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.

UNDP Sri Lanka’s Flagship Portfolio on SDG16- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions brings together inclusive governance and peacebuilding work under one umbrella. The Portfolio is implemented by UNDP as part of its Country Programme and the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework and enables the provision of cohesive and integrated support to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Under this portfolio, UNDP in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will be launching a comprehensive Justice Reform Programme (Programme) supported by the European Union. The Programme contains a holistic package of support to the justice sector in Sri Lanka and will be implemented in close consultation and partnership with key justice sector institutions including the Ministry of Justice, Judicial Service Commission, Attorney General’s Department and Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, United Nations & Human Rights Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (United Nations and Human Rights Division) on Sri Lanka’s interaction with the UN Human Rights Mechanisms, including inter-Ministerial structures in charge of Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and other interrelated processes such as the National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) and Treaty Body Reporting.

• Assist the timely preparation of briefing papers and reports required by the Ministry, in keeping with stipulated guidelines, including documentation required for the Universal Periodic Review, and periodic Treaty Reporting for ICCPR, CAT, CEDAW, CESCR, CRC, CRPD, etc.

• Conduct research on relevant information and data, including studies, and local media updates.

• Prepare information material, meeting minutes and other supporting documents.

• Support the preparation for and arrangement of meetings, visits in relation to UN Human Rights Mechanisms including UPR and Special Procedures Mandate Holders

• Provide administrative support for day to day office functions.

• Any other related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Working in Teams

Law, International Relations, Human rights, Humanities, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences or any other related field

• At least 0-3 years of relevant work experience in related field • Previous experience working with Government stakeholders will be an advantage • Research, coordination, communication/advocacy and/or administrative experience • Demonstrates good diplomacy skills and flexibility • Experience in the use of computers and office software packages • Experience in working in cross-cultural environments is an asset • Good inter-personal skills • Ability to work individually and in teams with people at all levels • Confident and pro-active • Responsible and accountable, with good capacity to work on sensitive issues • Excellent time-management skills • Detail-oriented with ability to work under pressure

Living Conditions Colombo is situated on the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. Colombo is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. The climate is fairly temperate throughout the year but humidity is usually high. From March to April the temperature averages around 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January when heavy rainfall occurs. Sri Lanka became a member of the United Nations on 14 December 1955