Terms of Reference: Program Officer, Sri Lanka

Position: Program Officer, Sri Lanka

Start date: Monday, 3 March 2025

Term: Full-time (5 days per week) - one-year contract with possible renewal (subject to performance)

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka (Hybrid)

Deadline - Friday, 24 January 2025.

Remuneration: Competitive

About iProbono

iProbono is a global social justice organisation providing access to quality pro bono legal representation. Our mission is to enable people to access their rights in pursuit of a just society. We believe in holistic counsel, representing clients and providing wraparound legal support, capacity building, storytelling, research, and policy advocacy to support social change. By promoting active citizenship and engaging a holistic model, we:

• Advance justice for all by representing people in need
• Strengthen the impact of civil society
• Advocate for policies that promote social equity and end discrimination

The focus of work in Sri Lanka is equality law, with an emphasis on the rights of the LGBT+ community, women and children.

The Role

As a Program Officer, you will support and strengthen iProbono's activities in Sri Lanka. You will work with our team in the country to oversee the implementation of ongoing activities in line with iProbono’s program strategy and broader vision. You will report to the Equality Law Director (ELD) and the Program Manager - Sri Lanka (PM-SL). This is a hybrid role. You will work remotely from home but will be required to work in-person with the team 2-3 days per week, including attendance at events and court, to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in this Job Description.

You will have a strong commitment to social justice, access to justice, and human rights values, a high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the ELD and the PM-SL to implement ongoing activities in Sri Lanka aligned with the organisation’s vision, mission, and objectives. Manage the administrative duties and logistical activities for our Sri Lanka Program along with the PM-SL, including efficient use of Wrike/Slack and other data and program management systems as required.
• Assist in designing and developing program proposals including conceptual, methodological, operational, evaluative, and financial components.
• Implementation of program activities, in consultation with the iProbono team, partners, and stakeholders as outlined in the project plan and budget available.
• Conduct legal research, draft legal submissions and assist in consultations in consultation with the ELD and PM-SL.
• In consultation with the PM-SL, represent clients in various courts, police stations and other government bodies, as required.
• Strengthening relationships with existing partners and stakeholders. Assist with the development of strategic partnerships.
• Assist PM-SL in monitoring the ongoing developments in the legal aid space and pro bono policies in Sri Lanka.
• Create communications content for Sri Lanka in collaboration with the ELD, PM-SL and the Communications Manager.
• Update and approve requests for support on the backend of our website.
• Uploading all program data to the shared drive.
• Prepare monthly reports, support program documentation, and program monitoring and evaluation.
• Contribute to team learning by coordinating regular office meetings and sharing sessions.
• Represent iProbono at any meetings/planning exercises/forums involving CSOs, and development partners.
• Carry out any other tasks as assigned by iProbono’s wider leadership.

Knowledge/ Expertise and skills required:

• Bachelor of Law, preferably with specialisation in human rights.
• Successfully completed the examinations to be enrolled as an Attorney-at-Law at the Sri Lanka Law College.
• A Masters degree in human rights or social justice would be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 1 year of work experience in the legal sector.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in English, Tamil and Sinhala is preferred.
• Ability to deliver training and workshops.
• Good planning and program management skills.
• Ability to interact and develop contacts with key stakeholders, including civil society organisations, legislators and legal service providers.
• High level of proficiency with MS Office and Google Workplace Suite.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a small team.
• Ability to travel locally and internationally, when required.
• Demonstrated capacity to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Interest in social justice is strongly desirable.

Application

Applicants will be selected through a competitive selection process and judged on their commitment to social justice, equally, compelling experience. Email us your CV and cover letter to global.recruitment@i-probono.com. Please use the following subject in your email: SL Program Officer. The deadline for the applications is Friday, 24 January 2025.

iProbono is committed to the safety and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults (especially those who identify as LGBT+) and this role may include contact with these groups. iProbono has zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults (especially those who identify as LGBT+) in our programs.