Udani Dissanayake
Partnerships Development Assistant
No.11, N Block, Bambalapitiya Flats, Galle Road, Colombo 04
Summary
Experienced Partnerships Development Assistant with a strong background in the development sector, specializing in proposal development, stakeholder coordination, and donor reporting. Successfully supported the design and finalization of multi-sector projects, driving collaboration with governments, UN agencies, and international donors.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Partnerships Development Assistant
UNOPS
08.2020 - Current
- Coordinated high-level meetings with UN agencies, donors , and government counterparts, initiating strong collaborations.
- Arranged donor missions and handovers, ensuring smooth coordination with key stakeholders.
- Contributed to donor mapping exercises and maintained long-term relationships with ministries, local authorities, and development partners.
- Conducted in-depth research and analysis to support proposals across sectors such as health, SWM, water management, climate resilience, and technical education.
- Drafted and finalized proposals valued at over USD 60M, aligning with donor priorities and organizational goals.
- Undertook field missions for needs assessments, environmental and social evaluations, and stakeholder consultations to guide project design and development.
- Oversaw approval processes for over 10 new engagements, including OUP submissions, EAC, AR, and IPAS reviews, ensuring compliance with organizational requirements.
- Developed strategic communication materials (fact sheets, press releases) to enhance UNOPS’ positioning.
- Designed and led campaigns showcasing project outcomes, earning donor recognition.
- Consolidated and prepared accurate donor reports (weekly, monthly, annual) for projects in Sri Lanka and Maldives.
- Managed UNINFO updates and represented UNOPS in UN M&E groups, aligning reports with strategic objectives.
- As a GESI focal point, implemented three GESI Action Plans focused on staff capacity building, awareness programs, and targeted project GAPs.
- Prepared presentations and high-quality meeting minutes to support high-level engagements, showcasing UNOPS’ expertise.
- Finalized over 10 agreements and MOUs, solidifying partnerships.
Workshop Coordinator
UNICEF
11.2019 - 07.2020
- Conducted technical research to support the preparation and facilitation of Gender Integration and Results-Based Management (RBM) training workshops delivered via Zoom.
- Analyzed survey data to evaluate workshop effectiveness and identify key insights for improved training outcomes.
- Prepared detailed workshop reports, summarizing key discussions, participant feedback, and actionable recommendations for UNICEF Pakistan and UNICEF State of Palestine strategic planning processes.
- Provided comprehensive support across all workshop phases-preparation, facilitation, and follow-up—to ensure proper coordination
Project Support Assistant for RBM
UNICEF
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Provided event coordination and logistical support for Results-Based Management (RBM) workshops across Western, Uva, Central, and Northern provinces.
- Documented key action points, recommendations, and lessons learned from workshops to guide future planning efforts.
- Prepared detailed reports for 5 provinces on provincial and national planning, implementation, and monitoring processes.
- Assessed and recorded current RBM capacities among relevant provincial government authorities.
- Developed and documented provincial and national-level action plans for institutionalizing RBM within government systems and processes, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s objectives.
UNV
WFP
02.2018 - 01.2019
- Supported the implementation, monitoring, and reconciliation of a KOICA-funded Resilience Building Project across 13 districts in Sri Lanka.
- Drafted key project documentation, including progress reports, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and project reports.
- Designed and managed databases for beneficiaries, project progress tracking, and budget management.
- Provided programmatic and logistical support for Seasonal Livelihood Programming workshops, including material preparation, minute-taking, and drafting workshop reports.
- Managed a beneficiary call center targeting 1,000 beneficiaries, recording concerns and escalating them to relevant officials.
- Oversaw administrative, logistical, and knowledge management tasks, ensuring organized file-keeping and budget documentation.
- Conducted monthly budget reconciliations and collaborated with the finance team to finalize them accurately.
Intern
Human Rights Commission
11.2016 - 04.2017
- Provided recommendations on reports submitted by UN organizations, ensuring alignment with human rights objectives.
- Analyzed and evaluated annual reports from the Human Rights Commission, contributing to informed decision-making.
- Coordinated logistics and event management for key initiatives, including Human Rights Day.
- Played a role in developing and supporting projects related to Human Rights Education across Sri Lanka.
- Supported administrative functions, including procurement, logistics, and record management, ensuring efficient operations.
- Contributed to the creation of communication materials, including social media content and report designs.
- Drafted progress reports for Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) units, ensuring clear communication of outcomes.
Education
Masters in Development Studies - Development Studies
University of Colombo- Faculty of Graduate Studies
Sri Lanka 04.2001 -
Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs - International Relations
Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Ins
Sri Lanka 04.2001 -
Diploma in Diplomacy And World Affairs - International Relations
Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Ins
Sri Lanka 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - English, Economics, International Relations
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka 04.2001 -
Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Proposal Writing
Startegic Communication
Donor Relations
Project Coordination
Report Writing
Event Planning
Knowledge Management
M&E
Sectoral Research
Timeline
Partnerships Development Assistant
UNOPS
08.2020 - Current
Workshop Coordinator
UNICEF
11.2019 - 07.2020
Project Support Assistant for RBM
UNICEF
06.2019 - 08.2019
UNV
WFP
02.2018 - 01.2019
Intern
Human Rights Commission
11.2016 - 04.2017
Masters in Development Studies - Development Studies
University of Colombo- Faculty of Graduate Studies
04.2001 -
Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy & World Affairs - International Relations
Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Ins
04.2001 -
Diploma in Diplomacy And World Affairs - International Relations
Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Ins
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - English, Economics, International Relations
University of Colombo
04.2001 -
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