Programme Assistant

Reference number: 2486
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Colombo, Sri Lanka
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Programme Assistant will provide administrative/secretarial, logistical, and operational support to the Sri Lanka Country Director, ensuring seamless coordination of programme activities, stakeholder engagements, and communication with CIFOR-ICRAF Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and Bogor, Indonesia, on budget and programme-related matters, formal communication with external partners, and drafting business letters, Additionally, the role includes ad hoc support to the Finance and Administrative Officer, particularly in organizing workshops, meetings, and field visits related to CIFOR-ICRAF’s activities in Sri Lanka.

Duties and responsibilities

Programme and Administrative Support

• Assist the Country Director with scheduling meetings, preparing minutes of meetings/discussions, and tracking and following up on action items
• Support the coordination and implementation of CIFOR-ICRAF projects in Sri Lanka, including planning field trips, workshops, and preparing reports, presentations, and data entry
• Maintain programme-related records, databases, and filing systems
• Liaise with internal teams, formal communications with project partners, and external stakeholders to ensure effective communication and timely programme execution
• Perform other tasks assigned by the Country Director

Workshop, Event, and Field Visit Coordination

Assist the Finance and Administrative Officer when required to:

• Provide logistical support for workshops, training sessions, stakeholder meetings, and field visits, including venue booking, catering, and travel arrangements
• Prepare workshop materials, coordinate participant lists, and finalize event agendas
• Ensure compliance with CIFOR-ICRAF’s established policies and procedures for all staff in the Sri Lanka Country Office
  

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s degree relating to the key responsibilities
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in an administrative or programme support role, preferably in an international development or NGO setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Sinhala; proficiency in Tamil is an advantage
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams) and web-based resources

Terms and conditions

• This is a local position open for Sri Lankan citizens. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in Sri Lankan Rupees to commensurate with skills and experience
• The initial appointment will be for 1 (one) year, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources
• The duty station will be in Colombo, Sri Lanka
To apply, please visit our career site at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/about/work-with-us/
To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF, please visit our websites at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org
CIFOR-ICRAF promotes Gender Diversity – Applications from women professionals are encouraged.
CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Application process

The application deadline is 21 May 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.