Job Description
Field Project Manager
Project Location: Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu
Team: Field-based project team (direct line management)
Field presence: Minimum 70% in the community
Submission by 15th June 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, rather than waiting for the deadline.
Immediate start: Please send your CV and a short expression of interest to [email protected]
ABOUT US
Palmera (www.palmera.org) is a registered Sri Lankan development agency that works with local partners to identify left-out communities, co-create effective solutions, demonstrate their impact, and scale these approaches to reach more communities.
This locally led approach is made possible by Palmera Australia, which, through the generosity of private donors, provides the funding support needed to drive our mission forward.
To learn more about the solutions we are implementing and replicating, visit palmera.org/our-work.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Field Project Manager leads the on-the-ground delivery of an economic empowerment programme focused on agriculture-based livelihoods and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi. This is a field-first role, with the majority of time spent working directly with farmers, SHG members, and community structures.
The post-holder is accountable for the overall performance and outcomes of the project. Beyond managing a team, they are personally responsible for ensuring activities are delivered on time, to a high standard, and with strong community participation. This includes leading key activities, delivering critical trainings, undertaking close field monitoring, ensuring the quality and integrity of data, and addressing implementation challenges as they arise.
The Field Project Manager will plan the work, work alongside the team to deliver it, and ensure the programme achieves meaningful and measurable results for the communities it serves.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Delivery of Project Outcomes
- Take personal accountability for achieving the project's outcomes, including livelihood improvements, SHG strengthening, and agricultural productivity targets.
- Ensure all project activities are delivered on time, to a high standard, and with strong community participation. This includes activities delivered directly by the Field Project Manager as well as those delivered through the team.
- Translate project design, worksplans, and donor commitments into practical field-level activities and ensure they are implemented effectively.
- Take a hands-on role in implementation, spending substantial time in the field working alongside staff, farmers, SHGs, and community leaders to ensure activities are relevant, well-executed, and achieving results.
- Build strong relationships with community members, local authorities, and partner organisations to ensure the project is trusted, welcomed, and owned by the community.
- Closely monitor implementation, identify challenges early, and take corrective action to maintain quality, pace, and effectiveness.
- Project Planning, Financial and Procurement Management
- Develop and manage monthly activity plans, workplans, and budgets, ensuring activities are scheduled, resourced, and delivered on time.
- Monitor implementation, expenditure, and progress against plans, identifying risks or delays early and taking corrective action to keep the project on track.
- Ensure all financial documentation, payment requests, supporting evidence, acquittals, and reports are completed accurately, submitted on time, and comply with Palmera's financial policies and donor requirements.
- Manage project procurement activities and ensure all procurement processes are planned, documented, and conducted in accordance with Palmera's policies and procedures.
- Work closely with finance and support staff to ensure strong financial management, timely reporting, and effective use of resources.
- Team Leadership and Staff Development
- Lead, guide, and support the programme team to achieve high performance and strong collaboration.
- Ensure team members understand their responsibilities, targets, and deadlines and are working effectively against agreed plans.
- Conduct regular team meetings, provide clear feedback, and build a shared understanding of project priorities and goals.
- Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional development support to strengthen staff capacity and effectiveness.
- Foster a positive, accountable, and results-oriented team culture focused on delivering quality outcomes for communities.
- Impact Data Collection and Quality Assurance
- Drive the collection of impact and monitoring data from the field, making sure it is complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
- Personally verify a sample of data through field visits and spot-checks to ensure quality.
- Ensure source documents (attendance sheets, SHG records, training records, beneficiary lists) are properly maintained.
- Stakeholder and Government Engagement
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant government departments, local authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support effective project delivery.
- Represent the project in meetings, forums, and coordination mechanisms, ensuring Palmera maintains a professional and constructive presence.
- Engage stakeholders proactively to address implementation challenges, strengthen collaboration, and ensure activities align with local priorities and government requirements.
- Identify opportunities to leverage government services, resources, and partnerships to improve outcomes for project participants and support long-term sustainability.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Essential
- Based in Mullaitivu or Kilinochchi.
- Demonstated ability and willingness to work in the field with rural communities, this is the most important requirement of the role.
- Proven experience managing a community-based development project, ideally in agriculture, livelihoods, or SHG / women's economic empowerment work.
- Experience delivering training directly to community members.
- Experience managing a small team and producing workplans that the team actually follows.
- Experience with data collection and basic monitoring of project activities.
- Working knowledge of written and spoken English, intermediate level is acceptable; the role requires the ability to follow guidance, write short reports, and communicate updates in English.
- Fluency in Tamil Language.
- A clear personal commitment to community impact and to lifting outcomes for left-out households.
- Desirable
- At least 5 years experience working with donor-funded projects in a field manager role.
- Bachelor's degree in agriculture, development studies, social sciences, or a related field.
- Knowledge of the Northern Province context and existing relationships with local authorities and community structures.
- A valid driver's or motorcycle licence.
OUR COMMITMENTS
- Palmera is an inclusive agency and strongly encourages women and persons with a disability to apply.
- Palmera is a child safe organisation and requires personnel to undertake regular Criminal Record Checks and to sign and abide by the Palmera Code of Conduct.
HOW TO APPLY
- Submission by 15th June 2026
- Send your CV and a short expression of interest (max 1 page) explaining why you want this role and what you would bring to Palmera.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to demonstrate their training delivery in a short field visit as part of the interview process.
