Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Maneesha Wijesundara

Hamilton,ON

Summary

Seasoned Program Officer adept at evaluating progress and implementing strategic improvements. Decisive and forward-thinking team player with a resourceful approach offering 3 years of progressive experience. Tutor with experienced interpersonal communication skills to address unique queries within educational settings and accommodate curriculum requirements.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Teaching Assistant / Graduate Research Assistant

McMaster University
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Conducted engaging tutorials for English and Cultural Studies courses in the Humanities to reinforce key concepts and facilitate discussions.
  • Provided one-on-one writing assistance to students, aiding in the development of strong written communication skills.
  • Assisted in grading assignments and tests, delivering constructive feedback to promote academic improvement.
  • Supported classroom activities, including tutoring sessions and review sessions, ensuring students' comprehension of course materials.
  • Collaborated with lead teachers on classroom management and document coordination, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment.
  • Contributed to a SAGE Labour Studies Journal submission by providing meticulous copy-editing support.
  • Demonstrated expertise in statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis as a Research Assistant.

Programme and Communications Consultant / Officer

Sri Lanka Press Institute
04.2019 - Current


  • Successfully supported and coordinated civil society organizations, fostering collaboration and synergy in over 25 media freedom and social responsibility related projects.
  • Led and implemented impactful programs on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and national integration, contributing to positive social outcomes.
  • Implemented and monitored programs, ensuring effective evaluation and advocacy of related initiatives.
  • Designed and developed programs raising an average of USD 500k annually.
  • Designed and facilitated training modules on grant seeking and proposal writing, resulting in improved skills and increased fundraising success.
  • Enhanced the visibility of projects through strategic communication initiatives, reaching a wider audience and stakeholders.



Temporary Lecturer

Open University Of Sri Lanka
07.2022 - 12.2022
  • Delivered lectures and seminars on language studies, focusing on literary theory and cultural nuances practicing dynamic pedagogy.
  • Designed and implemented innovative teaching methodologies, ensuring active student participation and a comprehensive grasp of academic content.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to cultivate a collaborative academic environment contributing to departmental initiatives.



Moderator

Freelance
  • Dedicated and adaptable freelance event moderator with a proven track record of successfully facilitating engaging and smooth virtual and in-person events.
  • Proficient in moderating diverse online events, including webinars, conferences, and virtual meet-ups.
  • Adept at managing participant interactions, ensuring event timelines are adhered to, and troubleshooting technical issues.
  • Possess excellent communication skills and a commitment to creating a positive and interactive atmosphere for participants.

Education

Master of Arts - Cultural Studies and Critical Theory

McMaster University
Hamilton
06.2024

Higher Diploma - International Relations

Bandaranaike Centre For International Studies
Colombo, Sri Lanka
11.2023

Bacherlor of Arts - English

University of Peradeniya
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
07.2018

Skills

  • Organization and Prioritization
  • Teaching and innovative pedagogy
  • Adaptability
  • Decision-making
  • Problem-solving
  • Training and development
  • Program Designing
  • Proposal Writing
  • Coordinating Events
  • Project Planning
  • Monitoring and Evaluation

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Sinhala
Native or Bilingual

Additional Information

Language Editing: International Open University Research Sessions 2022 (IOURS) held in November 2022.

Local Coordinator, Sri Lanka, of the Students for Liberty (SFL) movement for the year 2021/2022

Moderator for Hashtag Generation’s event titled “Nurturing trust: A Media and Information Literacy Imperative” to mark the Global Media and Information Literacy Week in October 2022

Module development on fundraising, proposal writing and grant seeking (2022)

Presented on monitoring hate speech on print and social media for a discourse of counter-narratives for the regional meeting by the Minority Rights Group (MRG), Europe 2021

English to Sinhala translation of video captions for “Shshh the Talk Show” 2021-2022

Translation and preparation of English language competency examination papers for the Public Service Commission of Central Provincial Council 2020 / 2021

Editing research paper for Coalition for Educational Development, Colombo 2021

Timeline

Teaching Assistant / Graduate Research Assistant

McMaster University
01.2023 - 12.2023

Temporary Lecturer

Open University Of Sri Lanka
07.2022 - 12.2022

Programme and Communications Consultant / Officer

Sri Lanka Press Institute
04.2019 - Current

Moderator

Freelance

Master of Arts - Cultural Studies and Critical Theory

McMaster University

Higher Diploma - International Relations

Bandaranaike Centre For International Studies

Bacherlor of Arts - English

University of Peradeniya
Maneesha Wijesundara