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Despite having achieved remarkable progress in social development, Sri Lanka is still facing numerous challenges related to alleviation of poverty. Community Forestry approach has been identified as one of the best models in the world for sustainable management of forest resources and livelihood improvement of the local communities. The community forest management approach recognizes that economic alternatives are necessary if communities are to stop unsustainable exploitation of forest resources. Furthermore, the approach recognizes that the communities are themselves in the best position to protect the forest from illegal or unsustainable practices.
In late 2008 the Forest Department prepared a Strategy for Community Forest Management in Sri Lanka. To achieve the objectives of the Strategy, Forest Department has implemented a programme with the support from Government of Australia and this project is the second phase of the initiative.
This post will assist to build the capacity within the Forest Department to analyze the sociological background of the participating communities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develop sociological profiles of selected project sites:
Studying and assessing the economic and social impact of inefficient and unsustainable forest practices on rural population of Sri Lanka
Assess the current socio-economic situation in forest dependent communities living in selected project sites and analyze their conditions against such communities in neighboring villages
Identify and assess the sociological aspects that might have an impact on the achieving objectives of the project in selected project locations
Suggest solutions to address the possible negative impacts and strengthen possible positive impacts to the Project Management of the Department of Forests
Analyze challenges faced by the project implementation through sociological angle and develop solutions:
Participate in relevant discussions where future activities of the programme are being discussed and facilitate the planning process through providing sociological inputs
Proactively seek opportunities to ensure that Project activities are being implemented with proper sociological inputs
Develop indicators to monitor the social progress of the communities participating in the project
Participate in Progress Review meetings and monitoring missions to identify sociological issues that might have negative impact on the progress and develop solutions to address them
Document the process through which issues were identified and addressed for peer review and future reference purposes.
Develop capacity of staff of Department of Forests and other civil society organizations working on Community Forestry on sociological analysis of issues and developing solutions:
Identify a group of ten staff members from the Department of Forests for on the job capacity building on sociological analysis of target communities
Develop a capacity building plan, course modules and training aids required for on the job capacity building of staff members from the Department of Forests
Contribute to the knowledge management activities of the project through developing case studies, stories of change and other knowledge products
Develop a course module targeting civil society organizations working on Community Forestry
Advocate for inclusion of sound sociological analysis in all forest projects implemented in Sri Lanka.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, and general administration
Management and Leadership
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
Champions change management in dynamic situations.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary Education. University Degree desirable.
Experience:
Minimum of five years (05) of work experience including relevant experience in the field level.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English together with knowledge of Tamil and/or Sinhala.
