Background

Since May 2009, more than 350,000 displaced persons have returned to their places of origin voluntarily and permanently across North and East of Sri Lanka, while approximately, 38,579 IDPs living in North and East. In 2015, the Government of Sri Lanka pledged to release private land under High Security as well as Economic Zones. Since then the Government, through the Ministry of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Norther Development, Vocational Training, Skills Development and Youth Affairs (henceforth Ministry of Resettlement) have made considerable progress in assisting the return/relocation and integration of those affected in facilitating durable solutions and northern province development projects. Under the overall guidance of the PPP, UN continues to extend support to the Government of Sri Lanka with innovative programming, operational design and implementation of priority actions identified in key policy frameworks and plans. To this end, UN also works in collaboration with government stakeholders to build capacity by providing integrated and high-quality technical support services.

 

It is in this context, UNDP (on behalf of UN) seeks to recruit a Coordination Assistant to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Resettlement to strengthen its coordination efforts around resettlement and re-integration of conflict affected populations.

 

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

Under the direct guidance and supervision of the Ministry of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Norther Development, Vocational Training, Skills Development and the Presidential Task Force on Northern and Eastern Provinces Development; the consultant is expected to work daily in assisting coordination functions focusing on resettlement and related programmes. In addition, the consultant will report on updates on progress of assignment to the Peacebuilding Secretariat of the UN Resident Coordinators Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES/ DELIVERABLES

a. Support the formulation and preparation of key documentation including that of cabinet papers, policy briefs and project proposals;

b. Support and coordinate the work of the dedicated resettlement and rehabilitation team within the Ministry under the guidance of the Secretary;

c. Support the government led demining programme, land releases and other resettlement related interventions including the operationalisation of the policy on durable solutions;

d. Assist overall monitoring, evaluation and results-based management of the projects;

e. Support to ensure effective coordination between the Ministry, donors and development stakeholders including UN;

f. Undertake any other priority tasks assigned by the Ministry of Resettlement and Rehabilitation on programme and policy related assignments.

 

TIMEFRAME

Six months with the possibility of extension.

 

Competencies

Experience and competencies:

  • Minimum two (02) years previous relevant work experience i.e.in the peacebuilding, human rights, humanitarian, or development sector;
  • Familiarity with the resettlement/ relocation needs, policies and frameworks that guide work with displaced populations, i.e.  IASC Durable Solutions Framework is an advantage;
  • Familiarity in working with Sri Lanka Public Sector;
  • Knowledge of Peacebuilding or related conflict sensitive approaches;
  • Knowledge and experience working with UN and donors;
  • Strong planning and organisational skills;
  • Good analytical and writing skills in English;
  • Ability to take up problem solving approach and dedication to tasks assigned;
  • Ability to deliver high quality products in a timely manner within tight deadlines;
  • Working knowledge of Sinhala/ Tamil is an advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Law, International Relations, Economics, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences, or any other related field.

 

HOW TO APPLY

The application should contain:

  • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work.
  • Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR
  • Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP.
  • Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org  stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

 

Or All-Inclusive Daily Fee: LKR (_____________________________________)

 

Amount in words:

(Rs. _______________________________________________________________)

 

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

 

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided.  Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts. 

 

Payment for Services

Will be made against Deliverables / Outputs - Monthly reports summarising the progress of the completion of key deliverables for the Ministry of Resettlement by End of every monoth which will be reviewed and approved by Secretary, Ministry of Resettlement and counter signed by UNDP Programme Manager.