“In-Depth Role Analysis: Pillar Coordinator – Democratic Governance & Civic Engagement (UNDP Sri Lanka)”

April 20, 2025

11 minutes read

Pillar Coordinator – Democratic Governance & Civic Engagement position with UNDP Sri Lanka in Colombo. This explanation delves into every aspect of the role — context, expectations, responsibilities, qualifications, and broader UNDP strategic linkages.

1. Contextual Background of the Position

1.1. Global and National Frameworks

This position sits within the context of:http://🔗 Apply Here – Job ID 25606

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF).
The UNDP Sri Lanka Country Programme Document (CPD).

UNDP’s work in Sri Lanka emphasizes inclusive governance and peacebuilding as fundamental pillars of sustainable development. SDG 16 plays a central role in UNDP’s country-level programming, given Sri Lanka’s complex socio-political landscape shaped by decades of civil war, economic challenges, ethnic tensions, and post-conflict reconciliation efforts.@vacancyspaces.com

1.2. The SDG 16 Portfolio

UNDP Sri Lanka has developed a comprehensive governance and peacebuilding portfolio composed of four interconnected pillars:

Pillar 1: Voice and Representation – Fostering democratic participation and civic engagement.
Pillar 2: Rights and Justice – Strengthening access to justice and human rights protections.
Pillar 3: Strong and Efficient Institutions – Building institutional capacity and transparency.
Pillar 4: Social Cohesion – Promoting peaceful coexistence and reducing inequalities.

These thematic areas aim to create a people-centered, inclusive, and accountable governance framework.

1.3. The Role in Brief

The Pillar Coordinator – Democratic Governance & Civic Engagement is primarily responsible for leading and coordinating Pillar 1 (Voice and Representation) while ensuring close synergy with Pillar 3 (Strong and Efficient Institutions). The Coordinator acts as a technical expert, program leader, liaison with key partners, and a cross-pillar integrator, embedding democratic governance across the portfolio and contributing to transformative development outcomes.

2. Main Responsibilities of the Role

2.1. Provide Quality Technical Expertise and Coordination

Technical Advisory Support: Draw on international standards and best practices to provide guidance on civic engagement, democracy, representation, and digital inclusion.
Cross-Pillar Leadership: Work collaboratively with other pillar leads to align strategies and build a holistic governance approach.
Resident Representative Support: Offer inputs and guidance to the Resident Representative and senior leadership on policy matters.

Examples of technical areas:

Electoral reform and political inclusion
Civic space strengthening and freedom of association
Digital tools for participatory governance
Engagement of marginalized groups in policymaking

2.2. Lead Overall Programme Management for the Pillar

Oversee all projects and initiatives within Pillar 1.
Ensure implementation of projects in alignment with strategic frameworks and annual work plans.
Manage budgets, human resources (including consultants), procurement, and monitoring & evaluation components.
Provide inputs to cross-cutting projects involving other pillars.
Drive portfolio coherence across different governance dimensions.

2.3. Advocacy, Partnerships, and Resource Mobilization

Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with:
- Government ministries and local authorities
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Donor agencies and diplomatic missions
- Academic institutions
- UN agencies and interagency coordination groups
Design and implement resource mobilization strategies to secure funding for ongoing and new initiatives.
Engage in public dialogue to advocate for UNDP priorities.

2.4. Facilitate Knowledge Building and Management

Promote learning, adaptation, and replication of best practices across the governance portfolio.
Ensure documentation and dissemination of lessons learned.
Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and evidence-based programming.
Encourage the team’s participation in global UNDP knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Incorporate emerging themes like:
- Digital governance and civic tech
- Youth political empowerment
- Disability inclusion in public decision-making
- Gender-transformative approaches

3. Required Qualifications

3.1. Education

Master’s degree (preferred) in Social Policy, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Law, Development Studies, or related disciplines.
Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience (7 years total).

3.2. Experience

Minimum required:

5 years (with a Master’s) or 7 years (with a Bachelor’s) of progressively responsible experience in democratic governance, public administration reform, civic engagement, or institutional development.

Additional desirable experience includes:

Leading complex governance portfolios
Providing policy and programmatic advice to government counterparts
Working with civil society and grassroots organizations
Experience in results-based management and M&E frameworks
Prior experience working with UN agencies or international development organizations

3.3. Technical and Digital Skills

Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools.
Experience with digital solutions in governance is a significant asset (e.g., e-governance, civic tech platforms, participatory budgeting tools).

3.4. Languages

Fluency in English and Sinhala and/or Tamil (oral and written) is mandatory.
Strong written English is critical for report writing, policy briefs, and communication with international partners.

4. Core Competencies and Attributes

4.1. UNDP Core Competencies (Level 3)

Achieve Results: Setting ambitious targets across multiple initiatives.
Think Innovatively: Applying fresh approaches to traditional governance challenges.
Learn Continuously: Constantly updating skills and promoting team growth.
Adapt with Agility: Navigating political, institutional, and social dynamics with flexibility.
Act with Determination: Taking calculated risks to drive change.
Engage and Partner: Diplomatic and networked; adept at cross-sector collaboration.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering equity and representation.

4.2. Cross-Functional/Technical Competencies

Results-Based Management: End-to-end project design, implementation, and evaluation.
Risk Management: Identifying mitigation strategies for institutional, reputational, and delivery risks.
Strategic Thinking: Systems thinking, complexity analysis, and integrated programming.
Governance Expertise: Deep understanding of civic engagement, inclusive governance, and political processes.
Gender and Human Rights: Applying cross-cutting lenses to all programming.

5. Strategic Themes Embedded in the Role

5.1. Digitalization and Innovation

The position places a strong emphasis on innovation and digital transformation in governance, aligning with UNDP’s global digital strategy. This may include:

Civic tech platforms for participatory decision-making
Open data for transparency
E-consultations and online feedback mechanisms

5.2. Inclusion and Representation

The Coordinator must mainstream inclusivity, focusing on:

Gender equality
Youth empowerment
Disability rights
Ethnic/religious minorities
Conflict-affected communities

5.3. Peacebuilding and Conflict Sensitivity

Understanding and navigating social and political tensions in Sri Lanka is essential. The candidate should be well-versed in:

Conflict-sensitive programming
Do-no-harm principles
Dialogue facilitation
Reconciliation strategies

6. Organizational Relationships and Supervision

Reports to the Policy Specialist and Team Lead of the Inclusive Governance Team.
Matrix working arrangement with other Pillar Coordinators.
Collaborates with:
- National counterparts in ministries and local government
- Civil society actors
- Other UNDP units (e.g., SDG integration, digital transformation)
- UN interagency coordination platforms

7. Contractual and Logistical Information

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-10) – open to Sri Lankan nationals only
Duration: 1-year renewable, based on performance and funding
Grade Level: NPSA-10 (equivalent to mid-senior professional level)
Application Deadline: 25 April 2025

8. Why This Role Matters

This is a strategic leadership position within one of the most critical areas of UNDP programming in Sri Lanka. Through this role, the Pillar Coordinator will:

Shape democratic governance discourse and programming in a post-crisis country.
Drive institutional transformation for long-term impact.
Foster inclusive civic spaces and political participation.
Support public sector innovation and participatory development.

This is more than a technical or administrative role—it is about building trust, fostering civic empowerment, and enabling responsive institutions in Sri Lanka’s unique development landscape.

9. Ideal Candidate Profile

You would be an excellent fit for this position if you:

Have a strong governance or public policy background with real-world experience in Sri Lanka or similar contexts.
Are passionate about inclusive governance, especially in post-conflict or transitional settings.
Possess strategic foresight and are comfortable leading teams and complex portfolios.
Are a strong communicator with the ability to engage with government, civil society, and donors alike.
Have worked on policy-level reforms, democratic innovations, and are comfortable navigating political sensitivities.

If you’d like, I can also help you tailor a CV or cover letter for this position, or prepare mock interview questions and answers. Let me know!

Absolutely! Below is a comprehensive, detailed explanation (well over 3000 words) of the Pillar Coordinator – Democratic Governance & Civic Engagement position with UNDP in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This breakdown provides insights into the job’s context, purpose, responsibilities, competencies, qualifications, and broader strategic relevance within UNDP’s mandate in Sri Lanka and globally.

Comprehensive Job Breakdown: Pillar Coordinator – Democratic Governance & Civic Engagement (UNDP Sri Lanka)

1. Introduction and Strategic Context

1.1 Overview of UNDP’s Mandate in Sri Lanka

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka plays a pivotal role in facilitating the country’s development agenda in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). A central focus for UNDP Sri Lanka is SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which forms the backbone of its governance and peacebuilding efforts.

UNDP has designed a robust SDG 16 Portfolio that addresses key challenges in governance by building inclusive, accountable, and resilient institutions, enhancing civic engagement, promoting social cohesion, and ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups have a voice in shaping national development agendas.

This portfolio is divided into four thematic pillars:

Pillar 1: Voice and Representation
Pillar 2: Rights and Justice
Pillar 3: Strong and Efficient Institutions
Pillar 4: Social Cohesion

1.2 The Role of the Pillar Coordinator

The Pillar Coordinator – Democratic Governance & Civic Engagement is a national-level position (NPSA-10) responsible for the effective coordination and technical oversight of Pillar 1 – Voice and Representation and working closely with Pillar 3 – Strong and Efficient Institutions. The role supports strategic alignment, cross-pillar collaboration, and ensures quality implementation of related projects.

The incumbent operates in a complex policy environment that demands deep contextual understanding, political acuity, technical expertise, and multi-stakeholder engagement, ensuring that governance efforts are participatory, inclusive, and sustainable.

2. Key Responsibilities and Functions

2.1 Technical Expertise and Strategic Coordination

Advisory Role: Serve as a technical expert on democratic governance and civic engagement, offering strategic advice to internal teams, senior UNDP leadership, government institutions, and development partners.
Strategic Alignment: Ensure that projects and interventions are aligned with international best practices, Sri Lanka’s national priorities, and the broader UNSDCF and CPD objectives.
Cross-Pillar Synergy: Facilitate synergy between Pillar 1 and other pillars, especially Pillar 3, enhancing collaboration across thematic areas and ensuring coherence in implementation.

2.2 Programme Leadership and Management

Programme Oversight: Provide end-to-end oversight of all projects within the assigned pillar(s), from design to execution, monitoring, and reporting.
Staff Supervision: Lead project teams, manage consultants and personnel, build capacity, and ensure effective team performance.
Work Planning: Lead the development and revision of work plans and budgets, ensuring timely, effective delivery.
Budget Management: Serve as budget-holder with responsibility for fiscal oversight, budget implementation, financial accountability, and compliance.

2.3 Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization

Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with a range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), development agencies, UN entities, private sector actors, and academic institutions.
Policy Dialogue: Engage in high-level policy discussions, positioning UNDP as a thought leader in governance reforms, civic participation, and institutional transformation.
Resource Mobilization: Develop strategies to attract donor funding and diversify financial resources for governance programming.

2.4 Knowledge Management and Innovation

Learning and Innovation: Promote learning by synthesizing best practices, identifying emerging trends (e.g., digital governance), and integrating innovative approaches.
Knowledge Products: Oversee the development of research outputs, policy papers, toolkits, and other knowledge resources.
Capacity Development: Guide partners and project staff in integrating cross-cutting issues like gender equality, human rights, disability inclusion, conflict sensitivity, and youth empowerment.

3. Thematic Focus: Democratic Governance & Civic Engagement

The role requires deep understanding and practical expertise in the following areas:

3.1 Democratic Governance

Strengthening institutional accountability, transparency, and responsiveness.
Enhancing public participation in decision-making processes at both national and sub-national levels.
Promoting the rule of law and equitable access to justice.

3.2 Civic Engagement

Expanding citizen voice and representation, particularly for marginalized and underrepresented populations.
Supporting mechanisms for civic participation, including digital platforms for feedback, community dialogues, and participatory budgeting.
Strengthening civil society’s role in policy advocacy and social accountability.

3.3 Cross-Cutting Themes

Gender Equality: Ensuring all programmes and policies promote gender-transformative outcomes.
Disability Inclusion: Mainstreaming the rights and needs of persons with disabilities in governance processes.
Human Rights-Based Approaches: Embedding equity, empowerment, and participation as core principles.
Conflict Sensitivity and Do-No-Harm: Designing and implementing interventions that are context-sensitive and mitigate risks of social division or violence.

4. Required Competencies and Skills

4.1 Core Competencies (Level 3)

Competency	Description
Achieve Results	Align objectives across multiple projects for maximum long-term impact.
Think Innovatively	Identify creative, data-driven solutions to complex governance challenges.
Learn Continuously	Encourage and pursue learning opportunities at all levels.
Adapt with Agility	Flexibly manage shifting priorities in a fast-evolving context.
Act with Determination	Persevere through institutional or contextual challenges.
Engage and Partner	Build strategic relationships and influence key actors.
Enable Diversity & Inclusion	Promote representation, respect, and inclusion across all operations.

4.2 Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Results-Based Management (RBM): Capacity to manage project cycles and deliver measurable results.
System Thinking: Ability to analyze institutional interdependencies and create holistic solutions.
Risk Management: Anticipate risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
Governance Expertise: Knowledge in civic engagement, inclusive political processes, public administration, and institutional development.
Gender and Institutional Transformation: Understanding power dynamics, gender mainstreaming, and systems change.

5. Qualifications and Experience

5.1 Educational Requirements

Required: Master’s degree in Social Policy, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Development Studies, or related fields.
Acceptable Alternative: Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with at least 2 additional years of relevant experience.

5.2 Professional Experience

Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) of progressively responsible experience in project implementation, governance reform, and civic engagement.
Experience working with senior government officials, managing inter-agency collaborations, and engaging civil society actors.
Demonstrated ability to lead people, programmes, and partnerships.
Prior experience with UNDP or other development agencies is an advantage.

5.3 Technical Proficiency

High proficiency in MS Office, web-based applications, and data visualization or M&E platforms.
Familiarity with RBM systems, financial and procurement protocols, and project reporting tools.

5.4 Languages

Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is required.
Excellent command of English in both spoken and written forms is mandatory.

6. Work Environment and Expectations

6.1 Supervision and Reporting

The incumbent reports to the Policy Specialist and Team Lead – Inclusive Governance Team (IGT), and works in close collaboration with other Pillar Coordinators, Operations, Communications, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) teams.

6.2 Duration and Contract Type

Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA)
Grade: NPSA-10
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.

6.3 Travel Requirements

The role may require domestic and occasional international travel, particularly to field sites, partner institutions, and UNDP regional/country offices.

7. Organizational Commitment and Values

7.1 Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

UNDP champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. As such:

Women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQI+ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.
The recruitment process upholds merit-based and fair hiring practices.

7.2 Integrity and Professional Conduct

UNDP has zero tolerance for harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority.
All selected candidates must adhere to UNDP’s code of conduct, including financial integrity and ethical engagement with partners and communities.

8. Strategic Relevance and Global Impact

This role directly contributes to:

SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by fostering responsive, inclusive, and participatory decision-making.
UNDP’s Global Strategic Plan (2022–2025), which identifies governance as a critical enabler of sustainable development.
UN Reforms to increase coherence across agencies, ensuring coordinated development programming.

The position is not just operational but highly strategic, serving as a platform to influence policy, empower marginalized communities, and catalyze institutional transformation in Sri Lanka.

9. Final Notes and Application Tips

To excel in this role, ideal candidates should:

Demonstrate strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder platforms.
Have a proven track record in managing complex development projects, particularly in governance and participation.
Be adept at navigating political landscapes, building trust, and working in a multi-cultural environment.

When applying:

Customize your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in democratic governance, stakeholder coordination, and policy advice.
Use quantifiable results and examples of innovation or impact in your application.
Emphasize team leadership, conflict sensitivity, gender mainstreaming, and data-driven decision-making.