The Living Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka is dedicated to the conservation of Sri Lanka’s unique cultural heritage and traditional wisdom. LHT has recently started to operate a new venture in Koslanda, one of the most beautifully situated towns in Sri Lanka. The aim of the project is to leverage the natural assets and traditional working practices of the region, providing access to new skills and better markets.

The project will improve the living standards of this rural community, and arrest the destructive farming practices and urban migration that are gradually destroying the community. Several projects are being initiated including computer and English literacy classes, development of organic farming and specialist agricultural products, livelihoods work using sustainable local materials and small tourism ventures.

We are currently seeking a self-motivated Project Co-ordinator to join a small team of volunteers in our Koslanda office.

Job Description

Project reporting

• To monitor the progress of all aspects of the project and compile a fortnightly summary of the project activities for the Director.

Project management

• There will be several projects that you may need to co-ordinate. These include a small handicrafts project and a volunteer work camp.

Project development

• To work closely with the local community to identify and conduct feasibility studies into new activities.

Financial management

• To maintain the books and make monthly accounting reports.
• To monitor the budget.
• Manage all purchasing for the project
• You may be asked to write fundraising proposals from time to time.

Volunteer Co-ordination

• To collect weekly working reports from the volunteers and monitor project progress.
• To deal with incoming volunteers; compiling job descriptions, choosing suitable candidates, inducting new arrivals, arranging visas, arranging volunteer transport and other logistical needs, responsibility for volunteer welfare during their stay.

Project Administration

• Maintain files and records
• Manage and pay local staff and see to their welfare.
• Oversee maintenance and cleanliness of LHT properties
• Act as the first point of contact for incoming enquiries

English and computer teaching

• If you have time you may be asked to conduct English or Computer lessons. This is a good way to integrate with the local community.

Please note that you may occasionally be asked to perform tasks outside of this job description.

Experience and Skills

Essential

• At least three years work experience with evidence that you have managed a responsible position and are able to work independently.
• At least one year’s experience in bookkeeping.
• An good level of computer literacy in Microsoft Office
• Basic bookkeeping
• Good written English
• The successful candidate will show good organisational and communication skills. It is also an essential that this person is a lateral thinker able to connect perceived needs with structured programmes. Ability to self-manage will also be important.

Desired

• Some experience of working in the NGO field would be an advantage. Also experience of working within a Sri Lankan or Asian environment would be welcomed.
• A knowledge of rural development issues.
• Experience of teaching English or computer skills.
• Proposal writing skills
• Some knowledge of written and spoken Singhalese or Tamil
• International motorbike license

DOWNLOAD the complete job description as a Word document.