Introduction

The plantation sector plays an important role in the Sri Lankan economy and in driving socio-economic growth in the country. The country is a major exporter of plantation crops such as tea, coconut and rubber, and the sector is the country’s single biggest employer, despite a decline in numbers of workers in recent years. 
Despite the importance of plantations, and their potential role in economic growth and the creation of decent jobs, the sector faces challenges such as poor safety and health at work and working conditions, lack of information and awareness on fundamental rights issues, low levels of productivity and skills, and inadequate access to public services, amongst other issues. Workers in plantations face greater risks of occupational injuries and diseases than other workers, including in relation to unguarded machinery, exposure to dust in factories, and exposure to fertilizers, pesticides, and other agrochemicals. Accidents can occur due to work on difficult and uneven terrains, often under challenging weather conditions. Additionally, workers suffer injuries from insect, snake and leech bites and cuts from tools. Work in plantations have been severely disrupted by the recent floods and have impacted plantation workers negatively.

In response to these challenges, the ILO implemented the Safety + Health for All Plantation Workers in Sri Lanka project, funded by the Government of Japan. This project made significant advances in understanding OSH risks faced by workers, strengthening the institutional system to support them and implementing workplace level interventions. 

Building on the achievements of this project, this new initiative aims to further strengthen the country’s OSH system through national-level policy reform and targeted workplace improvements. 
In response to the recent floods and loss of jobs and income, the project will also include an emergency employment component for plantation workers targeted by the project. Implementation of this component will be supported through an implementation agreement with a local partner.

Reporting lines

The National Project Officer will report directly to the Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives and work under the overall guidance of the Programme and Operations Officer of the ILO/Japan Fund for Building Social Safety Nets in Asia and the Pacific (SSN Fund) based in Bangkok. He/she will also receive technical and programmatic guidance and support from the regional OSH Specialist and the EIIP Specialist for South Asia based in Delhi and the Programme and Operations Officer of the Safety + Health for All Flagship Programme based in Bangkok.

Description of Duties

1.Ensure effective coordination and implementation of project activities, delivering integrated and comprehensive interventions in a timely and efficient manner.

2. Coordinate and facilitate the ILO’s engagement with national and sub-national partners, including relevant government ministries, workers’ and employers’ organizations, social partners, academic institutions, the UN and other relevant stakeholders.

3. Facilitate the organization and delivery of meetings, trainings, advocacy campaigns, seminars, and workshops, ensuring effective engagement and participation of stakeholders.

4. Collect and compile data and information from project constituents and stakeholders to support planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of activities, including reporting on indicators under the Global Flagship programme Safety + Health for All and the emergency employment component.

5. Assist in reviewing, verifying and analysing project work plans, and reports including those of project implementing partners, and related documents to ensure clarity, consistency and completeness.

6. Monitor the progress of project activities, follow up on required documentation, clarify information, and respond to queries regarding clearance and processing to facilitate timely implementation.

7. Draft terms of reference for the implementation of direct project activities such as meetings, trainings, seminars, workshops, as well as implementation agreements.

8. With the support of the OSH and EIIP Specialists, draft a guidance note on OSH and Social Safeguards in flood recovery and cash for work activities. 

9. Prepare gender sensitive and inclusive information materials, including briefs, background notes, statements, and news articles, to support communication and visibility of project activities.

10. Prepare narrative progress reports, including contributions to Safety + Health for All regional and global reports as required.

11. Develop concept notes, project proposals, and related materials in collaboration with DWT Specialists to mobilise resources for initiatives focused on global supply chains, and with an OSH perspective.

12. Support the launch of the revised National OSH policy (2025–2029), support implement selected elements of the National OSH policy and advocate for the ratification and practical implementation of provisions of ILO Fundamental OSH Conventions C155 and C187

13. Attend and represent the ILO in relevant coordination meetings and events related to occupational safety and health and supply chains.
14. Attend relevant UN crisis response coordination meetings and provide input and guidance on OSH aspects in recovery activities.

15. Participate in missions in line with the project implementation plan.

16. Draft, edit, and translate official correspondence, statements, speeches, and other public information materials into the local language, as needed.

17. Perform other duties for ILO office as may be assigned by the Country Director. 

Required qualifications

First level university degree in social sciences, public policies, development studies, occupational safety and health or a relevant field.

Education

First level university degree in social sciences, public policies, development studies, occupational safety and health or a relevant field.

Experience

At least two years of professional experience at the national level in the area of project management, implementation, liaison and coordination activities. 
Experience in working effectively with government ministries, local government authorities and social partners.
Experience promoting occupational safety and health would be an asset.
Experience promoting labour rights in plantations would be an asset.

Technical requirements:

Good knowledge of labour rights and social development, political awareness and understanding of socio-economic factors.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English and a good knowledge of either of the local languages (Sinhala & Tamil) will be an advantage.

Competencies

Candidates interested in the position should consider that the nine core competencies of the ILO, listed below, may be evaluated during the selection process: Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation and Collaboration. Among these nine competences, the following are of particular importance for this position: Customer Orientation, Communications, Collaboration

Technical competencies

Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise.
•    Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution, and good drafting skills.
•    Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation
•    Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information.
•    Demonstrate collaborative and teamwork experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team, as well as to work on his/her own initiative.
•    Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility.
•    Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
•    Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications.
•    Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms and apps (MS Teams, Zoom), and generative AI tools.
•    Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
•    Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.