants and IT or related service providers. • Assist with conducting training programmes for government officials and relevant stakeholders to deliver DRR solutions. • Assist with conducting public and/or focused-group awareness programs and campaigns at the provincial and district levels in collaboration with the national, provincial, and district level DRR and other member agencies. • Support the National project coordinator to facilitate collaboration with key development partners (e.g. UN agencies, NGOs, CSOs) private sector, and other key technical and donor agencies at the country and regional levels. • support implementation of ‘Partnerships for Strengthening School Preparedness for Tsunamis in the Asia Pacific region -Phase III’ and ‘Accelerating Disaster Risk Reduction and Enhancing Crisis Response through Digital Solutions’ (DX4Resilience)Project of UNDP DRR programme. • Perform other related duties as assigned by the National Project Coordinator and C&E Team.

Other • Support the preparation and update of project work plans, budgets and briefs and other documents as necessary. • Support the timely preparation and submission of progress reports, project reviews, programme evaluations, and any other required project reports. • Provide technical support for progress reviews including Project Board Meetings, workshops, and other meetings as tasked by the project. • Assist in operations, financial and HR resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services. • Perform any other tasks assigned by the National Project Coordinator.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility and adaptability • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

• Academic; A Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, Climate change, business and management, finance or related fields is preferred. • Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to 2 years) in project assistance position preferred • Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

Colombo is situated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. Located on the west coast of the island and the metropolitan city is adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte. The climate is fairly tropical all throughout the year and humidity is usually high. From March to April the temperature averages around 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). The only major change in Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January when heavy rainfalls occur.

Sri Lanka is a unique country and this assignment is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. Conditions of for I