Download Senior Project Manager- Sri Lanka

Senior Project Manager- Sri Lanka
Position: Senior Project Manager
Duration of the contract: Estimated project duration 36 Months
Starting date: 1st February 2010
Project areas: Polannaruwa and Anuradaphura Districts
Salary: 2400 € for month
The project Improving arid zone agricultural resilience of war affected communities in
Sri Lanka aims to improve the resilience of Sri Lanka’s dry land farmers to effects of land
degradation and climate change. Farmer resilience in the dry zone of Sri Lanka is dependant
upon water security and soil fertility, both these aspects of dry zone farming are linked to the
natural forests. Deforestation has reduced farmer resilience by affecting ground water quality
in regards to increased salinity and conventional high input farming has led to increased
heavy metals causing issues such as an epidemic of renal failure in the north and east of Sri
Lanka. With deforestation being the biggest contributor to soil erosion in Sri Lanka the loss of
valuable topsoils have reduced the productivity of the farming community. The action will
attempt to enhance farmer resilience by introducing sustainable agricultural methods that
enhance natural resource availability, protect watersheds and develop new crops such as
tree crops. These methods will be assessed for success and integrated into local and national
sustainable agriculture policy for use in the north and east and other areas facing similar
challenges in the country.
Main duties:















To manage lead and implement an integrated sustainable agriculture based action in
north central Sri Lanka
Coordinate and establish links with relevant sector actors.
Coordinate with relevant government line ministries to ensure effective, safe and smooth
operations and provide regular updates according to request
Supervise the construction team in the need for assessment within identified communities
To recruit, train, manage and supervise all project staff.
Controlling and follow-up of constructions in progress with project engineer.
Oversee all site staff and staff reporting for internal reporting requirements
Ensure the steady supply and follow up of material stock to the field and push for timely
delivery
Control of timetable compliance, good quality and comparison of planned work vs.
effective work
Maintain project focus in order to encourage farmer communities to reach market level
sustainability.
Ensure that all work follows international quality standards, government standards and
best practices
To coordinate with government line ministries, donor and keep them informed of progress
To work in coordination with local in country partner organization management.
To analyse, report and propose solutions to the difficulties met during the implementation
of the action
To represent OXFAM in the field during activities with professionalism, honesty and
commitment.
Requirements:

Demonstrated expertise in sustainable agriculture/ permaculture/ biodynamics and
production agriculture with at least 4 years of relevant project management experience.

Knowledge of fresh water fisheries and water harvesting will be regarded as a
complementary strength.

Good knowledge of developing nation structures and experience working in marginalised
communities





Excellent written and spoken English. Awareness of local languages can be useful.
Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of Ms Office, sound knowledge of
statistical and GIS software packages will be regarded as a strength.
Good team player with strong initiative who can manage multiple teams
Ability to meet targets and work under pressure
Good inter-personal and communication skills and highly organised.