Program Manager
National Child Protection Authority - Unicef Project
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Managed all development projects at NCPA funded by UNICEF with the objective to strengthen child protection systems and uplift and empower women and children in Sri Lanka. All my projects involved working with key government ministries including the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Services, as well as various INGO and NGO… Show more Managed all development projects at NCPA funded by UNICEF with the objective to strengthen child protection systems and uplift and empower women and children in Sri Lanka. All my projects involved working with key government ministries including the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Services, as well as various INGO and NGO stakeholders.A few highlights:- Designed and launched the country’s first official kinship care program, ‘Surakna’, for conflict-affected children in the North and East- Established Child Focus Group Centres in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, with UNICEF funding. Designed and monitored programs run by psychosocial officers at the Centres including play therapy & counselling- Monitored and trained national staff and members of partner organisations on: - Child Rights and the CRC - Child Helpline - accessing, following up on complaints, etc. - Gender, Leadership, and Women Empowerment - Health and Sanitation - Entrepreneurship - Positive Parenting Skills - Staying Safe Online- Held direct accountability for tracking the educational, and psychosocial progress of 500+ SRs in the North and East- Set up and co-hosted a successful monthly Forum for stakeholders from both Government and NGO/INGOs to meet, review, evaluate progress and engage in discussion on key topics- Member of the initial drafting team for Sri Lanka's Child Protection Policy. Concepted and drafted policy alongside senior gov't officials and consultants- Developed key strategic partnerships with external parties (such as Child Helpline International) and presented progress and reports at annual international conferences in South Africa and Nepal Show less