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
2023.01 - 2023.12
- 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
2019.04 - 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
2022.07 - 2022.12
- 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
Hamilton06.2024
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
2023.01 - 2023.12
Temporary Lecturer
Open University Of Sri Lanka
2022.07 - 2022.12
Programme and Communications Consultant / Officer
Sri Lanka Press Institute
2019.04 - 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
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