Project Management Support Senior Assistant (Community Mobilization)
Organizational Context
The Asia Pacific Regional Office oversees UNOPS operations across 17 countries, focusing on strategic leadership and operational excellence. The South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) specifically supports six countries, including Sri Lanka, delivering expertise in climate change, WASH, infrastructure, and project management. This role is situated within a project addressing significant gaps in integrated solid waste management in Sri Lanka's Uva and Northern Provinces.
Job Purpose
This role supports the Project Manager in the field-level execution of community engagement and behavior change activities for an integrated solid waste management project in Sri Lanka. The Senior Assistant will coordinate closely with Local Authorities (LAs), community groups, and project partners to foster community participation and address concerns related to waste management infrastructure. Key contributions include facilitating inclusive consultations, implementing communication plans to build trust, and ensuring community feedback is effectively relayed to the project team, thereby promoting sustainable waste management practices and circular economy principles.
Responsibilities
The role involves extensive community mobilization and coordination with Local Authorities (LAs), community leaders, and residents, particularly around proposed waste management infrastructure. This includes supporting community meetings, consultations, and engagement activities, and assisting in the implementation of communication plans to build trust and address concerns. The Senior Assistant will facilitate inclusive community participation, ensuring feedback from vulnerable groups is captured and communicated. A key responsibility is supporting the Complaints and Concerns Response Mechanism (CCRM) and its institutionalization at the local level. Additionally, the role coordinates behavior change activities by liaising with stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of awareness campaigns and training sessions, and monitors community concerns, social risks, and participation metrics, reporting issues promptly and documenting grievances.
Work Experience
Required experience includes community mobilization, community engagement, and stakeholder coordination, along with experience working with local communities and government authorities. Desirable experience includes community engagement related to infrastructure development, solid waste management, or environmental projects, as well as experience in grievance management or social risk monitoring.
Skills
Community Engagement, Conflict Resolution, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management