Project Manager - Infrastructure (Integrated Solid Waste Management)

Host entity: UNOPS LKA

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Project management, programme development, strategy, Administration, Monitoring, evaluation

Application deadline: 06/09/2026

Mission and objectives

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

UNOPS Sri Lanka is part of the Sri Lanka Multi Country Office in the Asia Region. The Office provides technical, operational and administrative support to multiple countries in the Asia Region, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and Nepal to enable these country offices to deliver their project more efficiently and effectively. As part of this support, the UNOPS Office in Sri Lanka also provides programmatic support in the areas of project management, communications, reporting and partnership development.

In Sri Lanka, UNOPS operates within the overall framework of the UN Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) and is working with UN Agencies to better support the Government of Sri Lanka within the focus areas of the UNSDF. UNOPS Sri Lanka currently manages infrastructure projects in health, solid waste management and supports public institutions governance.

Assignment context

This UN Volunteer assignment is part of the UNOPS South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) operations in Sri Lanka. The UNV will lead the project management team responsible for
delivering impactful infrastructure solutions in the region.
Project Context: In partnership with donor (KOICA) and the Government of Sri Lanka, UNOPS is leading an infrastructure project aimed at providing integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) in the Badulla and Vavuniya districts. The project includes the construction of a new sanitary landfill, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and Composting facilities, alongside the improvement of existing facilities and capacity building for local authorities and communities.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme , the Project Manager (Infrastructure) will be responsible for the day-to-day management and effective delivery of the ISWM
infrastructure project. Key tasks include:
● Project Delivery & Management:
○ Develop, update, and implement comprehensive project implementation plans and baselines in alignment with UNOPS standards.
○ Oversee the design and construction of sanitary landfills, MRFs, and composting facilities.
○ Ensure project outputs are delivered within established tolerances of time, cost, scope, quality, risk, and social/environmental impact
○ Embed sustainability, including gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental considerations, throughout the project life span.
● Monitoring, Risk & Quality Assurance:
○ Maintain a robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework with clear indicators and targets.
○ Identify, anticipate, and manage project risks in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
○ Coordinate quality reviews of technical designs, specifications, and construction deliverables
○ Prepare regular technical, narrative, and financial reports for the Project Board, donors, and UNOPS management.
● Stakeholder Engagement & Governance:
○ Act as the primary focal point for coordination with donors, local government authorities, community representatives, and contractors
○ Develop and execute stakeholder engagement and communication plans to build consensus and ensure smooth operations
● Team & Operations Management:
○ Lead, structure, and supervise the project team, ensuring high performance, adherence to health and safety standards, and UNDSS security compliance.
○ Facilitate knowledge sharing, capture lessons learned, and foster capacity-building initiatives for local partners.

Skills and experience

Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree OR seven (7) years with a Bachelor’s degree.

● Demonstrated experience in managing and delivering physical infrastructure projects (preferably waste management, environmental infrastructure, or civil works).
● Proven experience defining technical and engineering design requirements and conducting design reviews.
● Expertise in infrastructure quality assurance methodologies, contract management, and risk mitigation in multi-stakeholder contexts.
● Prior experience working in developing countries, post-conflict contexts, or emergency settings.
● Strong skills in project planning tools, project control systems, and budget monitoring.
● Desirable assets
○ Project Management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMI PMP, CEng, or equivalent).
○ Knowledge of FIDIC contract management standards.
○ Experience with UN system entities or international development organizations.
○ Experience planning and enforcing site Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) procedures.
○ Experience with KOICA funded projects

Competencies and values

● Accountability (Treats resources responsibly, upholds ethical standards)
● Adaptability and Flexibility (Agility in fast-paced/changing environments)
● Planning and Organising (Efficient execution and project control)
● Professionalism & Integrity (Focuses on end-beneficiaries and high quality)
● Judgement and Decision-making (Solution-focused, pragmatic problem solver)
● Effective Communication & Partnering (Builds strong relationships, active listener)

Living conditions

Sri Lanka is an island nation located off the south coast of India. It’s home to an estimated population of over 21 million people. It is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi- religious country. It is a tropical country with moderate temperate and high humidity all throughout the year. The climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year but humidity is usually high. From March to April the temperature averages around 32 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January when heavy rainfalls occur. Colombo is situated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. The city is located on the west coast of the island, adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Bandaranaike International Airport is located 35km from Colombo and is served by the main international airlines. Sri Lanka currently has stable and safe living environment. Cost of living is relatively high with increased food and accommodation costs. The UN Volunteer will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka (during the construction period, the UN Volunteer will be relocated to the field location). Colombo is the administrative centre and offers a range of accommodation, transportation, medical, banking and other services. Sri Lanka is classified as a Family Duty Station. The security level in Colombo is UNDSS Level 1 (Low).

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.