Capacity Building Specialist (Civil Society)

Organizational Context

The Asia Pacific Regional Office of UNOPS provides strategic leadership and oversight across 17 countries, focusing on high performance and operational excellence. The South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) specifically supports operations in six countries, offering expertise in areas like climate change, WASH, infrastructure, and procurement. This role is situated within SAMCO, contributing to the VRIDDHI Programme's Protection Pillar in Sri Lanka.

Job Purpose

The Capacity Building Specialist will design and deliver six online awareness sessions in Tamil and Sinhala for civil society organizations (CSOs) in Sri Lanka. The sessions will focus on strengthening CSOs' understanding and practical application of key legislation, including the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), NGO Act, and Online Safety Act. The role aims to enhance CSOs' institutional capacity, legal literacy, and resilience, enabling them to navigate the complex legal and regulatory environment, ensure compliance, manage risks, and continue rights-based advocacy and engagement, thereby protecting civic space.

Responsibilities

Design and deliver six online awareness sessions in Tamil and Sinhala on the PSTA, NGO Act, and Online Safety Act. Develop a comprehensive curriculum, detailed session plans, presentations, facilitator notes, practical exercises, case studies, and learning materials aligned with adult learning principles. Prepare all training materials in local languages with English references for UNOPS approval. Create practical tools such as compliance checklists, FAQs, and scenario guides. Integrate guidance on legal compliance, financial accountability, digital communication, and risk mitigation. Facilitate highly participatory online sessions using diverse methodologies. Design, administer, and analyze pre- and post-session assessments to measure learning outcomes. Compile session reports, participant feedback, and recommendations. Submit a final comprehensive report detailing activities, outcomes, and lessons learned. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to UNOPS ethical standards. Coordinate closely with the Programme Manager throughout the consultancy.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in legal practice, access to justice, human rights, governance, or protection programming. Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering legal awareness programs for civil society organizations is essential. Experience with Sri Lanka's legal environment affecting civic space, including national security legislation and digital rights, is required, along with proficiency in virtual facilitation platforms.

Skills

Facilitation, Human Rights, Legal Advice, Protection, Risk Analysis, Stakeholder Management, Curriculum Development, Training Material Development, Virtual Facilitation.

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