Field Project Associate [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

Better Than Cash
Better Than Cash

Full-time

Sri Lanka

Posted on Sep 21, 2026
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Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP Sri Lanka’s Inclusive Governance Unit works at the intersection of peacebuilding, social cohesion, and accountable governance, contributing to the advancement of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Within the broader UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and UNDP Country Programme, the Unit supports national and sub-national institutions to address structural drivers of conflict, strengthen state-citizen trust, and promote inclusive, rights-based development processes.

In the post-conflict context of Sri Lanka—particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces—land-related grievances, resettlement challenges, and reintegration gaps remain critical barriers to sustainable peace and development. These challenges are deeply linked to historical displacement, competing land claims, institutional capacity constraints, and persistent trust deficits between communities and the state. Emerging climate-related pressures and socio-economic vulnerabilities further exacerbate these tensions, disproportionately affecting women, youth, and other marginalized groups.

Against this backdrop, UNDP Sri Lanka, in partnership with IOM and other UN and national stakeholders, is implementing the “Land and Trust-building Engagement in the Regions of the North & East (LANTERN)” project. The project aims to reduce tensions between the state and citizens by promoting equitable, transparent, and efficient land governance systems that support durable solutions for resettlement and reintegration.

LANTERN focuses on three interrelated pillars: (i) strengthening evidence-based and gender-responsive land governance through improved data systems and analysis; (ii) enhancing institutional capacities and multi-stakeholder collaboration to accelerate land release and dispute resolution processes; and (iii) fostering an enabling environment for inclusive dialogue, trust-building, and community engagement to address grievances and support sustainable reintegration. The project places a strong emphasis on human rights, gender equality, and youth participation, while leveraging digital innovation, data-driven decision-making, and partnerships across government, civil society, and communities.

The project builds on UNDP’s and partners’ longstanding engagement in durable solutions, reconciliation, and governance in Sri Lanka, including previous initiatives under the Peacebuilding Priority Plan, Joint Programme for Peace, and the UN SDG Fund. It also aligns with current government priorities, including land reform efforts, the ‘Himikama’ land release programme, and the proposed establishment of a Land Commission.

Within this context, UNDP Sri Lanka seeks to recruit two Field Project Associates, one to be based in the Jaffna - Northern Province and the other in the Batticaloa - Eastern Province, under the LANTERN Project. The Field Project Associates will work as part of a dynamic team under the Social Cohesion Pillar of the Inclusive Governance Team of the UNDP country office in Sri Lanka.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Field Project Coordinator, the Field Project Associates will provide field-level implementation, coordination, monitoring, administrative and logistical support for UNDP projects in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The incumbents will be responsible for the following major tasks:

1. Support Field-Level Project Implementation and Coordination:

  • Support the implementation of project activities at district and divisional levels in accordance with approved workplans and project documents.
  • Assist in coordinating field-level activities with relevant local authorities, civil society organisations, community representatives and other stakeholders.
  • Participate in and support field-level meetings, consultations, community engagement activities, trainings, workshops and field visits.
  • Facilitate communication and coordination between field-level stakeholders and the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
  • Undertake regular field visits and provide timely updates on the progress of activities, emerging issues and implementation challenges.

2. Support Stakeholder Engagement and Community-Level Coordination:

  • Facilitate engagement with government institutions, local authorities, civil society organisations, community-based organisations and community representatives.
  • Support the organisation and facilitation of stakeholder consultations and community engagement processes.
  • Assist in maintaining effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders at district and divisional levels.
  • Support the identification and communication of stakeholder concerns, priorities and emerging issues relevant to project implementation.
  • Facilitate follow-up actions arising from meetings, consultations and other stakeholder engagement processes.

3. Support Field-Level Data Collection, Monitoring and Information Management:

  • Support the collection, compilation and verification of field-level information relating to land disputes, resettlement issues, community concerns and other matters relevant to the project.
  • Assist with the use of project-approved data collection tools and procedures.
  • Undertake data entry, basic data cleaning and verification, as required.
  • Maintain basic databases, records and other information management systems related to field-level activities.
  • Prepare simple summaries, tables, charts and other materials to support project monitoring and reporting.

4. Support Documentation, Reporting and Knowledge Management:

  • Document field observations, implementation progress, emerging issues, lessons learned and good practices.
  • Contribute relevant field-level information to project progress updates, internal reports and other reporting requirements.
  • Maintain accurate records of meetings, consultations, field visits and community engagement activities, as required.
  • Support the preparation and compilation of field-level information for knowledge-sharing and learning processes.
  • Assist in identifying and documenting issues requiring the attention or follow-up of the Project Coordinator and PIU.

5. Provide Administrative, Financial and Logistical Support:

  • Support administrative and logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, trainings, consultations and field missions.
  • Maintain project-related files, attendance records, inventories and other basic documentation.
  • Support the preparation and processing of relevant administrative and operational documentation in accordance with applicable procedures.
  • Assist with logistical coordination and communication related to field-level project activities.
  • Support the effective management and maintenance of project-related materials, equipment and records at the field level.

6. Ensure Compliance with UNDP Policies, Procedures and Applicable Frameworks:

  • Ensure that assigned responsibilities are carried out in accordance with UNDP rules, regulations, policies and procedures, as well as relevant project documents and approved workplans.
  • Support field-level activities in line with applicable national laws, policies and administrative frameworks relating to land, resettlement, local governance and community engagement.
  • Maintain appropriate standards of confidentiality, impartiality, data protection, safeguarding and ethical conduct when handling information and engaging with communities and stakeholders.
  • Ensure that relevant documentation and records are maintained in accordance with applicable UNDP requirements.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The Field Project Associates will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of Field Project Coordinator.

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Management Partnership Management Build and maintain partnerships with wide network of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Business Management Communication

Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.

Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Partnership management

CSO Engagement

Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs

General (across the functions)

Event planning and execution

Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.

2030 Agenda: People

Gender

Communication and Advocacy for Gender Equality

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Secondary Education (GCE A/L) is required.
  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Law, Human Rights, Economics, Political Science, Governance, Business Administration or Management or a related area will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

A minimum of seven (07) years (with a secondary education) or four (04) years (with a bachelor´s degree) of progressively responsible work experience in the Development Sector, Law, Human Rights, Economics, Political Science, Governance, or a related area is required.

Required Skills:

  • Experience working in project management.

Desirabel Skills:

  • Experience in Peacebuilding, Governance, or Human Rights.
  • Experience on existing state-citizen land disputes in the North and East, and with projects addressing such issues.
  • Solid experience with project planning and implementation.
  • Prior work experience with a UN entity or development organization.
  • Experience demonstrating good communication and coordination skills.

Required Language:

  • Fluency in Tamil and English is required

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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