Strategic Management Adviser – Sri Lanka (m/f/d)

Background

Form of Employment: Full-time
Starting Date: As soon as possible
Duration: Until August 2021, with the possibility of extension
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin. DRI promotes the political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies and the development of democratic institutions worldwide.
DRI is operating in Sri Lanka since 2016 and has implemented various projects to strengthen democratic processes with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, the European Union, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). DRI has worked on the thematic areas of human rights, constitutions, and democratic discourse with a focus on strengthening civil society in their work towards democratic reforms.

DRI is currently recruiting a full-time Strategic Management Adviser for its programmes in its Country Office in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Your tasks

Under the overall supervision of the Director of Programmes in Berlin Head Office and in close cooperation with the Programme Director in Sri Lanka, you shall provide advice and support on the planning and implementation of all programme activities, including on adherence to the requirements of the grant giver and DRI and regular reporting to DRI HQ in Berlin on project implementation and the political context. The Strategic Management Adviser ensures fundraising and the strategic development and consolidation of DRI’s programme in Sri Lanka, including the development and review of a Country Programme Strategy. You will support and advise on the management of the DRI Sri Lanka office, including its set up, performance appraisal system and financial management. The Strategic Management Adviser will provide input and advice to the Programme Director Sri Lanka.More specifically, the Strategic Management Adviser will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Based on DRI’s global strategy develop, review and implement a country-specific strategy for DRI Sri Lanka, including a short-term, mid-term and long-term focus
• Explore potential partnerships for DRI and ensure outreach and fundraising for project activities by engaging with donors to identify further funding opportunities.
• Support the regular liaison with the grant giver on issues related to fundraising, networking or briefings with donors based in country or visiting by participating in meetings or events
• Advise on project implementation to ensure that project outputs and activities are responsive to the political and security context and project goals and delivered effectively, efficiently and timely.
• Identify significant developments (political, security, etc.) and their impact on the projects’ activities or entry points for engagement, tracks political developments, and suggest relevant modifications to project activities.
• Support and advise on the establishment and maintenance of strong working relationships with local project partners and stakeholders.
• Draft, review and contribute to reports, briefing papers and other knowledge resources of the projects and of DRI Sri Lanka.
• Advise and support the development of a visibility and outreach strategy for the projects.
• Advise on implementation of DRI’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) strategy as well as gender and diversity mainstreaming in the implementation of projects and within the country office.
• Advise on day-to-day management and leadership (including staff development, capacity building and mentoring) of DRI Sri Lanka office and staff.
• Ensure capacity-building of staff in fulfilling their function, including ongoing mentoring.
• Review, support and advise on the financial management of project and office activities, including planning and management of project budgets and financial reporting.
• Review existing security provisions for DRI Sri Lanka and advice on safety and security of all DRI operations in Sri Lanka.
• Contribute to effective coordination between DRI Sri Lanka and DRI HQ, especially with regards to reporting to DRI’s Director of Programmes or her assigned representative.
• Provide advice and briefings to key stakeholders on relevant issues of democracy and governance, including presentations, chairing/moderating events and training.

Your skills and experience

• Master’s Degree in law, political or social science or a related field;
• At least eight years of relevant professional experience managing projects related to democracy assistance, human rights or governance reform. Experience with international non-profit organisations is preferred;
• Proven experience in supervising and managing staff; experience in heading a project office, ideally in Sri Lanka, is an asset;
• Strong networks with relevant stakeholders in the governance field, preferably in Sri Lanka;
• Sound knowledge of international democracy and human rights standards; experience in working with civil society is a distinct asset;
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
• The ability to travel within Sri Lanka is a requirement;
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written is required; additional languages, including Sinhalese or Tamil, are considered an asset;
• Strong outreach, presentation (written and oral) and donor liaison skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, managerial and communication skills, and a strong administrative track record, including proven leadership, staff and financial management;
• Good negotiation skills and the ability to work as part of a culturally diverse team.

What we offer

DRI offers a competitive salary according to donor regulations and incumbent experience. Moreover, DRI offers you flexible working hours, training opportunities and working as part of an international and multicultural team.