The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) seeks a Program Associate (PA) to support the implementation of projects funded by the U.S. Department of State and other international donors in Sri Lanka. Working closely with ABA ROLI colleagues and local implementing partners, the PA will support the implementation of projects focused on promoting human rights and social cohesion and contribute to new business development and regional activities as required. The PA’s role will be to assist with all aspects of program implementation and provide administrative, financial, and operational support for programs and new business development, according to ABA ROLI and donor processes and regulations. A typical day for the PA may include calling conference facilities and caterers to get cost quotations for an upcoming workshop, reviewing invoices from a contractor and submitting them to a financial manager for payment, and holding an activity planning meeting with the Program Director.

The PA will be hired on a consultant contract with an estimated workload of 40 hours per week. This is a telework position with occasional in-person meetings and travel within Sri Lanka. The candidate must possess work authorization in Sri Lanka and be based within the Western Province with the ability to easily travel to/from Colombo regularly. Travel to different provinces may be required to support and monitor project activities, and candidates should be comfortable and available to travel to any part of Sri Lanka as required. The position is expected to begin by 14 October 2024.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Working closely with the Program Director and Program Officer in Sri Lanka and with program and financial management staff based in the region and in Washington, DC, the Program Associate’s responsibilities will include:

• Provide smooth operational, procurement and administrative support for all program activities, including by arranging travel, accommodation, visa, and venue logistics.
• Support the collection and review of documentation required for timely and compliant financial reporting.
• Support coordination and communication with partners.
• Support tracking activity implementation and spending against work plans and budgets.
• Travel to support project activities and help organize/participate in events as required.
• Drafting, copy editing, and formatting documents/presentations and translating material from English into Sinhala and/or Tamil, and vice versa.
• Complete required training (remotely and in-person as applicable) and refers to all relevant guidelines. Proactively reach out to ABA ROLI colleagues to be fully conversant with ABA ROLI and donor compliance requirements.
• Participate in internal and external meetings as required. Night or early morning meetings may be required due to time differences.
• Able to work independently and be self-motivated in a telework/remote environment.
• Must have a professional workspace for telework, with high-speed internet suitable for video conferencing. Internet and communications costs may be reimbursable.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILL AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• Completion of University Degree in a relevant subject (e.g. business, communications, international relations, public policy, or similar).
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English and Sinhala and/or Tamil.
• Effective time management and a strong ability to multitask, adapt, and manage competing priorities.
• Strong Microsoft Office Skills (especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and familiarity with social media.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Commitment to ABA ROLI’s mission and to human rights, good governance, vibrant civil society, and diversity, equity, and social inclusion.

Preferred:

• Proficient written and verbal communication skills in Tamil.
• Experience interning or working with international or US-based organizations or studying abroad.
• Experience organizing/coordinating event logistics.
• Experience working remotely, including using videoconferencing and online collaboration programs such as Teams, Zoom, or SharePoint.
• Experience working with diverse and multi-faith/multi-ethnic groups and demonstrated interest/commitment to social cohesion and human rights.