Knowledge Management Senior Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. With a workforce of over 6,000 personnel across 80 countries, UNOPS provides essential project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various governments, donors, and UN organizations. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that its partners maximize the positive impact of their projects, focusing on sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience. In Sri Lanka, UNOPS has been active since 2005, assisting in post-tsunami recovery and socio-economic development, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, education, and environmental management.

Job Overview:
The Knowledge Management Senior Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Development Partners (DPs) Secretariat, which aims to enhance coordination among various development partners in Sri Lanka. This position involves developing and implementing a knowledge management framework, maintaining a comprehensive mapping of donor initiatives, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. The role requires a proactive approach to managing information, organizing meetings, and ensuring that all relevant data is accessible to development partners. The assistant will also support the preparation of reports, manage databases, and assist in the organization of advocacy events and workshops, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the DP Secretariat.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Knowledge Management Senior Assistant will be responsible for several key functions:

• Developing and implementing a knowledge management framework for the DP Secretariat.
• Compiling and maintaining an evergreen mapping of donor initiatives organized by sector/working group.
• Assisting in the organization and preparation of minutes for various DP meetings and coordination events.
• Managing contact information for all stakeholders involved in the development partners structure.
• Building and maintaining professional relationships with stakeholders.
• Preparing statistical data and reports on relevant topics, including gender equality.
• Supporting day-to-day project implementation and ensuring timely submission of reports.
• Providing information for social media and enhancing the visibility of the DP Secretariat.
• Facilitating advocacy events, workshops, and dialogues. 1
• Supporting financial management by preparing financial reports and processing payment requests. 1
• Drafting routine correspondence and organizing meetings for new DP staff integration. 1
• Establishing filing systems and ensuring effective communication flow among stakeholders. 1
• Monitoring project progress and preparing draft reports for review.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum of five years of relevant experience. A Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in social science, law, business administration, public administration, or related fields is preferred and may reduce the required years of experience. Candidates should have experience in operations support or coordination roles, particularly in the development sector, and familiarity with gender equality and gender mainstreaming is desirable. Proficiency in preparing business correspondence and using Google Suite is highly desirable, along with experience in knowledge management and communication.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a secondary school diploma or equivalent, with five years of relevant experience. A Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in social science, law, business administration, public administration, or related disciplines will be considered an asset and may reduce the required years of experience needed for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience at the national and/or international level in operations support or coordination roles is required. Depending on academic credentials, this requirement may be reduced. Experience in the development sector, particularly related to gender equality and gender mainstreaming, is desirable. Familiarity with knowledge management and communication practices is also preferred.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil is highly desirable, as it would enhance communication with local stakeholders and contribute to the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA), specifically at the Local ICA Support level (LICA 5/ICS 5). The contract duration is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization also conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks. Additionally, candidates may need to complete mandatory courses before providing services to UNOPS, which will not be compensated.