The key principles of the DP coordination framework are as follows:
• National ownership and alignment towards GoSL development strategies.
• Constructive collective engagement with the GoSL, as recipient of ODA.
• Readiness towards sharing of information about aid strategies and programs.
• Collaborative work, division of labour and harmonization of processes and procedures.
The Development Partners Secretariat
A Development Partners (DPs) Secretariat was initially established in 2005 with the objectives of:
i) Sharing information among DPs;
ii) Enhancing coordination and harmonization among development partners;
iii) Advancing aid effectiveness principles;
iv) Enhancing collaboration among the DPs, the GoSL, civil society and other stakeholders; providing support to the government on coordination efforts to align with development strategies and initiatives.
These objectives have been pursued through various fora, including: DP Strategic Group, DP Forum, DP Committee, Bilateral Donor Group and DP Working Groups.
In this context, the DP Secretariat Head of Office reports technically to the DP Strategic Group Chair or Co chairs and administratively to UNOPS.
SCOPE. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE SECRETARIAT
The Secretariat reports to and takes direction from Development Partners, namely Chairs of the DP Strategic Group, DP Forum, Bilateral Donor Group and Working Groups.
In response to the need for enhanced coordination amongst DPs and between DPs and GoSL, the DP Secretariat is expected to undertake the following activities under guidance from Development Partners:
OBJECTIVE 1: EFFECTIVE DP STRATEGIC GROUP, DP FORUM, BDG AND DP WORKING GROUPS.
Activity A: Production of workplans for the DP Strategic Group, DP Forum, BDG and DP Working Groups.
Activity B: Monitoring of progress in line with objectives and work-plans.
Activity C: Regular meetings of DP Strategic Group, DP Forum, BDG and DP WG convened.
OBJECTIVE 2: ENHANCED EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AMONGST DPs.
Activity A: Act as a central focal point for information exchange amongst DPs.
Activity B: Mobilize the collaboration of NPD/ERD and DPs to agreed info-sharing modalities.
Activity C: Facilitate strategic linkages between the various DP fora and working groups.
OBJECTIVE 3: ENHANCED DP COORDINATION IN KEY STRATEGIC AREAS.
Activity A: Identify and analyse issues that are of high strategic priority to GOSL and DPs.
Activity B: Disseminating information on GoSL’s policies, strategies and statements.
Activity C: Facilitate coordination around the implementation and follow-up of policies, ensuring alignment with DP initiatives and GoSL priorities.
OBJECTIVE 4: IMPROVED COMMUNICATION WITH GOSL ABOUT DP WORK.
Establish a regular engagement mechanism with the Ministry of Finance/NPD/ERD/DPMM to support the implementation and follow-up of policies.
OBJECTIVE 5: STRENGTHENED DP ENGAGEMENT WITH CSOs.
In consultation with DPs, identifying areas that would benefit from closer communication with or engagement of Civil Society and facilitate the same.
OBJECTIVE 6: DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT/UNDERTAKING OR COMMISSIONING ANALYSIS.
Activity A: Leveraging knowledge amongst DPs and relevant DP Working Groups, organizing studies, desk reviews, and assessments on specific topics of interest to the DP community.
Activity B: Collecting existing data sets, reports, assessments and other available information on development and ODA matters.
Activity C: Commissioning or undertaking primary data collection, analysis, and desktop studies to fill data and evidence gaps, as requested by DPs.
2. Strategic engagement: The Head of the Development Partners Secretariat will facilitate and support the organization of strategic exchange and analysis between DPs and between DPs and the GoSL. The level of engagement will be at senior level, at Head of Development, Councilor, First Secretary level for bilateral missions; at UNRC / UN agency Representative / Country Director or senior programme Officer level for multilateral missions and at DG and Additional DG level for interaction with GoSL officials.
3. Government Coordination Support: Provide continuous support to the Government of Sri Lanka on coordination efforts related to development strategies and initiatives.
4. Analytical oversight: The Head of the Development Partners Secretariat will commission studies of interest to the DPs, contribute and supervise analysis and output.
5. Supervision: The Head of the Development Partners Secretariat will have line-management responsibility towards the DP Secretariat Knowledge Management Coordinator.
6. Logistic Support: Arrange meetings, maintain mailing lists, send invitations, document meetings, and ensure follow-up on agreed action points to facilitate seamless coordination.
7. Reporting : The Head of the Development Partners Secretariat will report on the key activities of the Secretariat to the DP Strategic Group Chairs, and administratively to UNOPS, on a monthly basis.
A. Education
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences, economics, political science, law, international relations, development studies, or a related field.
B. Work Experience
• Minimum of 7 (seven) years of relevant professional experience.
• Further to experience in Sri Lanka, some international experience in a similar area is an advantage.
C. Language
• Excellent communication skills in English. Knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil will be an advantage.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion. |
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. |
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others. |
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. |
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. |
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. |
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. |
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Terms and Conditions