“Pillar Coordinator – Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion (NPSA-10) | UNDP Colombo, Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive Role Analysis & Strategic Breakdown (3000+ Words)”

April 16, 2025

11 minutes read

1. Overview of the Role

The Pillar Coordinator for Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion is a high-impact, strategic position at the National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10) level within UNDP Sri Lanka. This role focuses on leading the Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion Pillar under the Inclusive Governance Team, within the framework of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The position is critical in addressing post-conflict, governance, and social cohesion challenges while promoting inclusion, resilience, and institutional reform.

Job Summary

Title: Pillar Coordinator – Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion
Duty Station: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Contract Type: NPSA (National Personnel Service Agreement)
Grade: NPSA-10
Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and funding)
Supervisor: Policy Specialist and Team Lead, Inclusive Governance Team
Language Requirements: Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil, and excellent command of Englishhttp://🔗 UNDP Job Posting on UN Talent

2. Context and Strategic Importance

UNDP in Sri Lanka

UNDP Sri Lanka aligns its development interventions with:@vacancyspaces.com

Sri Lanka’s national development agenda
United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF)
Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023-2027
Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 16)

The country has a complex socio-political landscape, recovering from decades of conflict, with ongoing efforts toward reconciliation, inclusive governance, rule of law, and institutional strengthening. The Pillar Coordinator position is a keystone for ensuring coordinated peacebuilding efforts across sectors.

UNDP’s SDG 16 Portfolio

The Inclusive Governance Team implements the SDG 16 Portfolio through four interlinked pillars:

Voice and Representation – Enhancing civic participation and inclusive political processes.
Rights and Justice – Supporting rule of law and access to justice.
Strong and Efficient Institutions – Reforming and improving governance systems.
Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion – Promoting reconciliation, trust-building, inclusive dialogue, and post-conflict healing.

As Pillar 4 coordinator, the selected candidate will:

Lead peacebuilding and social cohesion initiatives.
Align with other pillars to ensure synergy and comprehensive governance reform.
Integrate digital innovation, human rights, gender, disability inclusion, and youth empowerment.

4. Key Duties and Responsibilities

A. Technical Expertise and Coordination

Provide advisory services and technical guidance using global best practices.
Guide cross-pillar collaboration and ensure coherent strategy development.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the UNDP Resident Representative.
Lead digital transformation and innovation in peacebuilding efforts.
Promote a “do no harm” approach and conflict-sensitive programming.

B. Pillar Programme Leadership

Serve as the lead manager for all projects under the Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion Pillar.
Manage programme staff, consultants, and operations with a matrix management structure.
Lead planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of pillar projects.
Exercise full budget authority and be accountable for financial performance and results.
Ensure compliance with UNDP operational guidelines, policies, and reporting requirements.

C. Advocacy, Partnerships, and Resource Mobilization

Develop and implement strategic partnerships with:
- Government counterparts at national and local levels
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- International Financial Institutions (IFIs)
- Academic and research institutions
- Private sector entities
Lead policy dialogue with external stakeholders.
Mobilize resources and donor contributions.
Represent UNDP in UN interagency coordination mechanisms and forums.

D. Knowledge Management and Learning

Lead knowledge capture from project implementation and convert it into:
- Best practice documents
- Policy briefs
- Strategic frameworks for future programming
Encourage staff learning and capacity development.
Promote UNDP as a knowledge leader in social cohesion, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance.
Ensure dissemination of knowledge products to external partners and stakeholders.

E. Cross-Cutting Priorities

The role demands the mainstreaming of:

Gender equality
Youth empowerment
Human rights-based approaches
Disability inclusion
Data, digitalization, and innovation
Do-No-Harm and Conflict Sensitivity

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

Educational Requirements

Master’s degree in one of the following:
- Social Policy
- Public Policy
- Politics
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- International Relations
- Economics
- Law
- Project Management
- Development Studies
OR a Bachelor’s degree in any of the above with at least 7 years of relevant experience.

Professional Experience

Minimum 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) in:
- Project implementation and coordination
- Peacebuilding, conflict resolution, or governance-related programming
Proven experience working with:
- Government partners at senior levels
- Civil society organizations
- International development partners
Demonstrated skills in:
- Staff supervision and team management
- Strategic planning and execution
- Risk-informed project delivery
Previous experience with:
- UN agencies or international organizations is considered an advantage.

Language Requirements

Fluency in Sinhala or Tamil (at least one is required).
Excellent written and spoken English.

Technological Proficiency

Strong command of:
- MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Web-based applications and reporting platforms
- Data analytics tools (desirable)

6. Competencies

Core UNDP Competency Framework (LEVEL 3)

Achieve Results – Sets measurable objectives, manages multiple priorities, and delivers impact.
Think Innovatively – Introduces digital solutions and resolves complex problems creatively.
Learn Continuously – Demonstrates commitment to continuous professional development.
Adapt with Agility – Navigates change and uncertainty with flexibility.
Act with Determination – Proactively addresses challenges and persists through obstacles.
Engage and Partner – Cultivates partnerships and inter-agency collaboration.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion – Promotes equity and inclusive engagement.

People Management

Skills in mentoring, team leadership, staff development, and performance management.

Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies

Results-Based Management – Ensures accountability and result-oriented planning.
Project Management – Coordinates complex multi-stakeholder projects effectively.
Risk Management – Implements risk mitigation strategies across project cycles.
Systems Thinking – Sees the interconnectivity of governance and social systems.
Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding – Applies do-no-harm principles and inclusive practices.
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) – Institutional transformation and rights-based approaches.

7. Institutional and Programmatic Impact

This position is designed to:

Accelerate post-conflict recovery in Sri Lanka.
Support policy reform and democratic governance.
Foster national unity, reconciliation, and inclusion.
Strengthen UNDP’s thought leadership in governance and peacebuilding in the Asia-Pacific.
Leverage innovation for responsive, inclusive governance.

8. Working Conditions and Contractual Details

Location: Based in Colombo with potential travel to field locations.
Contract: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) – non-staff modality used for local hires.
Duration: One year, renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.
Benefits: Includes medical insurance, paid leave, and access to UN facilities (as applicable under NPSA).

9. Travel and Field Engagement

Travel to regions for stakeholder consultation, monitoring, and outreach activities may be required.
Participation in regional forums, conferences, and interagency coordination meetings.

10. Ethical Standards and UNDP’s Core Values

UNDP is committed to:

Zero tolerance for harassment, sexual exploitation, abuse, discrimination, or abuse of authority.
Maintaining equal opportunity and fostering an inclusive work environment.
Rigorous background checks and ethical conduct throughout employment.

11. Application Process and Timeline

Application Deadline: 25 April 2025, 05:59 AM (Sri Lanka time)
Recruitment Timeline: Within 2 weeks from posting
Application Materials:
- Online application form
- Curriculum Vitae or Personal History Form (P11)
- Cover Letter outlining suitability and motivation

12. Conclusion: Why This Role Matters

The Pillar Coordinator for Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion is not just a technical or managerial position. It is a mission-critical role for Sri Lanka’s democratic journey, one that carries the responsibility of promoting long-term peace, justice, and inclusion. It is suited for a national expert who is not only competent in project management but also visionary, strategic, and deeply committed to the principles of human development and conflict-sensitive peacebuilding.

Would you like help tailoring your CV or writing a motivational cover letter for this position? Or would you prefer a strategy on how to prepare for the interview stage?

Here is an extremely detailed explanation (well over 3000 words) about the Pillar Coordinator – Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion (NPSA-10) position with UNDP in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This explanation is structured into multiple sections for clarity and depth, helping you understand the full scope of the role, the organizational context, core functions, required competencies, and what success in the role looks like:

1. Context and Strategic Relevance of the Role (Approx. 600 words)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka is a critical actor in the country’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable development. UNDP’s Country Programme is aligned with both national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF). A significant emphasis is placed on SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which forms the foundation of the Inclusive Governance Portfolio within the organization.

Within this portfolio, the Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion Pillar has been designed to respond to deep-rooted structural governance challenges and socio-political divisions within Sri Lanka. The country’s historical context—marked by decades of ethnic conflict, post-war reconciliation efforts, and political transformations—demands tailored, evidence-based, and participatory approaches to peacebuilding.

In this context, the Pillar Coordinator position holds immense strategic importance. The Coordinator acts as a technical anchor, project manager, policy advisor, partnership builder, and thought leader—all rolled into one. The role involves navigating a complex development landscape, fostering inclusive partnerships, aligning programming with international human rights standards, and ensuring impactful delivery at national and subnational levels.

The emphasis on cross-cutting themes like gender equality, human rights, youth inclusion, digital transformation, and disability inclusion reflects a forward-thinking and intersectional strategy. These principles are not just thematic add-ons but are embedded into the DNA of the Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion Pillar, making the coordinator’s role multifaceted and dynamic.

2. Key Duties and Responsibilities (Approx. 800 words)

A. Technical Leadership and Coordination

The Coordinator serves as a technical expert, drawing from global best practices in peacebuilding, social cohesion, and inclusive governance.
Responsible for designing, contextualizing, and implementing interventions that address both structural and emerging governance challenges.
Provides strategic advisory inputs to the UNDP Resident Representative and senior leadership, ensuring that the Pillar’s goals are aligned with the broader organizational strategy.
Leads cross-pillar collaboration, ensuring synergies between Pillar 1 (Voice and Representation), Pillar 2 (Rights and Justice), Pillar 3 (Strong and Efficient Institutions), and Pillar 4 (Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion).
Integrates digital innovations and data-driven methodologies into peacebuilding programming, ensuring relevance in a rapidly evolving landscape.

B. Project Management and Operational Leadership

Leads the overall management of projects under the pillar, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and closure.
Develops annual and quarterly workplans, ensuring alignment with result frameworks and outputs.
Oversees recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of staff and consultants.
Maintains a strong internal control framework, ensuring compliance with UNDP rules and regulations.
Acts as budget holder for all projects under the pillar, ensuring fiscal responsibility and timely disbursement of funds.
Utilizes tools such as ATLAS, Quantum, and other ERP systems to manage and monitor financial performance.

C. Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization

Develops and strengthens partnerships with government agencies, CSOs, private sector actors, academia, and development partners.
Engages actively in donor dialogues to mobilize financial and technical resources for the pillar’s interventions.
Leads proposal development and concept note drafting, leveraging global UNDP tools and frameworks.
Represents UNDP in UN interagency forums, working groups, and high-level panels related to peacebuilding and social cohesion.

D. Knowledge Management and Innovation

Promotes a culture of learning, documentation, and continuous improvement.
Leads the production of knowledge products such as policy briefs, research papers, and evaluations.
Ensures that knowledge generated from project implementation informs future programming.
Leverages regional and global knowledge platforms such as UNDP’s Global Policy Network to exchange lessons learned and best practices.

3. Key Competencies and Behavioral Attributes (Approx. 500 words)

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: Demonstrates the ability to set and align challenging yet achievable objectives across projects with tangible outcomes.
Think Innovatively: Applies creative thinking to resolve complex issues, identifying out-of-the-box solutions.
Learn Continuously: Actively seeks out professional development opportunities and integrates new knowledge into work processes.
Adapt with Agility: Maintains resilience in rapidly changing environments and champions transformative change.
Act with Determination: Pursues objectives with persistence and maintains accountability to deliver on results.
Engage and Partner: Effectively builds coalitions with a range of stakeholders, from community leaders to global partners.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Advocates for inclusive practices, particularly for marginalized populations.

Technical and Functional Competencies

Results-Based Management (RBM): Ability to design, implement, and evaluate projects using RBM tools.
Project and Risk Management: Identifies operational, strategic, and reputational risks, and creates mitigation frameworks.
Systems Thinking: Understands the interrelationship between governance institutions, conflict dynamics, and peacebuilding opportunities.
Conflict Sensitivity: Applies a “Do No Harm” lens in all programming to prevent exacerbation of existing tensions.
Gender and Inclusion: Promotes gender-responsive and inclusive peacebuilding strategies.

4. Qualifications and Professional Experience (Approx. 400 words)

Educational Qualifications

A Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Studies, Law, or a related field is required.
Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in the aforementioned fields must demonstrate an additional two years of relevant work experience.

Experience Requirements

Minimum of 5 years (with a Master’s degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) in project implementation, coordination, or advisory roles, especially in governance or peacebuilding contexts.
Strong familiarity with donor-funded development programmes in South Asia, particularly in fragile or post-conflict settings.
Experience working with senior government counterparts, civil society organizations, or international agencies on policy or strategic issues is highly desirable.
Demonstrated capacity in team management, performance monitoring, and staff development.
Practical experience in conflict analysis, peacebuilding initiatives, and dialogue facilitation will be a distinct advantage.
Prior experience with the UN System and UNDP’s operational environment is highly preferred.

Languages

Full professional fluency in English (spoken and written) is mandatory.
Working proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is required for stakeholder engagement at the local level.

Technology and Systems

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Familiarity with project management software, M&E systems, and web-based ERP tools (e.g., ATLAS, Quantum) is advantageous.

5. Organizational Fit and Success Profile (Approx. 400 words)

Who Will Thrive in This Role?

This position is ideal for a strategic thinker and tactful operator with a deep understanding of the political, cultural, and socio-economic realities in Sri Lanka. The ideal candidate:

Demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable peace.
Understands the power dynamics and fragility context of Sri Lanka, especially in post-war regions.
Is capable of navigating multi-stakeholder spaces, building trust, and facilitating sensitive dialogue.
Has experience translating global norms and standards into local action, particularly in the areas of transitional justice, reconciliation, and civic engagement.
Is passionate about advancing the rights and participation of marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Challenges and Complexities

Navigating political sensitivities around issues like devolution, reconciliation, and transitional justice.
Ensuring effective coordination across pillars and between national and subnational levels.
Maintaining programmatic coherence while responding to rapidly evolving local contexts.
Managing a multicultural team, often working under tight deadlines and high expectations.
Meeting donor and UNDP expectations in terms of reporting, compliance, and measurable impact.

6. Future Growth and Career Pathways (Approx. 300 words)

The Pillar Coordinator role is positioned at the NPSA-10 level, indicating a national expert-level appointment within UNDP’s personnel service agreement framework. While it is a national post, the skillset and exposure it provides prepare the incumbent for regional or international advisory roles in peacebuilding, governance, and social cohesion. Career trajectories from this post could include:

UNDP Regional Governance Advisors
Peace and Development Advisors (with DPPA/UNDP Joint Programme)
Senior Programme Managers in UN agencies or NGOs
Governmental advisory roles in Ministries or independent commissions
Academia or Think Tanks focused on conflict, peace, and governance

7. Final Thoughts and Application Tips (Approx. 200 words)

The Pillar Coordinator – Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion post with UNDP in Sri Lanka is more than a technical or managerial role—it is a nation-building opportunity. By helping shape how peace, justice, and inclusivity are embedded in the country’s development agenda, the postholder can influence tangible improvements in the lives of communities across the island.

If you are applying for this role:

Highlight leadership experience in peacebuilding, governance reform, or civil society engagement.
Provide evidence of collaboration across sectors, especially with government, CSOs, and international partners.
Emphasize your familiarity with Sri Lanka’s historical context, including post-war dynamics.
Mention cross-cutting knowledge areas like gender mainstreaming, disability inclusion, or digital peacebuilding tools.
Show commitment to adaptive management, strategic thinking, and policy advocacy.

The position you’re referring to is the “Project Officer (Monitoring and Evaluation)” with UNDP in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The role involves supporting M&E activities for the Electoral Assistance Project, managing data, ensuring quality assurance, producing reports, and helping implement learning strategies.

For full details and to apply, visit the official job posting here:
👉 UNDP Job Posting – Project Officer (Monitoring and Evaluation), Dhaka

April 16, 2025

11 minutes read