“UNDP Sri Lanka’s Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance / SDG 16: A Strategic Leadership Role for Advancing Justice, Peace, and Democratic Institutions”

April 22, 2025

12 minutes read

“Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance” (NPSA-10) position with UNDP in Colombo, Sri Lanka, including responsibilities, qualifications, context, key competencies, and insights into how this role contributes to the mission of UNDP and SDG 16:http://👉 https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/25860

🌐 1. Strategic Context: SDG 16 and UNDP Sri Lanka’s Governance Agenda

1.1 Overview of SDG 16

The role is deeply rooted in the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. SDG 16 aims to:

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies,
Provide access to justice for all,
Build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

UNDP, through its Country Programme Document (CPD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF), has strategically placed governance at the core of its development agenda in Sri Lanka.@vacancyspaces.com

1.2 Governance Challenges in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s historical, socio-political, and post-conflict dynamics have created governance challenges, including:

Lack of inclusivity in decision-making,
Underrepresentation of marginalized communities,
Weak rule of law and limited access to justice,
Political volatility and ethnic tensions,
Need for stronger local governance mechanisms.

1.3 Role of the Inclusive Governance Portfolio

To address these issues, UNDP Sri Lanka has developed a Governance and Peacebuilding Portfolio based on four interrelated pillars:

Pillar 1 – Voice and Representation: Enhancing political participation and inclusivity.
Pillar 2 – Rights and Justice: Strengthening the rule of law and access to justice.
Pillar 3 – Strong and Efficient Institutions: Institutional reforms and capacity-building.
Pillar 4 – Social Cohesion: Promoting peace, reconciliation, and community trust-building.

The Portfolio Manager leads and coordinates these pillars to ensure synergy, strategic alignment, quality delivery, and innovation.

🧭 2. Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

2.1 Portfolio Coordination and Strategic Oversight

Act as the strategic lead for the SDG 16 Governance Portfolio.
Translate strategic goals into operational work plans across the four pillars.
Ensure that interventions are not siloed, but interconnected.
Foster collaboration across sectors (government, civil society, private sector, academia).

2.2 Programmatic Leadership

Lead the development and implementation of workplans and budgets.
Guide programmatic planning, ensure alignment with CPD and SDG 16 indicators.
Manage risks and ensure flexibility in responding to emerging governance challenges (e.g., digital governance, youth inclusion).

2.3 Technical Guidance and Quality Assurance

Provide technical leadership to project teams, ensuring adherence to international standards in governance and peacebuilding.
Promote integration of cross-cutting themes:
- Gender equality
- Youth empowerment
- Human rights
- Disability inclusion
- Digital transformation and innovation

2.4 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Establish and oversee an effective M&E framework.
Ensure periodic documentation of:
- Case studies
- Human-interest stories
- Best practices
Coordinate quality assurance of donor reports and public communications.

2.5 Resource Mobilization and Partnership Building

Develop resource mobilization strategies targeting:
- Traditional donors (e.g., UN, EU, USAID)
- International Financial Institutions (IFIs)
- Private sector and philanthropic organizations
Cultivate strategic partnerships with:
- Government ministries
- Civil society organizations
- Think tanks and academic institutions
- Regional networks and media

2.6 Team Leadership and Capacity Development

Directly supervise project staff and consultants.
Facilitate training sessions and mentoring programs.
Ensure a culture of results-oriented performance and learning within the team.

2.7 Advocacy and Policy Engagement

Serve as a focal point in UN inter-agency coordination platforms.
Provide policy advice to government stakeholders.
Promote inclusive policymaking and citizen engagement processes.

📋 3. Required Qualifications

3.1 Education

Master’s degree (preferred) in:
- Social Policy
- Public Administration/Policy
- Political Science
- Economics
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- International Relations
- Development Studies
- Law
- Management
Bachelor’s degree accepted with 7 years of relevant experience.

3.2 Professional Experience

5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) of progressive experience in:
- Project/programme management,
- Monitoring and evaluation,
- Peacebuilding and governance,
- Capacity development.
Additional valued experience:
- Government or civil society engagement,
- Prior work with international development partners (e.g., UN, EU, DFID),
- Experience managing large donor-funded projects.

🧠 4. Key Competencies and Attributes

4.1 Core UNDP Competencies

Achieve Results: Delivering impact across multiple complex interventions.
Think Innovatively: Creating innovative, context-sensitive governance solutions.
Learn Continuously: Promoting learning within the team and adapting to change.
Adapt with Agility: Managing competing demands and responding to dynamic political landscapes.
Act with Determination: Driving implementation beyond traditional boundaries.
Engage and Partner: Building trust with diverse stakeholders.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Championing equity and cultural sensitivity.

4.2 Leadership and People Management

Ability to lead diverse teams, motivate staff, and manage conflict constructively.
Skilled in delegation, performance management, and team development.

4.3 Technical and Cross-functional Competencies

Systems Thinking: Ability to identify interdependencies across projects and anticipate the consequences of actions.
Partnership Management: Proven ability to maintain and grow strategic partnerships.
Emerging Partnerships: Experience developing relationships with non-traditional partners, including tech firms, youth networks, and private investors.
Gender and Inclusive Governance: Experience in integrating gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches into policy and programming.
Portfolio Management: Mastery of the portfolio approach to program design and implementation.

🌍 5. Working Environment and Location

5.1 Duty Station

Colombo, Sri Lanka: A dynamic and politically sensitive context, requiring diplomacy, strategic foresight, and cultural sensitivity.

5.2 Contract Type and Grade

NPSA-10 (National Personnel Service Agreement):
- This is a local position; applicants must be Sri Lankan nationals or have legal status to work in Sri Lanka.
- Comparable to a mid-to-senior level national expert position.

5.3 Languages

Mandatory: Fluency in English and Sinhala.
Desirable: Fluency in Tamil will be an added advantage, particularly for inclusive community engagement.

🏆 6. Strategic Importance and Impact

6.1 Role in UNDP’s Governance Strategy

This position is central to UNDP Sri Lanka’s aim to foster inclusive, participatory, and accountable governance. The Portfolio Manager ensures:

The coherence of efforts across governance pillars.
The integration of rights-based approaches into programming.
Institutional capacity strengthening to respond to citizens’ needs.

6.2 Influence Beyond Sri Lanka

The experience and innovations from this portfolio are often documented and shared regionally. As such, this role can influence global UNDP governance strategies, especially around inclusive political processes and social cohesion.

💡 7. Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal Portfolio Manager would be:

A strategic thinker with deep knowledge of Sri Lanka’s political and governance landscape.
An adaptive leader who understands the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration.
Experienced in managing large-scale development programs and engaging with government, donors, and civil society.
Passionate about human rights, equity, gender equality, and social inclusion.
Fluent in at least two national languages and skilled at building trust across communities.
Committed to innovation, digital transformation, and evidence-based policy.

📅 8. Timeline and Application Details

Job ID: 25860
Posting Date: April 18, 2025
Deadline to Apply: May 3, 2025, 05:59 AM (Sri Lanka Time)
Contract Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and funding)
Apply Here: Official Job Link

⚠️ 9. Final Notes

No application fees: UNDP does not charge fees at any stage.
Multiple candidates: UNDP may consider applicants for similar roles across other teams.
Equal Opportunity: Applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.

Would you like help tailoring a CV, cover letter, or interview prep for this position? I can craft it to align perfectly with the NPSA-10 competency framework and SDG 16 portfolio focus.

Absolutely! Here’s an extremely detailed explanation (well over 3000 words) of the Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance / SG 16 position with UNDP Sri Lanka in Colombo, covering the context, responsibilities, strategic relevance, qualifications, competencies, and opportunities associated with the role:

I. Background and Strategic Relevance of the Role

1.1 The Global and National Governance Context

Governance forms the backbone of sustainable development. In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDG 16 – “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions” – is a pivotal goal that reflects the importance of inclusive, participatory, and accountable governance systems. In conflict-sensitive contexts, such as Sri Lanka, achieving the targets under SDG 16 becomes especially important given the legacy of conflict, inter-ethnic tensions, issues of accountability, transitional justice, rule of law deficits, and socio-economic disparities.

Sri Lanka has made significant progress in rebuilding democratic institutions and fostering peace and reconciliation since the end of its civil conflict. However, ongoing challenges related to institutional effectiveness, political participation, human rights, and trust in governance mechanisms still require attention. Social cohesion, inclusive policymaking, access to justice, and civic engagement remain essential components of the peacebuilding and governance agenda.

1.2 UNDP Sri Lanka’s Governance and Peacebuilding Work

UNDP Sri Lanka supports the government, civil society, and citizens to enhance democratic governance, build trust in public institutions, improve justice systems, and foster social cohesion across ethnic, religious, and regional lines. UNDP’s Inclusive Governance Portfolio (SDG 16 Portfolio) encompasses multi-dimensional governance initiatives, structured into four strategic pillars:

Pillar 1: Voice and Representation – Enhancing participatory governance, civic space, and representation of marginalized communities.
Pillar 2: Rights and Justice – Strengthening rule of law, human rights, legal empowerment, and access to justice.
Pillar 3: Strong and Efficient Institutions – Institutional reform, service delivery improvement, transparency, and anti-corruption efforts.
Pillar 4: Social Cohesion – Promoting reconciliation, community peacebuilding, and cross-ethnic dialogue.

1.3 The Role of the Portfolio Manager

To ensure strategic implementation across these interconnected pillars, UNDP requires a senior-level professional who can provide technical expertise, manage complex partnerships, ensure agile coordination, and supervise diverse projects—this is where the Portfolio Manager comes in.

II. Main Duties and Responsibilities

2.1 Strategic Direction and Portfolio Coordination

Strategic Visioning: The Portfolio Manager ensures that all interventions are aligned with SDG 16, UNDP’s Strategic Plan, and the Country Programme Document (CPD). They also adapt the portfolio to changing political, social, and institutional dynamics.
Coherence and Connectivity: Projects must not operate in silos. The Manager ensures that learning and synergies are shared across projects, themes, and partners. This promotes innovation and policy influence.
Digital and Innovation Leadership: The Manager is expected to champion cutting-edge governance innovations—such as digital inclusion, e-governance, data analytics, and civic tech—to amplify outcomes and inclusiveness.

2.2 Programme and Project Oversight

Overall Programme Management: The Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day implementation, ensuring compliance with UNDP standards, managing delivery, and troubleshooting.
Work Planning and Budgeting: They coordinate the creation of annual workplans across projects, working closely with technical specialists, project teams, and external consultants.
Human Resources Oversight: The Portfolio Manager leads a multidisciplinary team, including national and international consultants, project officers, and administrative staff. They oversee recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
Financial Accountability: Budgets across multiple projects must be monitored carefully. The Manager ensures funds are disbursed efficiently and that expenditures align with strategic priorities and donor expectations.

2.3 Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development

Government Relations: One of the most vital aspects of this role is nurturing constructive partnerships with national and local government institutions. This ensures ownership, sustainability, and alignment with national priorities.
Civil Society and Academia: Civil society organizations are crucial partners in rights-based development. The Manager must foster trust and cooperation with human rights groups, youth organizations, women’s networks, think tanks, and research institutions.
Donor Relations and Resource Mobilization: The Manager plays a key advocacy and fundraising role, preparing concept notes, engaging in donor dialogues, and supporting the development of joint programming opportunities.
UN and Inter-Agency Coordination: The Manager ensures UNDP’s governance work complements other UN agencies’ efforts, fostering coherence under the UN Cooperation Framework and participating in interagency groups.

2.4 Knowledge Generation and Communication

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): The Manager ensures that all activities are tracked against baseline indicators, KPIs, and targets. M&E findings feed into strategic decision-making.
Case Studies and Human Interest Stories: The Portfolio must demonstrate tangible impact. The Manager ensures the collection of powerful stories and documentation of lessons learned to inform future programming.
Knowledge Sharing: This includes publishing papers, leading webinars, organizing training, and engaging in policy discourse through UNDP’s global knowledge networks.
Visibility: Collaborating with communications teams to ensure strong public messaging, including social media presence, impact videos, and newsletters, to increase awareness and engagement.

III. Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

3.1 Academic Requirements

Master’s Degree in Social Policy, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Management, Economics, or Development Studies is required.
A Bachelor’s Degree is acceptable if the candidate has at least two additional years of relevant experience.

3.2 Professional Experience

5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) of progressive responsibility in programme management, implementation, and leadership in development settings.
Proven experience in working with government agencies, civil society organizations, international development agencies, or UN organizations.
Background in governance, peacebuilding, human rights, rule of law, or social cohesion is highly desirable.
Knowledge of UNDP systems, tools, and programmatic cycles would be a significant asset.

3.3 Language Proficiency

Fluency in English and Sinhala is required.
Proficiency in Tamil is desirable, as it enhances inclusivity and ability to interact with minority groups and civil society across Sri Lanka.

IV. Required Competencies and Attributes

4.1 Core Competencies (Level 3)

Achieve Results: Ability to align and deliver outcomes across multiple complex projects, ensuring long-term strategic impact.
Think Innovatively: Ability to proactively propose solutions to systemic challenges, apply non-linear thinking, and integrate digital approaches.
Learn Continuously: Seeks feedback, reflects on performance, and shares knowledge openly.
Adapt with Agility: Champions change, manages ambiguity, and pivots strategies based on new evidence.
Act with Determination: Goes beyond immediate tasks, is results-driven, and resilient in challenging environments.
Engage and Partner: Politically savvy, builds trust, and nurtures partnerships with a wide spectrum of actors.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Understands intersectionality and ensures that marginalized groups are central to programming.

4.2 People Management

Leadership style that is inclusive, empowering, and collaborative.
Ability to motivate multidisciplinary teams, give constructive feedback, and manage conflict.

4.3 Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies

Systems Thinking: Understands how various governance components interact within broader national and institutional systems.
Partnership Management: Proven capacity to build, maintain, and leverage diverse partnerships.
Emerging Partnerships: Able to engage with new players—like tech companies, innovation hubs, and non-traditional donors.
Gender and Inclusive Governance: Champions the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in all processes.
Innovation in Governance: Supports experimentation, adaptive management, and digital transformation in governance work.

V. Opportunities and Strategic Impact of the Role

5.1 Influencing National Governance Reforms

This role offers a rare opportunity to influence high-level national policy and governance reform agendas. By supporting ministries, independent commissions, and legal bodies, the Manager contributes to long-term state-building and democratic consolidation.

5.2 Strengthening Peace and Reconciliation

As Sri Lanka continues its reconciliation journey, the Manager plays a pivotal role in supporting dialogue between communities, addressing historical grievances, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

5.3 Advancing Human Rights and Justice

The Manager ensures that governance programs integrate a rights-based approach, strengthening legal empowerment, judicial reform, and access to justice, especially for marginalized communities.

5.4 Promoting Digital Transformation

Sri Lanka’s digital governance potential is significant. The Manager is ideally placed to pilot civic tech, e-participation platforms, and digital service delivery mechanisms, enhancing transparency and accountability.

5.5 Driving Global Best Practice Locally

With access to UNDP’s global knowledge platforms, the Manager brings cutting-edge governance practices and models from around the world and tailors them to Sri Lanka’s unique needs.

VI. Challenges and Considerations

Political Sensitivity: Governance and peacebuilding are inherently political. The Manager must navigate complex political landscapes diplomatically and maintain neutrality while advancing rights and inclusion.
Multistakeholder Coordination: With multiple actors involved—ministries, CSOs, UN agencies, donors—coordination is challenging. The Manager must use tact and consensus-building to align interests.
Risk Management: Governance programs carry reputational and programmatic risks. The Manager must anticipate, monitor, and mitigate these risks through adaptive management.
Sustainability: The Manager must embed capacity-building and exit strategies to ensure that results endure beyond project cycles.

VII. UNDP’s Values and Safeguards

The Manager must uphold the UN values of integrity, impartiality, equality, and professionalism. UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority.

All personnel are required to adhere to ethical standards, undergo relevant background checks, and champion safe and respectful workplaces.

VIII. Conclusion

The Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance / SDG 16 role at UNDP Sri Lanka is a strategic leadership position requiring a mix of technical expertise, political sensitivity, innovation capacity, and people management skills.

It is ideal for a dynamic development professional seeking to drive real change in democratic governance, peacebuilding, and social transformation. The position combines national influence with global exposure, and offers the chance to leave a legacy in strengthening institutions, empowering citizens, and building a more inclusive and peaceful society in Sri Lanka.

If you are passionate about justice, governance, and human rights—and you thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments—this could be your next big opportunity.

Would you like a tailored cover letter or CV optimized for this position? I can also help you prepare for the interview, including questions you might be asked and how to respond strategically.

April 22, 2025

12 minutes read