The Position:
The Project Manager – Reproductive Health and Sexual & Gender Based Violence (SGBV) leads on and is accountable for successful delivery of the project for the Improvement of Access to Information and Services of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and of Gender-based Violence for Women and Young People (the Project).
You will report directly to the UNFPA Assistant Representative.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
The UNFPA 2018-2022 country programme contributes to the equitable enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights by all Sri Lankans, particularly among vulnerable women and young people, and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda. Within the classification of a middle-income country, UNFPA Country Office in Sri Lanka is engaged in policy advocacy & dialogue backed by evidence.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
Good sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system. It implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.
When women and girls live a life free from violence, they can fully realize and exercise their sexual and reproductive health and rights. When young people have access to accurate information and services on sexual and reproductive health, they can make informed decisions about their bodies and lives. When population dynamics, shaped by people’s sexual and reproductive health and choices, are used to inform policies, we can reach those furthest behind.
UNFPA Sri Lanka, with a grant in aid from the Government of Japan, will implement a three-year project to improve access to youth friendly SRH information and services, as well as promote SRHR of young people and women at the National level and the Provincial level targeting North, East, South and Central Provinces. This is an initiative between Japan and Sri Lanka for further implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Working in collaboration with an inter-disciplinary team in the Country Office, you will lead the project team to successfully deliver the project and contribute to accelerate positive change on gender equality, empowerment of women and girls and respect for the human rights to achieve and sustain peace.
About the project:
The project will support the Government of Sri Lanka, specifically the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, and contributed to the realization of the Government’s reconciliation agenda. In particular, this project will identify and improve SRH knowledge of community leaders, religious leaders, civil society and youth groups and service providers to facilitate attitudinal and behaviour changes. At the community level, the project will implement a public awareness and sensitization campaign to change perceptions about SRH. At the organisational level, the project will build capacity of service providers and organisations to ensure access to quality services. This will ensure that individuals have the right knowledge and attitude towards SRH and will respect each other’s choices with regard to SRH and facilitate the access to services.
Requirements:
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s) in the area of gender, health, development, social sciences or related discipline.
Knowledge and Experience:
Minimum 2 years of professional experience in the area of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sri Lanka
Minimum 5 years of experience in project management, ideally handling projects funded by bilateral or multilateral donors
Prior experience in working with government authorities and civil society organisations.
Prior experience in working with UN agencies is an asset.
Languages:
Full proficiency in English (including excellent writing and communication skills), and Sinhala or Tamil is required.
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
