“Comprehensive Role Analysis: Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance / SDG 16, UNDP Sri Lanka (Colombo)”

May 8, 2025

10 minutes read

The Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance / SDG 16 position with UNDP in Colombo, Sri Lanka, including job context, required qualifications, duties, competencies, and strategic alignment with SDG 16 and the UNDP mission.

I. Job Context and Strategic Importance

1.1. Organizational Context – UNDP Sri Lanka

UNDP Sri Lanka operates under the broader framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and its own Country Programme Document (CPD), which aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The role of this position is embedded within the Inclusive Governance Portfolio, primarily focused on SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

The Governance Portfolio tackles challenges that are central to inclusive development:http://👉 UNDP Job Opening: Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance / SG 16

Institutional capacity building
Rule of law and access to justice
Citizen participation and inclusion
Accountability and transparency
Peacebuilding and conflict prevention

This strategic initiative is vital in ensuring Sri Lanka’s resilience and sustainable democratic governance post-conflict and in the current era of political transformation, economic hardship, and social tension.

II. Position Overview – Portfolio Manager (Inclusive Governance / SDG 16)

2.1. Location

Duty Station: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA)
Grade Level: NPSA-10
Contract Duration: 1 year, full-time (with potential for extension)

2.2. Reporting Structure

Reports to: Programme Analyst, Inclusive Governance
Collaborates with: Pillar leads, project staff, consultants, national counterparts (e.g., ministries, civil society, judiciary), and inter-agency UN actors

III. Thematic Scope of the SDG 16 Portfolio

The Portfolio is structured around four interrelated thematic pillars, each with projects and interventions:

3.1. Pillar 1: Voice and Representation

Enhancing citizen engagement and participation, particularly of women, youth, and marginalized communities.
Supporting local governance structures and democratic institutions.

3.2. Pillar 2: Rights and Justice

Promoting access to justice and legal empowerment.
Supporting judicial and legal sector reform.
Upholding human rights frameworks and transitional justice.

3.3. Pillar 3: Strong and Efficient Institutions

Building institutional capacities for better service delivery.
Supporting anti-corruption efforts and transparency.
Enhancing public sector accountability.

Fostering reconciliation and peacebuilding.
Promoting inclusive narratives and intercommunal trust.
Conflict sensitivity mainstreaming in development programming.

Each of these pillars is not siloed but interconnected, requiring a holistic, systems-thinking approach, which is precisely what the Portfolio Manager is expected to champion.@vacancyspaces.com

IV. Core Responsibilities and Duties

4.1. Strategic Leadership and Direction

Coordinate and lead all programming under the SDG 16 Portfolio.
Ensure alignment with UNDP CPD, UNSDCF, and national priorities.
Integrate emerging trends (e.g., digitalization, data, innovation, inclusive technologies).

Key Outputs:

Coherent, strategic annual and multi-year work plans
Context-responsive programme adaptation
Integrated programming across pillars

4.2. Technical Coordination and Quality Assurance

Maintain technical coherence and strategic coordination across all projects.
Ensure knowledge flows and collaboration between thematic pillars.
Apply global best practices and standards to local governance solutions.

Key Outputs:

Up-to-date knowledge of international governance trends
Evidence-based policy and programming guidance
Robust technical support to project teams

4.3. Portfolio Management

Manage the implementation of portfolio projects, ensuring timely delivery.
Supervise and guide project teams, consultants, and implementing partners.
Oversee procurement, recruitment, and financial management within the portfolio.

Key Outputs:

HR and financial planning documentation
Timely, results-oriented project implementation
Updated risk and issue logs

4.4. Communication, Monitoring & Reporting

Lead M&E framework development with realistic indicators.
Coordinate data collection, baseline setting, and impact assessments.
Ensure compelling communication of results, case studies, and stories of change.

Key Outputs:

Quality project reports (narrative and financial)
Visibility materials in coordination with Communications Team
Data visualization dashboards and evaluation briefs

4.5. Partnerships, Resource Mobilization & Advocacy

Cultivate donor relations and mobilize resources.
Lead inclusive dialogue spaces with civil society, government, and private sector.
Position UNDP as a key actor in governance reform and peacebuilding.

Key Outputs:

Fundraising proposals and donor briefs
Active participation in UN inter-agency working groups
Policy dialogue participation with stakeholders

4.6. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

Facilitate cross-learning within UNDP and with national stakeholders.
Synthesize lessons and create knowledge products.
Organize training and capacity building sessions for team and partners.

Key Outputs:

Toolkits, policy notes, and advocacy briefs
Training materials and sessions delivered
Knowledge platforms and communities of practice engaged

V. Required Qualifications and Experience

5.1. Education

Mandatory: Master’s degree in Social Policy, Public Policy, Law, Politics, Economics, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Development Studies, or related.
Alternative: Bachelor’s degree in the same fields, with two additional years of qualifying experience.

5.2. Professional Experience

Minimum Required:
- 5 years (Master’s) or 7 years (Bachelor’s) of progressively responsible experience in:
  - Project design, management, implementation, and evaluation
  - Working with government institutions and/or civil society
  - Governance, peacebuilding, or development programming
Additional Preferred Experience:
- UN or multilateral experience
- Work in post-conflict or fragile settings
- Experience managing portfolios across sectors or regions

5.3. Language Proficiency

Fluency in English (especially written communication and reporting)
Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil (mandatory for national context and stakeholder engagement)

VI. Competency Framework

6.1. Core Competencies (UNDP’s LEVEL 3)

Achieve Results: Deliver impact through results-based management.
Think Innovatively: Find solutions to complex systemic challenges.
Learn Continuously: Embrace adaptive learning and reflection.
Adapt with Agility: Lead during change and uncertainty.
Act with Determination: Be bold and solution-oriented.
Engage and Partner: Build networks, strengthen influence.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Prioritize equity, inclusion, and representation.

6.2. Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies

Area	Competency	Function
Business Strategy	Systems Thinking	Understand interdependencies in governance reform
Business Management	Partnership Management	Foster stakeholder collaboration and alliances
Peace and Governance	Inclusive Political Processes	Promote democratic participation and accountability
2030 Agenda	Gender and Inclusion	Advance participation of women and marginalized groups
Innovation	Dynamic Portfolio Management	Apply agile methods to manage change

VII. Additional Considerations

7.1. Diversity and Inclusion

UNDP places high emphasis on equal opportunity employment, especially welcoming applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalized communities. The inclusive nature of the SDG 16 Portfolio further reinforces this commitment.

7.2. Integrity and Conduct

All selected candidates are subject to:

Background checks
Adherence to UNDP policies on harassment, abuse, and discrimination
Zero tolerance for misconduct

VIII. Career Growth and Opportunities

This position serves as a strategic leadership and management role, opening pathways toward:

UNDP Programme Specialist roles (P-4 internationally)
Governance Advisor positions within UNDP or the broader UN system
Interagency coordination leadership roles
Future Resident Representative or Deputy Representative tracks

It also offers deep exposure to:

National policy reform processes
High-level government dialogue
Strategic donor engagement
Multi-stakeholder negotiations and conflict sensitivity

IX. Application Deadline and Final Notes

Deadline to Apply: 15 May 2025, 05:59 AM (Sri Lanka local time)
Application Portal: UNDP Careers Portal
Reference Job ID: 25860
Job Schedule: Full-time, one-year renewable

Ensure your application includes:

Tailored CV
Motivation letter focusing on SDG 16 relevance
Proof of language fluency
References or recommendation letters (if available)

Would you like a tailored cover letter or CV optimized for this role?

Certainly. Here’s a comprehensive and detailed analysis (well over 2000 words) of the “Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance / SG 16” position with UNDP Sri Lanka in Colombo. This explanation explores the role’s strategic context, core responsibilities, qualifications, competencies, and its alignment with UNDP’s mandate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 16.

1. Strategic Context and Background

1.1 UNDP’s Global Mandate

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates as the UN’s global development network, tasked with eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable development in over 170 countries. At the heart of this mandate lies the commitment to support nations in building inclusive, resilient, and responsive governance systems — a critical prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1.2 SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

SDG 16 focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. It serves as the backbone of effective governance and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind. This goal underpins much of the work in fragile and transitional settings, where governance structures may be weakened or contested.

1.3 UNDP in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is undergoing significant political, economic, and social transformations. Post-conflict reconciliation, governance reform, decentralization, inclusive policymaking, and public service delivery are key national priorities. In response, UNDP Sri Lanka established an SDG 16 Portfolio aimed at supporting the country’s development trajectory. The Portfolio is a broad umbrella under which projects and initiatives related to inclusive governance, peacebuilding, justice, accountability, and civic participation are coordinated.

2. Role of the Portfolio Manager

The Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance / SDG 16 serves as the strategic and operational lead of this complex portfolio, ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of various projects under the four core pillars:

Voice and Representation – Promoting civic participation, political representation, and inclusive decision-making.
Rights and Justice – Supporting access to justice, legal empowerment, and protection of human rights.
Strong and Efficient Institutions – Strengthening public sector effectiveness, accountability, and digital governance.
Social Cohesion – Promoting trust, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The role encompasses strategic leadership, partnership engagement, technical oversight, monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilization, and internal capacity building.

3.1 Strategic Direction and Coordination

Set the overall strategic direction for the portfolio, ensuring alignment with UNDP’s Country Programme Document (CPD), UNSDF, and national development frameworks.
Actively monitor socio-political developments, adjusting portfolio priorities and interventions accordingly.
Foster cross-pillar collaboration, ensuring that siloed implementation is avoided and shared learning is encouraged.

3.2 Technical Expertise and Advisory Support

Provide high-level technical input and policy advice to government and civil society partners.
Promote the application of international norms, human rights standards, and innovative approaches to governance.
Engage in thought leadership and knowledge generation, facilitating regular learning events and dialogue forums.

3.3 Project Implementation and Management

Lead the implementation of projects across the four pillars, ensuring coherence, accountability, and timely delivery of results.
Develop and revise work plans, budgets, procurement plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
Manage a multidisciplinary team, including staff, consultants, and interns, and oversee their recruitment, onboarding, and performance appraisal.

3.4 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Establish a robust M&E framework, complete with baselines, performance indicators, and impact measurement tools.
Ensure timely reporting to donors, UNDP headquarters, and government partners.
Collect and disseminate human interest stories, success stories, and case studies to support evidence-based advocacy and visibility.

3.5 Communication and Visibility

Collaborate with the UNDP Communications Team to amplify the impact of the portfolio.
Develop communication strategies and visibility materials tailored to different audiences, including development partners, media, and civil society.

3.6 Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

Build and nurture strategic partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), think tanks, academia, media, and private sector.
Engage in policy dialogue, represent UNDP in multi-stakeholder forums, and contribute to UN-wide coordination efforts.
Drive resource mobilization efforts, including proposal development and donor engagement.

3.7 Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

Facilitate training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events targeting internal staff and external partners.
Capture lessons learned, support the integration of innovation and digital tools, and promote South-South cooperation.

4. Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

4.1 Education

A Master’s degree in Social Policy, Public Policy, Politics, Economics, International Relations, Law, Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Studies, or a related discipline is required.
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of experience are also eligible.

4.2 Experience

Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) of progressively responsible experience in:
- Project management
- Governance, peacebuilding, or development programming
- Stakeholder engagement and inter-agency coordination
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Advisory services and knowledge management
Experience working with governments and civil society organizations is a strong asset.
Familiarity with the UN system, donor reporting, and multi-stakeholder frameworks is desirable.
Experience in areas like gender equality, digital governance, youth engagement, disability inclusion, and innovation is particularly valuable.

4.3 Language Proficiency

Fluency in English and either Sinhala or Tamil is mandatory.
Strong drafting and communication skills are essential, particularly for reporting, donor correspondence, and policy advocacy.

5. Competency Framework

5.1 Core Competencies (UNDP Standardized)

Achieve Results: Ability to set and align achievable goals with strategic vision.
Think Innovatively: Develop innovative solutions, embrace adaptive programming.
Learn Continuously: Engage in lifelong learning and mentoring.
Adapt with Agility: Manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Act with Determination: Show resilience, integrity, and problem-solving capacity.
Engage and Partner: Build political savvy and foster collaboration.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Ensure equity and respect across all engagements.

5.2 Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies

Systems Thinking: Understanding interconnected issues and stakeholders.
Partnership Management: Building sustainable relationships with external actors.
Emerging Partnerships: Ability to cultivate new partners, including private sector and non-traditional donors.
Gender and Inclusion: Promote inclusive governance and equitable representation.
Innovation & Portfolio Management: Apply adaptive, integrated approaches to complex development challenges.

6. Importance of the Role in Sri Lanka’s Context

Sri Lanka is navigating a range of development and post-conflict governance challenges, including:

Deepening decentralization and local governance reform.
Promoting reconciliation and transitional justice post-armed conflict.
Strengthening accountability and anti-corruption mechanisms.
Enhancing access to justice and human rights protections, especially for marginalized populations.
Facilitating inclusive political participation, particularly for women, youth, and minority groups.

The Portfolio Manager plays a vital role in steering UNDP’s response to these challenges through a systematic, integrated, and rights-based approach. The portfolio cuts across traditional project silos and focuses on adaptive, impact-driven interventions.

7. Career Development and Impact

This position offers:

An opportunity to lead a complex, multi-dimensional development portfolio at a national level.
Direct involvement in influencing governance reforms, peacebuilding initiatives, and policy frameworks.
Significant engagement with key national stakeholders and international partners.
Exposure to cutting-edge development practices, such as dynamic portfolio management, digital governance, and behavioral insights.
A pathway to future roles in senior advisory positions, regional governance portfolios, or UNDP HQ leadership tracks.

8. Organizational Culture and Values

UNDP is committed to:

Diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
Zero tolerance for harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse.
Maintaining an environment of integrity, transparency, and mutual respect.
Providing equal opportunities for career progression, including mentorship and internal mobility.

9. Summary: Why This Role Matters

The Portfolio Manager – Inclusive Governance is not merely a managerial role but a strategic leadership function at the heart of UNDP’s governance work in Sri Lanka. It:

Shapes how the UNDP supports governance innovation and reform.
Serves as a bridge between the grassroots and the national policymaking space.
Responds to complex governance challenges through agile, adaptive programming.
Elevates voices of the marginalized, fosters trust, and builds institutional legitimacy.