Technical Coordinator – Justice Reforms Programme | UNDP Sri Lanka
This Technical Coordinator position at UNDP Sri Lanka, based in Colombo, is a key role under the Justice Reforms Programme (JURE). The program, in partnership with UNICEF and supported by the European Union, aims to improve justice sector reforms in Sri Lanka. The coordinator will work closely with government institutions, legal experts, and international partners to enhance governance, justice, and legal frameworks.
Main Responsibilitieshttp://Technical Coordinator – UNDP Sri Lanka Job Posting
- Technical Expertise & Implementation
- Provide high-quality technical support for justice reform initiatives.
- Analyze global legal trends and suggest improvements for Sri Lanka’s justice system.
- Offer advisory services to government institutions based on international best practices.
- Conduct research and assessments to identify legal reform priorities.
- Support digital transformation and technology-driven solutions in the legal sector.
- Project Implementation & Delivery
- Assist the Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders in executing legal reforms.
- Ensure timely execution of project activities and deliverables.
- Draft reports, proposals, and policy recommendations.
- Monitor project progress using indicators and evaluation tools.
- Coordination & Partnerships
- Foster collaboration between government bodies, civil society, and international organizations.
- Ensure alignment of reforms with UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Represent UNDP and UNICEF in meetings and conferences on justice reform.
- Develop partnerships with donors, legal institutions, and policymakers.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education:
- Master’s degree in Law, Criminology, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or Development Studies (OR)
- Bachelor’s degree in the same fields plus two additional years of experience.
- Being an Attorney-at-Law is mandatory.
- Experience:
- Minimum 2 years (with Master’s) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s) in the legal field.
- Strong knowledge of Sri Lanka’s constitution and legal system.
- Experience in policy development, legal research, or technical support for justice sector reforms.
- Previous work with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs is an advantage.
- Languages:
- Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil with strong English communication skills (written & spoken).
Competencies & Skills
- Technical Skills:
- Deep understanding of justice systems, law, and governance.
- Ability to provide policy analysis and develop reform strategies.
- Experience with digital transformation in legal settings.
- Project & Team Management:
- Ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Capable of handling risk management and result-based monitoring.
- Soft Skills:
- Adaptability, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills.
- Passion for justice, governance, and human rights.
Additional Information
- Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9).
- Duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension).
- Work Schedule: Full-time.
- Deadline to Apply: March 22, 2025.
Why Apply?
- Be part of a high-impact UN initiative focused on justice, governance, and human rights.
- Work with top legal experts, policymakers, and international partners.
- Contribute to modernizing Sri Lanka’s legal system and promoting social justice.
Would you like assistance in preparing a CV or cover letter for this role
Certainly! Here’s a detailed explanation of the Technical Coordinator role at UNDP Sri Lanka with even more depth.
Technical Coordinator – UNDP Sri Lanka
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9)
Job Schedule: Full-time
Application Deadline: March 22, 2025
Duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension)
Languages Required: Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil and English
Background & Context
This role falls under UNDP Sri Lanka’s flagship portfolio on SDG16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which focuses on inclusive governance and peacebuilding. The Technical Coordinator will play a crucial role in supporting justice sector reforms through a comprehensive Justice Reforms Programme (JURE). This program is implemented in partnership with UNICEF and funded by the European Union. It aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s legal system by improving governance, promoting justice, and ensuring better access to legal services.
The person in this role will engage with multiple stakeholders, including government institutions, legal professionals, civil society organizations, and international partners. They will work on policy advisory services, research, and legal reform strategies, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s justice sector aligns with international best practices and human rights standards.
Key Responsibilitieshttp://@vacancyspaces.com
The Technical Coordinator will work under the Senior Technical Specialist while collaborating with the Project Manager and other specialists. Their role is divided into three major areas:
1. Providing Technical Expertise for Justice Reforms
- Conduct thorough legal research and policy analysis to support justice sector reforms.
- Assess global legal trends and best practices, applying them to Sri Lanka’s justice system.
- Offer technical advisory support to government institutions and legal bodies, such as the Ministry of Justice and the Judicial Service Commission.
- Identify policy gaps and propose reform strategies to strengthen governance and legal systems.
- Develop and implement new digital solutions and technology-driven approaches to improve judicial efficiency.
- Design monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to assess the effectiveness of justice sector programs.
- Provide guidance on legal drafting, court procedures, case management, and human rights laws.
2. Supporting Project Implementation & Delivery
- Coordinate the execution of project activities in line with the UNDP and government’s strategic objectives.
- Assist in the preparation of work plans, progress reports, and technical documents.
- Ensure that all project activities adhere to legal frameworks, human rights principles, and governance standards.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders, including ministries, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development partners.
- Offer technical support to legal professionals, including judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and police officers.
- Monitor the impact of judicial reforms, ensuring measurable and sustainable improvements.
3. Strengthening Partnerships & Coordination
- Act as a liaison between UNDP, government agencies, and international partners to ensure alignment with broader development goals.
- Facilitate coordination among justice institutions, law enforcement agencies, and human rights organizations.
- Organize conferences, workshops, and legal awareness programs to promote inclusive justice reforms.
- Engage in policy dialogues and contribute to national discussions on justice sector challenges.
- Promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in legal frameworks, ensuring that reforms benefit marginalized communities.
- Advocate for legal aid, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and community justice initiatives to enhance access to justice.
Qualifications & Experience Required
Educational Background
- Master’s degree in Law, Criminology, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or Development Studies.
(OR) - Bachelor’s degree in the same fields plus two additional years of experience.
- Being an Attorney-at-Law is mandatory for both qualifications.
Professional Experience
- Minimum 2 years (Master’s) or 4 years (Bachelor’s) of legal experience.
- Proven knowledge of Sri Lanka’s legal system, including constitutional law, judicial procedures, and government structures.
- Experience working with justice sector institutions, such as courts, law enforcement agencies, legal aid organizations, and human rights commissions.
- Prior experience in policy advisory roles, law reform initiatives, or legal research is a strong advantage.
- Familiarity with international law, UN conventions, and human rights treaties is highly desirable.
- Experience working with government entities, NGOs, or development organizations (e.g., UNDP, UNICEF, World Bank, EU-funded projects, etc.) would be beneficial.
Language & Communication Skills
- Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil (mandatory).
- Strong command of English (both written and spoken).
- Ability to draft legal documents, policy papers, and reports with clarity.
- Excellent presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Table of Contents
Core & Technical Competencies
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking & Innovation – Ability to assess legal systems and propose innovative reforms.
- Project Management – Experience in coordinating justice sector initiatives and legal reforms.
- Research & Analysis – Strong skills in legal research, data interpretation, and evidence-based policymaking.
- Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement – Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, and international partners.
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Capacity to handle complex legal challenges in a dynamic governance environment.
Technical Competencies
- Legal Frameworks & Governance – Expertise in legal systems, human rights law, and public sector governance.
- Digital & Innovation in Law – Experience in E-justice, legal tech, and digital governance is a plus.
- Risk Management & Policy Development – Ability to identify risks in justice reform and develop mitigation strategies.
- Communication & Advocacy – Skills in public speaking, legal training, and awareness campaigns.
Why Apply?
This position offers an exciting opportunity to drive legal reforms and strengthen governance in Sri Lanka. As a Technical Coordinator at UNDP, you will:
- Play a crucial role in shaping national legal policies.
- Work on high-impact justice sector programs with international exposure.
- Collaborate with top legal experts, policymakers, and global organizations.
- Contribute to promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
- Develop long-term solutions for justice accessibility and legal modernization.
Important Notes
Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination
UNDP is an inclusive and diverse employer, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of:
- Gender
- Ethnic background
- Disability
- Socioeconomic status
- Other marginalized identities
Fraud & Scam Warning
UNDP does not charge any fees for applications, interviews, or processing. Be cautious of fraudulent job offers.
Final Thoughts
This role is ideal for legal professionals passionate about governance, policy reforms, and justice sector transformation. It offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in Sri Lanka’s legal landscape while working within an internationally recognized development organization.
Would you like assistance with your CV, cover letter, or interview preparation for this role? 🚀
Sure! Below is an even more detailed explanation of the Technical Coordinator position at UNDP Sri Lanka, expanding on every aspect of the role, responsibilities, required qualifications, impact, and the broader context of justice sector reforms.
Technical Coordinator – UNDP Sri Lanka
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9)
Job Schedule: Full-time
Application Deadline: March 22, 2025
Duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension)
Languages Required: Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil and English
About UNDP and the Justice Reforms Programme (JURE)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a critical role in advancing sustainable development, governance, and institutional strengthening worldwide. In Sri Lanka, UNDP’s Flagship Portfolio on SDG16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions serves as a key framework for promoting good governance, inclusive justice, and institutional reforms.
As part of this initiative, UNDP, in collaboration with UNICEF and with financial support from the European Union (EU), has launched the Justice Reforms Programme (JURE). This initiative is designed to provide comprehensive support to Sri Lanka’s justice sector, ensuring greater accessibility, efficiency, and fairness in legal processes. The program aligns with Sri Lanka’s constitutional framework, international human rights obligations, and broader democratic governance efforts.
The Technical Coordinator will play a pivotal role in implementing legal reforms, improving judicial efficiency, and fostering collaboration between justice sector institutions and civil society. This position requires a strong understanding of Sri Lanka’s legal landscape, policy frameworks, and international legal standards.
Key Responsibilities of the Technical Coordinator
The Technical Coordinator will work under the guidance of the Senior Technical Specialist and the Project Manager, while closely collaborating with government institutions, legal professionals, and development partners. The primary responsibilities are categorized into three key areas:
1. Providing Technical Expertise for Justice Sector Reforms
- Conduct in-depth research and legal analysis to support justice reform initiatives.
- Evaluate national and international legal trends, identifying best practices applicable to Sri Lanka’s justice system.
- Provide technical advisory services to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and legal institutions.
- Develop policy recommendations, reform strategies, and legal frameworks to strengthen governance and the rule of law.
- Promote the use of digital technology and innovative approaches in legal proceedings and court administration.
- Support the development of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of justice reform policies.
- Ensure that all recommendations align with international human rights standards and UN principles.
2. Supporting Project Implementation & Coordination
- Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of justice reform activities.
- Draft reports, policy briefs, legal documents, and presentations for stakeholders.
- Ensure smooth implementation of reforms, working in close collaboration with government ministries and partner organizations.
- Work with legal institutions to enhance court efficiency, case management, and access to justice.
- Contribute to the development of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms to reduce case backlog in courts.
- Facilitate legal aid programs and community-based justice initiatives to promote equal access to legal services.
- Monitor progress and assess the impact of reform initiatives using performance indicators.
3. Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Engage with government agencies, legal experts, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development partners to foster justice sector improvements.
- Establish effective working relationships with judicial bodies, prosecutors, law enforcement, and human rights institutions.
- Organize legal awareness programs, training sessions, and capacity-building workshops for legal professionals and community members.
- Promote gender-sensitive and inclusive legal policies, ensuring legal frameworks protect vulnerable populations.
- Facilitate dialogue between policymakers, legal practitioners, and community stakeholders to ensure transparent and accountable legal processes.
- Advocate for sustainable justice sector financing and budget allocation to support long-term reforms.
- Represent UNDP at policy discussions, conferences, and working groups on legal and governance issues.
Qualifications & Experience Required
Educational Background
- Master’s degree in Law, Criminology, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or Development Studies.
(OR) - Bachelor’s degree in the same fields plus two additional years of relevant experience.
- Being an Attorney-at-Law is mandatory, regardless of degree level.
Professional Experience
- Minimum 2 years (Master’s) or 4 years (Bachelor’s) of relevant legal and governance experience.
- Extensive knowledge of Sri Lanka’s legal and judicial system, including constitutional law, procedural law, and administrative law.
- Experience in legal research, policy development, and justice sector reform initiatives.
- Previous work with government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, or donor-funded programs is an asset.
- Familiarity with international legal frameworks, human rights treaties, and governance standards.
- Experience working on justice sector digitization, case management systems, or legal technology innovations is desirable.
Language & Communication Skills
- Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil (mandatory).
- Excellent English skills (written and spoken), with the ability to draft legal documents, reports, and policy papers.
- Strong presentation, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
Core & Technical Competencies
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking – Ability to analyze legal systems and propose meaningful reforms.
- Problem-Solving & Innovation – Developing effective legal solutions using technology and research-based approaches.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Working collaboratively with government institutions, legal practitioners, and civil society organizations.
- Project Management – Experience in coordinating legal reform initiatives and justice sector projects.
- Adaptability & Resilience – Ability to navigate complex governance challenges and respond to legal system needs.
Technical Competencies
- Legal Frameworks & Governance – Deep understanding of Sri Lanka’s legal system and international justice standards.
- Policy Development – Strong expertise in drafting laws, regulations, and policy papers.
- Digital Transformation in Justice – Experience in e-justice solutions, digital courts, and automation in legal processes.
- Communication & Public Advocacy – Ability to engage in policy dialogues, legal awareness campaigns, and justice sector debates.
Why Apply?
Benefits of the Role
- Play a key role in modernizing Sri Lanka’s justice system.
- Work with renowned legal professionals, policymakers, and international development agencies.
- Contribute to long-term governance reforms and justice accessibility.
- Gain international exposure by working within UNDP’s global governance and rule of law initiatives.
- Be at the forefront of shaping national legal policies that impact Sri Lanka’s legal landscape.
Important Notes
Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination
UNDP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. All applicants will be considered regardless of:
- Gender
- Ethnic background
- Disability status
- Socioeconomic background
- Age, religion, or other protected characteristics
Scam & Fraud Warning
UNDP does not charge application fees. Be cautious of fraudulent job offers requiring payments.
Final Thoughts
This is a high-impact role for a legal professional passionate about governance, justice reforms, and human rights. It presents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s legal transformation while working within an internationally recognized organization.
Would you like assistance in preparing a CV, cover letter, or interview strategy for this role? 🚀
