About the opportunity
The Business Support Assistant will join WFP Sri Lanka’s Country Office to deliver administrative, data management, and coordination support for the US Global Grant. Working under close supervision, the incumbent will ensure accurate beneficiary records, timely cash transfer processing, and effective documentation of programme activities. The role contributes directly to the grant’s implementation across four components: Food Assistance for Assets (FFA), Anticipatory Action (AA), Logistics/NFIs, and Humanitarian Data Assessment & Coordination (HDAC), supporting WFP Sri Lanka’s Country Strategic Plan outcomes on resilience, emergency preparedness, and institutional capacity.
Salary and benefits
- Highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment
- Investment in personal and professional development through training, accreditation, coaching, and mentorship
- Internal mobility opportunities and exciting career paths across country, regional, and global offices
- Attractive compensation package under a Service Contract (SC 2)
Who can apply?
- Sri Lankan nationality only
- Completion of secondary school education
- Two or more years of experience in administrative or programme support roles, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts
- Fluency in oral and written communication in English, as well as Sinhala or Tamil
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard office equipment
- Ability to follow standard business support processes and procedures with strong attention to detail
- Willingness to undertake field missions to support programme monitoring and beneficiary engagement
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by September 14, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+05:30 (India Standard Time / Colombo)
How to apply
- Ensure your Workday profile is accurate, complete, and all sections are filled in (including employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills)
- Submit your CV and Cover Letter exclusively through the WFP online recruiting system
- For technical issues during submission, contact global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org
Additional information
- The position is offered under a Service Contract (SC 2) based in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- WFP does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, or testing fees
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of recruitment
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- For reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, contact global.inclusion@wfp.org
- Members of certain UN oversight bodies (e.g., ACABQ, ICSC, FAO Finance Committee) are ineligible to apply during their service and for three years thereafter
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Sri Lankan nationals with two or more years of administrative or program support experience.
- Candidates proficient in Microsoft Office and standard office equipment.
- Individuals comfortable with field missions to support program monitoring and beneficiary engagement.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a Service Contract (SC 2) position, which differs from standard UN staff appointments.
- Candidates must be fluent in English and either Sinhala or Tamil.
- The position requires high attention to detail for managing beneficiary records and cash transfer processing.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is ideal for a professional looking to contribute to humanitarian and development outcomes in Sri Lanka, offering exposure to international grant implementation and the chance to build a career within the UN system.
Our take
This is a strong entry point for administrative professionals in Sri Lanka interested in humanitarian work; it is less suitable for those seeking long-term international staff status.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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