Job Description

Position: Workforce Development Specialist
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Salary: LKR 65,000 – LKR 250,000

Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Workforce Development Specialist to join our team in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This role is pivotal in fostering and maintaining relationships with industry representatives, training providers, and various stakeholders to meet the workforce and talent needs of our community. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in assessing employment and training needs, implementing inclusive strategies, and creating sustainable career pathways.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Industry Engagement:
   • Engage with local industry representatives to understand their workforce and talent requirements.
   • Build and sustain strong partnerships with business organizations to identify and evaluate their employment and training needs.
2. Assessment and Evaluation:
   • Conduct comprehensive evaluations of business organizations to determine their workforce development needs.
   • Collaborate with businesses to develop tailored training programs that meet their specific requirements.
3. Equity and Inclusion:
   • Work closely with the Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion Specialist to implement strategies that enhance equity and inclusion in all workforce development activities.
   • Ensure that all workforce solutions are inclusive and cater to diverse populations.
4. Training Provider Collaboration:
   • Maintain and strengthen relationships with training providers to develop responsive and effective workforce solutions.
   • Facilitate opportunities for business and industry to contribute to the development and delivery of training programs.
5. Relationship Building:
   • Build and maintain productive relationships with public-sector, private-sector, and non-profit employers.
   • Create and promote career pathways that prepare future talent for successful careers.
6. Partnership Development:
   • Foster strong partnerships with economic development entities, chamber organizations, and other workforce development agencies.
   • Ensure alignment and execution of collaborative workforce strategies that benefit the broader community.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or a related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of work experience in international development or a relevant field focused on workforce or capacity development.
• Proven experience in engaging with industry representatives and assessing workforce needs.
• Strong understanding of equity and inclusion principles and experience in implementing related strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Performance Expectations:

• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of local industry needs and workforce trends.
• Effectively collaborate with training providers to ensure the development and delivery of high-quality training programs.
• Successfully implement strategies that enhance equity and inclusion in workforce development activities.
• Build and sustain productive relationships with key stakeholders, including public-sector, private-sector, and non-profit employers.
• Foster strong partnerships with economic development entities and workforce development agencies to ensure effective collaboration and alignment of strategies.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Competitive salary range of LKR 65,000 – LKR 250,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment with a focus on making a positive impact in the community.
• Access to a network of industry professionals and opportunities for career advancement.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Navigating the complexities of workforce development in a diverse and evolving economic landscape.
• Addressing the unique needs of different industries and developing tailored training solutions.
• Implementing inclusive strategies that ensure equitable access to workforce development opportunities.
• Building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, training providers, and economic development entities.
• Contributing to the development of sustainable career pathways that support long-term economic growth and workforce stability.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this position. Please include any additional information that you believe is pertinent to your application.