District SLSU 2 - Skills Planning and Coordination Specialist at Abt Global

Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

10 Feb, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Skills Development, MSME Development, Local Economic Development, District-Level Action Plans, Government Coordination, Private Sector Engagement, Facilitation Skills, Analytical Skills, Writing Skills, Policy Briefs, Reports, Roadmaps, Fluency in Sinhala, Fluency in Tamil, English Writing Skills, Independent Work

Industry

Business Consulting and Services

Description

Background The Sri Lanka Support Unit (SLSU) supports Australia’s development cooperation program in Sri Lanka by providing strategic, technical, and program management services. Under SLSU, the Skills for an Inclusive Economy (S4IE) program focuses on strengthening MSME competitiveness and inclusive economic participation through improved skills systems, industry partnerships, and district-level coordination. In 2026, S4IE is prioritizing district-level skills ecosystem strengthening through the establishment and operationalization of District Industry Councils (DICs), development of district skills plans, and rollout of MSME and workforce skills initiatives in partnership with government and private-sector actors. To support these activities, S4IE seeks a consultant to lead the development and coordination of district-level skills plans and related activities. Position Summary The District Skills Planning and Coordination Specialist will lead S4IE’s district-level work on skills planning, MSME capacity gap identification, District Industry Council strengthening, and coordination of skills-related interventions. The consultant will work closely with the Skills Lead, S4IE district teams, district government partners, MSMEs, industry associations, and training providers. The Specialist will ensure that S4IE’s district work aligns with program objectives and contributes to the development of a comprehensive District MSME Skills Development Roadmap (2026). Key Responsibilities Lead the development of District MSME Skills Development Roadmap 2026 for Matale and Anuradhapura Districts including: District-level MSME skills ecosystem assessment interpreted into Skills Strategy Action plan Identifying priority skills development needs of MSMEs in different segments (Micro, Small, Medium..) Work in collaboration with state, industry, BDS providers and district level private sector and regional central bank officers of Anuradhapura and Matale Districts Drafting and validating roadmap content with district stakeholders. Participate in and provide technical input to District Industry Council (DISCOM) meetings. Support communication and advocacy tasks related to district activities, including developing briefs, presentations, social media content, and technical updates. Prepare progress reports in collaboration with S4IE district teams with district activity updates, and inputs for S4IE quarterly and annual reports. Deliverables Two District MSME Skills Development Roadmaps (2026) – draft and final versions. Monthly technical and progress reports for six months Quarterly updates to MERL team including datasets and analysis. Presentation decks for DISCOM meetings and S4IE leadership. Briefs, communication content, and policy recommendations for district skills development. Key Working Relationships Reports to: Skills Lead, S4IE (SLSU) Works closely with: MERL Lead, MERL Officer, Operations Lead, Finance Manager, Communications Specialist Coordinates with: District Secretariats, Ministry of Industries & Enterprise Development (MoIE), TVEC/Ministry of Skills, MSME associations, chambers, and training providers. Selection Criteria Minimum 10 years of professional experience in skills development, MSME development or local economic development (district-level experience highly valued). Demonstrated experience in developing district-level action plans, assessments, or skills strategies. Strong experience coordinating with government stakeholders and private sector actors. Excellent facilitation skills including FGDs, consultative workshops, and industry engagement. Strong analytical and writing skills, including policy briefs, reports, and roadmaps. Fluency in Sinhala or Tamil, and strong English writing skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple district activities simultaneously. Duration and Level of Effort Duration: Up to 6 months (February–July 2026), with the possibility of extension. Level of Effort: Approximately 8 days per month, depending on the district activity schedule. (The initial phase of the consultation may require higher commitment due to plan development.) Safeguarding & Equity Commitment The consultant must adhere to Abt Associates’ safeguarding, fraud control, and child protection standards. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful engagement with diverse communities is essential. How to Apply Further information regarding these opportunities can found on the Careers page of the Abt Associates website: https://www.abtassociates.com/careers Applications should be submitted online via the Careers page of Abt Associates’ website and MUST include a CV and covering letter addressing the key requirements listed above. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and that SLSU reserves the right to fill the position before the job advertisement closing date.

Responsibilities

The District Skills Planning and Coordination Specialist will lead the development of district-level skills plans and coordinate skills-related interventions. This includes assessing the MSME skills ecosystem and collaborating with various stakeholders to draft and validate the District MSME Skills Development Roadmap.