Job Highlight
The Capacity Building Specialist (Civil Society) supports civil society actors across Sri Lanka, with particular attention to grassroots and community-based organizations operating in diverse regional and socio-political contexts.
Design and deliver a comprehensive series of six (06) interactive online awareness sessions that strengthen CSOs' understanding of the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), NGO Act, and Online Safety Act while enhancing organizational governance, legal compliance, digital safety, protection strategies, and civic space resilience.
Role Purpose
The Capacity Building Specialist (Civil Society) will design and deliver six (06) online awareness sessions (three in Tamil and three in Sinhala) to strengthen the knowledge and institutional capacity of civil society organizations across Sri Lanka to understand, interpret, and practically apply key provisions of the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), NGO Act, and Online Safety Act.
The consultant will develop participatory learning materials, facilitate practical discussions and case studies, support CSOs to strengthen organizational governance and compliance, enhance awareness of legal and operational risks, promote rights-based advocacy and responsible digital engagement, and contribute to the protection of civic space through improved legal literacy and institutional resilience.
Functions / Key Results Expected
III. Functions / Key Results Expected
Design and deliver six (06) online awareness sessions (three in Tamil and three in Sinhala) covering:Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) NGO Act Online Safety Act Develop a comprehensive curriculum, detailed session plans, presentations, facilitator notes, practical exercises, case studies, group work, scenario-based discussions, and learning materials aligned with adult learning principles. Prepare all training materials in Tamil and Sinhala, with English reference materials where required, and submit all materials for UNOPS review and approval prior to delivery. Develop practical learning tools including:Organizational compliance checklists Power point presentation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Scenario-based discussion guides Integrate practical organizational guidance covering:Legal compliance obligations Financial accountability Digital communication practices Risk mitigation strategies Organizational do's and don'ts under relevant legislation. Facilitate highly participatory online sessions using discussions, breakout exercises, case studies, polls, and peer learning methodologies. Design, administer, and analyse pre-session and post-session assessments to measure participant learning outcomes. Compile assessment summaries, participant feedback, and recommendations following each session. Submit a summary report in English upon completion of each session summarizing activities conducted, participant engagement, learning outcomes, evaluation findings, key recommendations, and lessons learned. Submit a comprehensive final consultancy report in English upon completing all six sessions summarizing activities conducted, participant engagement, learning outcomes, evaluation findings, key recommendations, and lessons learned. Maintain confidentiality, impartiality, and adherence to UNOPS ethical standards throughout the consultancy. Coordinate closely with the Programme Manager and relevant UNOPS personnel throughout planning, implementation, reporting, and quality assurance processes.
Education Requirements
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Law, Human Rights, Criminal Justice, Governance, Public Policy, or another relevant discipline.
Desired
Advanced degree in Law, Human Rights, Criminal Justice, Governance, Public Policy, or a relevant field. Attorney at Law Qualification from Sri Lanka Law College
Required
Experience Requirements
Minimum Seven (07) years of professional experience in legal practice, access to justice, human rights, governance, or protection programming. Demonstrated experience designing and delivering legal awareness programmes, training, or capacity-building initiatives for civil society organizations. Experience working with Sri Lanka's legal and regulatory environment affecting civic space, including national security legislation, civil society regulation, digital rights, and governance. Demonstrated experience facilitating participatory adult learning methodologies. Experience developing training curricula, learning materials, evaluation tools, and training reports. Proficiency in virtual facilitation platforms (Google Meet), and online learning tools.
Desired
Previous experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, or donor-funded programmes. Experience working with grassroots CSOs and community-based organizations. Experience providing legal or policy advice relating to civic space, digital rights, organizational governance, or regulatory compliance.