Sri Lanka: Country Representative (Sri Lanka)

Position Title: Country Representative

Position Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Start Date: As soon as possible

Background

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin. DRI promotes the political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies and the development of democratic institutions worldwide.

DRI is implementing a two-year project to strengthen democratic consolidation in Sri Lanka by generating broad stakeholder participation in democratic reforms and contributing to the effective implementation of international human rights and labour conventions. Specifically, DRI is working to build awareness about the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) and contribute to a facts-based debate about the link between the trade concession and human rights.

Duties and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of DRI’s Director of Programmes or his assigned representative, the Regional Manager, the Country Representative will be responsible for the detailed planning and implementation of all activities of the project in accordance with the requirements of the Grant Giver and DRI, as well as regular reporting to DRI headquarters in Berlin on Project implementation. The Country Representative represents DRI in Sri Lanka and is also responsible for the management of the DRI Sri Lanka office. The Country Representative will be responsible for all aspects of project implementation, including:

* Ensuring that the project’s outputs and activities are responsive to the political context and project goals, as well as delivered in an effective, timely and cost-effective manner;

* Monitoring the implementation of the project and proposing any modifications to the project work plan;

* Identifying significant developments (political, security, etc.) and their impact on the project’s activities or entry points for engagement;

* Drafting, reviewing or contributing to reports, briefing papers and other knowledge products;

* Providing advice and briefings to key stakeholders on relevant issues of democracy, constitutional reform and human rights implementation with a nexus to GSP+;

* Developing a monitoring and evaluation plan in conjunction with DRI HQ;

* Managing the delivery of international expertise to key stakeholders, in cooperation with the Berlin-based Programme Officer;

* Maintaining close relationships with key stakeholders including representatives of civil society organisations, parliament and government;

* Managing the DRI team in Colombo, supervise the staff, including the provincial coordinators, and international experts when in country;

* Coordinating DRI’s activities with other national and international organisations and meeting with partner organisations on a regular basis;

* Providing technical project reports to funding partners;

* Managing the project budget, in cooperation with the Finance Manager and DRI HQ Finance Unit, and responsibility for financial accounting and reporting;

* Monitoring the security situation and provide regular updates to DRI HQ.

Education & Experience

* Master’s Degree in human rights, law, political science or a related field;

* At least six years of relevant professional experience managing projects related to democracy assistance, human rights and legal reform with a particular focus on constitutional and democratic reforms in transition countries;

* Sound knowledge of international democracy and human rights standards, with a particular focus on the core international human rights and labour conventions;

* Knowledge of the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) is an asset;

* Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint);

* Experience in Sri Lanka or South Asia is a distinct asset;

* Fluency in English, both spoken and written is required;

* Fluency in Sinhalese and/or Tamil is a distinct asset;

* Strong presentation skills (written and oral);

* Excellent interpersonal, managerial and communication skills, and a strong administrative track record, including proven leadership, staff and financial management;

* Good negotiation skills and the ability to work as part of a culturally diverse team;

DRI values diversity and aims to be an equal opportunity employer.

For interested applicants, please send your application (cover letter, CV and three references) to asia@democracy-reporting.org. Please include “Country Representative – Sri Lanka” in the subject line.

DRI offers a competitive salary according to donor regulations and incumbent experience.

Closing date for applications:31January2017 (midnight CET). Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.