Program manager

About the company

People’s Action For Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) builds democratic trust and citizens’ engagement across the nation, being champions of democratic governance accountability since 1987 and pioneers of election monitoring.

PAFFREL is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and highly motivated program manager to lead and oversee projects and programs in alignment with the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.

The program manager will work closely with the executive director, program staff, development partners, and stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of organizational objectives.

Key responsibilities

1. Program management
2. Strategic planning and development
3. Stakeholder engagement
4. Monitoring and evaluation
5. Reporting and documentation
6. Team leadership

Qualifications and experience

Master’s degree or relevant degree in social sciences, development studies, political science, public administration, management, law, or a related field.

1. Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience as program manager/management position.

Skills and competencies

1. Strong leadership and team management skills.
2. Excellent project planning and organizational abilities.
3. Strong report writing and proposal development skills.
4. Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and Sinhala and/or Tamil.
5. Budget management and financial planning skills.
6. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
7. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
8. Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and project management tools.
9. Democracy and governance program
10. Election observation and monitoring
11. Civic and voter education

Additional requirements

1. Willingness to travel within Sri Lanka.
2. Commitment to PAFFREL’s values of neutrality, integrity, transparency, and democratic governance.
3. Ability to work flexible hours during election periods and special programmes.

When applying

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A cover letter outlining suitability for the position, updated curriculum vitae (CV).
2. Contact details of two non-related referees.

PAFFREL encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or other backgrounds and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.