Plan International Sri Lanka Plan International is a development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners. Plan International is working in Sri Lanka since 1981, facilitating programmes in early childhood care and development, education, youth empowerment and child protection, working nationally and in the North, North Central and Uva provinces. Plan International Sri Lanka is seeking qualified candidates to fill the positions mentioned below on One Year Fixed Term Contract.
 Project Specialist For detailed Job Description, please visit: https://issuu.com/plansrilanka Qualified individuals are invited to submit their resume with a covering letter to: Human Resources Department, Plan International Sri Lanka, No. 110, Park Road, Colombo 05. Or e-mail to: psl.hr@plan-international.org Closing date: 26th July 2019. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Plan International Sri Lanka is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an international childcentered development organization, Plan International Sri Lanka is committed to the well-being of children and supporting the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Plan International Sri Lanka does not tolerate child abuse.
ROLE PROFILE Title Functional Area Reports to Location Effective Date
Project Specialist Youth Economic Empowerment Deputy Country Director - Programme Mullaitivu Travel required th 10 July 2019 Grade
60%
BACKGROUND OF PLAN INTERNATIONAL SRI LANKA Plan International strive to advance children’s rights and equality for girls all over the world. As an independent development and humanitarian organisation, Plan works alongside children, young people, supporters and partners to tackle the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children. Plan supports children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. Plan drives changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. For over 80 years Plan has been building powerful partnerships for children, and currently Plan is active in over 75 countries. Plan International Sri Lanka currently works in four Districts. The districts are Monaragala, Ampara, Anuradhapura and Mullaitivu covering nearly 196 Grama Niladhari Divisions in the four Districts. At present Plan Sri Lanka works with a caseload of 20,227 sponsored families. For operational purposes, the program areas are grouped into two main geographical zones as the North-central program area and Uva Programme area. Plan has also moved into the conflict affected Eastern Province as the organization continues to cover the most marginalized children in the country. In FY19 Plan will be phasing in to Mullaitive District as the new sponsorship programme area.
BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT Plan International Sri Lanka has been implementing Youth Economic Empowerment (YEE) projects for the past few years which initiated in Batticaloa District and later expanded to Ampara District. The new project “Enhancing young peoples' employability through technical vocational education and training (TVET) in Sri Lanka” is another phase of YEE and will be implemented in Mullaitivu District. The project aims to empower 3,000 young people, especially young women, to reach their full potential in Mullative District through the (i) provision of gender-sensitive career information and orientation sessions with a focus on TVET opportunities in 25 secondary schools, (ii) the placement of selected young women and men in TVET of their choice and (iii) by ensuring the acceptance and support of their families and communities. Interventions will address gender norms and gender-biased practices at household and community level as well as at secondary schools to ensure young women can make non gender stereotypical choices about their continuing training and occupations in the labour market. The project aims to work with 25 secondary schools over the course of two years to ensure interventions such as career guidance services are institutionalized.
ROLE PURPOSE To make a contribution to enhancing young peoples' employability through technical vocational education and training (TVET) in Sri Lanka. To oversee the day-to-day implementation in line with donor requirements and Plan Sri Lanka’s Country Strategy.
DIMENSIONS OF ROLE Under the overall guidance and direct supervisions of Deputy Country Director - Programme, the Project Specialist will be responsible for the overall management of the project “Enhancing young peoples' employability through technical vocational education and training (TVET) in Sri Lanka”. The Project Specialist will be responsible for delivering the expected results of the project, undertaking reporting and monitoring of activities and managing the project team. He/ She will work in close collaboration with the programme support team to ensure compliance with the project proposal and donor requirements and the operations team in the Country Office/ Mullaitivu Programme Unit to successfully implement the Project.
TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES - KEY END RESULTS OF POSITION
Day to day management of Plan International Sri Lanka’s staff attached to the project and provision of support and guidance to the team. Provide technical guidance to Plan International Sri Lanka staff assigned to the project, to ensure project outcomes are achieved. Overall responsibility of planning, designing (in close coordination with country office program staff), executing, monitoring and managing deliverables on time and within the budget. Closely cooperate with finance teams, technical advisors, Business Development Manager and M&E specialist. Identify and facilitate complimentary linkages to promote synergy and integration with other Plan International Sri Lanka projects, as appropriate. Responsible for financial management of funds and progress reporting to Country Office according to donor guidelines and requirements. Conduct and facilitate regular Project monitoring and evaluation. Ensures quality and timely provision of consolidated narrative and financial reports to the Country Office Programmes Team. Closely work with the programmes team to provide consistent reporting on work plans, progress, findings and recommendations. Keep the Deputy Country Director- Programmes informed of any relevant anticipated changes/ developments in the project. Ensure the activities carried out as part of this project are in accordance with the highest ethical standards, and in accordance with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the laws of Sri Lanka.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Master Degree in development studies, economics or a related field and over 5 years of work experience in the development sector. Demonstrated experience in project management. Experience in managing projects focused on youth and women’s empowerment will be an added advantage.
Finance and budget management experience in the development sector is required. Experience in working with international donors and implementing donor-funded projects in Sri Lanka.
Competencies
Familiarity with some of the substantive issues handled by the project such as promotion of youth economic empowerment, gender equality, child rights and TVET. Good knowledge and experience in gender mainstreaming. Good moderation, facilitation and training skills. Demonstrated ability to liaise and negotiate with government and social partners. Grants and finance management Ability to perform a variety of conceptual analyses required for the formulation, administration and evaluation of projects. Excellent analytical skills. Excellent Knowledge of English and Tamil is required. Ability to build on relevant knowledge within and outside Plan as well as actively share her/ his experience and expertise with colleagues and partners. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE We are open and accountable
Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors. Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity. Consistent and fair in the treatment of people. Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them. Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people
We strive for lasting impact
Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations. Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas. Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises. Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.
We work well together
Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate. Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals. Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities. Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
We are inclusive and empowering
We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential
We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT The Project Specialist will be required 60% traveling to the field to visit project locations.
LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN High level: Frequent interaction with children