Sri Lanka: Programme Director (Sri Lanka)

Programme Director (Sri Lanka)

Form of Employment: Full-time

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Duration: Until August 2021, with the possibility of extension

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

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 operating in Sri Lanka since 2016 and has implemented various democratic strengthening projects with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, the European Union, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). DRI has worked on the thematic areas of human rights, constitutions, and democratic discourse with a focus on strengthening civil society in their work towards democratic reforms.

DRI is currently recruiting a full-time Programme Director for its programmes in its Country Office in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Your Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Director of Programmes in Berlin Head Office, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire portfolio of work of the DRI Sri Lanka Country Office. This includes programmes to support election processes, democratisation efforts, and ongoing political reform projects. It also entails the design, implementation and evaluation/reporting on DRI Sri Lanka projects, and the management of the DRI Sri Lanka office.

More specifically, the Programme Director will be responsible for the following tasks:

· Ensuring that the projects’ outputs and activities are responsive to the political and security context and project goals, as well as delivered in an effective, timely and efficient manner;

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

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

· Developing a visibility, communications and outreach strategy for the projects;

· Monitoring the implementation of the projects and proposing any modifications to the projects’ work plans; ensuring a continuous and effective Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning process throughout the project management cycle;

· Ensuring that gender mainstreaming is applied throughout the project management cycle and within the country office;

· Overseeing the recruitment and work undertaken by local and international experts;

· Overseeing project budgets and financial reporting, in cooperation with the Finance Manager and DRI HQ Finance Unit, as well as ensuring that procurement is carried out in accordance with DRI standard practices and donor regulations;

· Acting as Security Focal Point and ensuring the safety and security of all DRI operations and persons contractually affiliated to DRI;

· Managing and supervising the DRI team and experts in Sri Lanka;

· Ensuring effective coordination with and reporting to DRI’s Director of Programmes and other relevant staff at DRI Headquarters;

· Ensuring effective coordination with project partners and donors;

· Ensuring outreach and fundraising for additional project activities;

· Providing advice and briefings to key stakeholders on relevant issues of democracy and governance (including elections, social media monitoring, local governance and political participation);

· Other relevant duties, as required.

Your Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in, law, political or social science or a related field;

• At least eight years of relevant professional experience managing projects related to democracy assistance, human rights or governance reform. Experience with international non-profit organisations is preferred;

• Proven experience in supervising and managing staff; experience in heading a project office, ideally in Sri Lanka, is an asset;

• Strong networks with relevant stakeholders in the governance field, preferably in Sri Lanka;

• Sound knowledge of international democracy and human rights standards; experience in working with civil society is a distinct asset;

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

• The ability to travel within Sri Lanka is a requirement;

• Fluency in English, both spoken and written is required; additional languages, including Sinhalese or Tamil, are considered an asset;

• Strong outreach, presentation (written and oral) and donor liaison skills;

• 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 opportunities employer. DRI offers a competitive salary according to donor regulations and incumbent experience. Moreover, DRI offers you flexible working hours, training opportunities and working as part of an international and multicultural team.

For interested applicants, please send your application (cover letter, CV and three references) to recruiting_lk@democracy-reporting.org. Please include “**2019/05:** Programme Director – Sri Lanka” in the subject line, refer to the source you have found this opportunity, and also inform us about your earliest possible starting date.

Closing date for applications: 30 September 2019. This position is contingent upon funding.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The position may be filled before the end of the deadline so early applications are encouraged.

Organisation responsible for this vacancy:

Democracy Reporting International gGmbH

Prinzessinnenstraße 30

10969 Berlin, Germany

Tel +49 30 27877300

Fax +49 30 27877300-10

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