Jobs - 89959- Project Assistant - (Consultancy to implement acti

Project Assistant - (Consultancy to implement activities of the ‘Support to Strengthen Government Initiatives to Combat Human Trafficking in Sri Lanka (StrenGth)’ Project - UNODC

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

14-Feb-20 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

2 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Over the years, human trafficking flows globally have modified to ever increasing levels of complexity. Geographical factors such as long and porous borders, as well as adverse human security conditions, climatic disasters and emergencies, and socio-economic factors such as gender imbalance, social stigmatization of female victims of violence, poverty and lack of local sustainable livelihoods, coupled with misinformation or lack of awareness, have also fed into the increasingly complex factors of trafficking. Technological advances including mobile connectivity, internet availability and usage, on the one hand have led to increased advancements, while on the other hand have also, created opportunities for predatory traffickers, as well as modified the type of abuse of those trafficked.

While Member States have done significant efforts to prevent and address TIP, a number of key challenges persist. These include:

• Low levels of awareness and reporting of TIP cases;

• Limited capacity to identify, investigate, prosecute and adjudicate trafficking in persons on the part of criminal justice practitioners and judicial officers;

• Lack of cooperation between States in all aspects – from rescue to investigation and prosecution;

• Links with other crimes (i.e. corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering, cyber-crime);

• Lack of adequate protection and assistance to victims.

Preventing and countering human trafficking requires a comprehensive response founded on assistance and protection of victims, sound legislation and policies, and rigorous enforcement by the criminal justice system.

The UNODC Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA) is located in New Delhi (India) and covers six countries of the region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Under the current Regional Programme for South Asia for the period 2018-2021, UNODC is delivering technical assistance to governments in the region under the following five sub-programmes: (1) countering transnational organized crime; (2) a comprehensive response to the drug problem (drug trafficking & drugs and health); (3) countering corruption; (4) terrorism prevention; (5) criminal justice and crime prevention.

UNODC Regional Office of South Asia (ROSA) is currently implementing a project funded by the Home Office UK to help Sri Lanka developing a comprehensive response to some of these challenges. The project will contribute to strengthen the capacity of police, local level officials and raise community awareness on the human trafficking issues taking place within the country as well as cross-border and help to increase identification, reporting and investigation of trafficking crimes and take proactive measures for the prevention of such crimes. The Project Assistant will support the ROSA team in Colombo with administrative tasks for the team to deliver program activities in relation to StrenGth Project. The StrenGth Project will implement under the sub-programme of countering transnational organized crime.

The Project Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the National Program Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Providing reliable administrative coordination to project activities;
Preparation of reports;
Processing work and requisite follow-up accomplished under some supervision,
Seeking advice from and/or reporting to supervisor as needed;
Consistently applying appropriate policies, guidelines and procedures;
Effectively and in a timely manner, liaising and interacting with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.

Competencies

Experience in coordination or implementing programmes nationwide;
Previous experience working with human trafficking issues;
Experience working with civil society organizations;
Prior experience working in the UN system;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships with UNODC and Government;

Required Skills and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Law, International Relations or related category;
Excellent understanding of the emerging issues related to human trafficking;
Experience of having worked within the criminal justice sector;
Knowledge of and practical experience in preparation of advocacy material and delivering of workshops.

Language Requirement

Strong oral and written communication skills in English, along with Sinhala and/or Tamil is essential

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position;

Names and contact numbers of two non-related referees;
Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant experience in similar assignments;
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

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 per diems 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 the purpose of 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 into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please make sure you have provided all requested materials. For any clarification please contact: anusha.munasinghe@un.org

We are committed to achieving diversity within its workplace, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.