Program Officer

Background: The Sustainability of HIV Services for Key Populations in South-East Asia (SKPA)-2 program is funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) to improve the sustainability of evidence-informed, prioritized HIV services for key populations in Bhutan, Mongolia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. There are four program objectives:  

  1. Accelerate financial sustainability 
  2. Improve strategic information availability and use 
  3. Promote programmatic sustainability 
  4. Remove human rights and gender-related barriers to services 

Health Equity Matters’ as the principal recipient (PR) is implementing the program in consortium with the following sub-recipients (SR): Save the Children in Bhutan, Youth for Health in Mongolia, Action for Health Initiatives (ACHIEVE) in the Philippines, and the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka and regional partners APCOM (formerly the Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health) and the Community of Women Living with HIV Asia Pacific (ICWAP).  The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) provide the program with technical support.  The period of performance for the grant is from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025. 

We are in the process of looking for a Program Officer to support the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka in leading the program. The FPA SKPA-2 Project Officer will execute activities under the SKPA project such as organizing meetings with stakeholders, taking minutes of meetings, coordinating external consultants and liaising with Key Population organizations. The SKPA-2 Project Officer reports directly to the FPA Director of Advocacy and coordinates with the national program.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Execute implementation of country-based activities through the SKPA-2 program, including the allocation of funding for projects and supporting effective and efficient implementation based on project work plans.
  • Organize and coordinate meetings with community organizations, national program, external stakeholders and other relevant agencies.
  • Ensure that the SKPA-2 vision, and strategy is well understood by country partners and that stakeholders are working together to achieve the goals of the program.
  • Provide technical or programmatic advice, mentoring and advice to staff, consultants, and partners to ensure effective achievement of key activities. 
  • Participate in and support regular program planning, monitoring, troubleshooting and reporting activities. This includes the annual work planning and budget and program reviews. 
  • Alert the Executive Director of FPASL and PR to any significant delays and slow performance that require more focused attention and correction. 
  • Ensure program modifications which significantly differ from planned program activities are approved by the principal recipient, recorded and tracked.
  • Lead on programmatic communications and coordination from the Principal Recipient with national and subnational partners. 
  • Coordinate and manage program activities at national and subnational levels, including progress meetings and forums. 
  • Identify capacity gaps and needs among stakeholders proactively respond as soon as possible and recommend further technical assistance as required. 
  • Contribute to knowledge sharing and exchange of programmatic and advocacy lessons learned across the program and between program partners. 
  • Support the performance of Health Equity Matters’s SKPA-2 Program and national and subnational activities against work-plans and work-plan tracking measures and monitor the progressof activities and identify any bottlenecks or delays. 
  • Assist in the development and review of documents such as technical reports, policy or advocacy briefs and proposals, as per the SKPA-2 workplan.
  • Monitor financial performance and activity expenditure rates. 
  • Prepare and submit quarterly programmatic reports. 
  • Support the monitoring of program expenditure rates. 
  • Adopt continuous learning and improvement processes in all aspects of the position. 
  • Perform other appropriate duties and responsibilities as negotiated between the PR and SR. 
  • Maintain excellent relationships with government entities, project stakeholders, including donor organizations ensuring quality of work and donor compliance. 

Profile of Candidates:

Essential 

  • An advanced degree from a recognized university in program/project management, public health, international relations, human rights, or social science is advantageous.
  • Minimum five years of experience in the development sector with thematic knowledge in gender, education, HIV, related healthcare services, LGBTIQ, HIV key populations, and human rights, preferably at I/NGO. 
  • Experience of managing and coordinating large donor funded projects in INGO’s/NGO’s.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, adept at presentations, note-taking, and networking.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to understand and manage budget in collaboration with finance team
  • Capable of handling multiple priorities simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
  • Sound judgment to navigate and provide counsel on sensitive matters that could impact reputation.
  • The candidate should showcase proficiency in both collaborative teamwork and independent work. Additionally, they should demonstrate strong leadership qualities, including the ability to foster a shared vision and inspire team performance.

Desirable

 

  • Experience managing or working within a Global Fund project is an added advantage. Additionally, experience collaborating with or operating under the NSACP is highly valuable.
  • Preferably previous work experience in or knowledge of HIV and its healthcare services, HIV key populations. Excellent programme management skills, including preparing and updating work plans, anticipating delays or implementation challenges, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Experience in managing local partners and grants would be an advantage. 
  • Good knowledge and experience in program/project cycle management and logical framework approach.
  • Written and oral proficiency in English and at least one of the local languages. 
  • Good knowledge of the country’s context and ability to work with both government and civil societies. 
  • Good interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to conduct professional working relationships. 
  • Ability to guide, manage and supervise diverse team. 
  • Ability to work with people at all levels, ranging from high-level government officials to community leaders.
  • Strong IT skills (MS Office, email/internet and online platforms) 
  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
  • A good problem solver, analytical, creative and innovative. 

Remuneration: Rs. 260,000 per month

FPA Sri Lanka is committed to the safety and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults and this role may include contact with these groups.  Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our programs.

Mail us your application on or before 06th May 2024, citing two non-related referees. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Executive Director

FPA Sri Lanka

37/27, Bullers Lane, Colombo 07

Or Email to careers@fpasrilanka.org

Our Website www.fpasrilanka.org

FPA Sri Lanka is an equal opportunity employer

Source :- FPA