Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, is implementing the project “Scale-up and Sustain Low-Carbon Municipal Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery in Sri Lanka.” The initiative addresses the growing challenges of municipal solid waste in rapidly urbanizing areas, where limited collection capacity, inadequate segregation and recycling infrastructure, and unsustainable disposal practices contribute to pollution, public health risks, and rising greenhouse gas emissions. Aligned with Sri Lanka’s NDC commitments, the project aims to strengthen local authorities’ capacity to adopt integrated, low-carbon MSWM solutions, with pilot initiatives in selected Local Authorities in the Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. The project will also support four Provincial Councils (Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North-Western) in developing waste management master plans and initiating selected priority actions.

The Project is seeking a Field Associate, who will play a critical role in maintaining continuous engagement with local authorities and key stakeholders, while supporting field-level implementation and project monitoring activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision and guidance of the Project Coordinator, UNDP and Climate & Environment team, the Field Associate is expected to undertake the following tasks, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. The Field Associate will remain accountable for the duties and responsibilities defined as follows;

1. Support effective project planning and implementation by;

• Maintaining periodic engagement with local authorities, community groups, and project stakeholders to support overall project coordination and information flow.
• Supporting data collection, stakeholder consultations, and workshops contributing to provincial waste management plan preparation and capacity-building activities.
• Assisting with project’s field assessments, feasibility studies, and the establishment and monitoring of waste management pilot demonstration sites. 

2. Provide support to the effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on progress of project implementation by; 

• Providing field observations and inputs for project documentation, progress reports, and validation processes.

3. Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project including coordination of field logistics, missions, meetings, trainings, and maintaining records, inventories, and related administrative documentation. 

4. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

 

Institutional Arrangement

• The Field Associate will be under the direct supervision of and report to the Project Coordinator - Climate and Environment Team. 

 

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:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/ understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)
Thematic Area	Name	Definition
External Relations & Advocacy	Event planning and execution	Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.
Administration & Operations	Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings)	Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation and cash disbursements, etc.
Business Management	Partnerships Management	Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
Business Management	Communication	Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Business Management	Monitoring & Evaluation	Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.  Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.  Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
2030 Agenda: People	Gender	Monitoring and evaluation on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

 

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements

• Secondary Education (GCE A/L) is required.
• University degree (bachelor’s degree) in Agriculture, Climate Change, Water Management, Environment, or any other relevant area will be given due consideration but it’s not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant work experience

• Minimum of 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of experience supporting project management or related fields is required.

Experience, Knowledge, and skills

• Experience using MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; including database management; and office technology equipment.
• Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with Government, other development partners and the private sector with good interpersonal skills.

Desirable Criteria  

• Experience in providing support in coordinating and implementing development projects.
• Previous experience with UN systems.
• Experience with environment, waste and natural resource management related projects.

Required Language(s) 

• Fluency in English and Sinhala and/or Tamil is required.

   

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.