Background UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will be launching a comprehensive Justice Sector Reform Joint Programme supported by the European Union. The Programme contains a holistic package of support to the Justice sector in Sri Lanka spanning Civil, Criminal, Commercial and Alternative Dispute Resolution sectors that will be implemented by UNDP and support for Justice for Children Sector implemented by UNICEF. The Programme is designed to offer a holistic and flexible package of support to address the gaps within the justice system, strengthen the capacities across the sector, (including on skills, legal reform, case management processes, data, infrastructure etc.), strengthen civil society engagement with and within the sector, and promote judicial reforms in line with international standards and best practices. The Project developed in close collaboration with sector stakeholders, adopts a three-pronged approach; 1) Strengthening Access to Justice (including through legal aid, language mainstreaming, greater awareness of rights and responsibilities) 2) Strengthening transparency and credibility within the sector (including through data collection, analysis and dissemination) and 3) Improving quality and efficiency within the sector (including through age-appropriate Justice for Children, improved skills, legislative reform in line with international standards, a strengthened alternate dispute resolution mechanism and improved coordination within the sector). The Project will contribute to Sri Lanka achieving SDG 16 (which is a key enabler for realizing SDGs 1-15) as it aims to ‘promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’. It will also contribute to the achievement of SDG 10 \"Reduce inequality within and among countries\" and SDG 5 \"Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”.
The Project builds on the strategic partnership between the EU and the UN in the area of governance, which includes cooperation in justice and the rule of law. The Project will be jointly implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. UNDP has been supporting the justice sector in Sri Lanka (on both the demand and supply side) since 2004 with a focus on criminal justice). On account of the unique, long-standing role UNDP has played, UNDP will play the lead technical and coordination role of the Project. UNDP’s SDG 16 Portfolio – Inclusive Governance and Peacebuilding contributes to improve ability of justice sector institutions to deliver people-centered services, especially upholding the rights of excluded and vulnerable groups. The portfolio builds on UNDP’s long-standing work and partnerships with national justice sector institutions, independent commissions and state and non-state service-providers. UNICEF will provide technical support to the Justice for Children Sector through its Child Protection team, who will build on over a decade of work on reform of the child protection system, as well as international expertise in this area. Thousands of children across Sri Lanka interact with justice systems every year as victims, witnesses, and perpetrators. UNICEF will build on the recommendations of the Child Justice System Review (2017) and its strong relationships with Government and CSO partners to modernize the sector and bring it in-line with Best Interest Principles and other international standards.
The four year Project, will be implemented at national level with a 6-month inception phase during which a series of consultations will take place with national counterparts, sector professionals, academics, civil society to determine priorities for action. The main target groups and beneficiaries of the Project are key justice sector institutions, inter alia the Chief Justice, Sri Lanka Judges’ Institute, Ministry of Justice (MOJ)Attorney General’s Department (AGD), Government Analyst’s Department (GAD), Legal Draftsman’s Department (LDD), Judicial Medical Service (JMS), Police Department, Prisons Department, State Ministry of Women and Child Development (MOWCD), Department of Probation and Child Care Services (DPCCS) and National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), Independent Commissions and institutions including the Human Rights Commission (HRCSL), National Police Commission (NPC), Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Legal Aid Commission (LAC), National Authority for Victims of Crimes and Witnesses (NVWPA), Civil Society Organizations, academic and research institutions such as universities and law colleges, Bar Association of Sri Lanka and media, general population, including in particular the poor and persons in vulnerable situations (Women, Children, Internally Displaced Persons, Persons With Disabilities.
In light of this, UNDP is seeking to hire three Project Associates (Programme) to the support the implementation of the Project. Duties and Responsibilities
Support effective project implementation focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Provides technical support to the Project Manager and Technical Specialists in the management, coordination, supervision and implementation of Project activities; Actively participates in the preparation of work plans and operation plans as well as procurement plans for projects; Supports research, reporting and communications related work of the Project Coordinates the timely submission of progress reports and assists with data entry, and the preparation of charts, graphs, and periodic progress reports; Supports and facilitates external assessment teams, advocacy and knowledge sharing fore, training programmes, audits, donor assessments and missions; Reviews agreements/proposals, track the use of project resources, follow-up on progress; and Networks and mobilizes with the justice sector institutions or technical working groups under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor/Technical SpecialistsSupport the development and operationalization of effective monitoring and evaluation systems which focus on following results:
Supports the formulation of M&E plans in line with the broader results framework and programme objectives of the Project; Supports data collection and analysis and maintenance of databases where necessary towards facilitating evidence-based information/knowledge management and timely reporting; Supports in the design, pilot and roll out simplified/innovative tools to support the project monitoring process at the field level; Supports the Project teams to put in place processes for data gathering; provides regular technical support to carry out proper data collection and information management; Works closely with Project teams and partners to strengthen systems for qualitative data gathering and analysis; and Ensures accuracy and consistency of information collected and carry out regular verification of reported information for accuracySupport communication and knowledge management of the Project focusing on the achievement of the following results
Participation in the training for the Project staff on administration and Programme matters; Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practicePerform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor. 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:
This vacancy is archived.