Opportunities
The Geoffrey Bawa Trust is a non-profit organization with charitable status in Sri Lanka that was established in 1982 with the objectives of furthering the fields of Architecture, the Fine Arts and Ecological and Environmental Studies. We offer an exciting, inclusive work environment for enthusiastic, organised and proactive individuals who are eager to take part in the Trust’s mission, responding to new ideas and initiatives with insight and intelligence.
The Geoffrey Bawa Trust seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued. As an employer we foster an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.
At the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, we value all types of experience. For us, a successful candidate has many of the qualities listed in our job postings, and the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job. So if much, but not all, of a job posting describes you, then we welcome your application.
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The Junior Retail Associate supports the day-to-day operations of the Bawa Design Store across two locations in Colombo (Horton place and Bagatelle road). The role combines visitor engagement with retail operations, inventory management, and contributions to product development and online sales.
Key ResponsibilitiesMaintain accuracy in billing, POS operations, and cash handling
Contribute to daily and monthly sales targets
Carry out day-to-day store activities on a roster basis across both locations
Assist customers with product selection and complete transactions efficiently
Manage stock intake, inventory, invoicing, packaging, and restocking
Assist with tagging, labelling, and stock counts
Assist in processing online orders and coordinating dispatch
Support product development processes and supplier coordination
Maintain visual merchandising standards in line with store guidelines
Eligibility & Requirements
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (English required)
Interest in retail, design, and customer service
Ability to work in a structured, detail-oriented environment
Basic analytical and organisational skills
Prior experience in retail or hospitality is an advantage
Applicants based in or near Colombo preferred
School leavers are encouraged to apply
What We OfferExposure to museum retail operations within a leading cultural institution
Hands-on experience in product development and omni-channel retail
Incentive-based salary structure
Applications must include the following
A résumé or CV
Two professional references with no personal relationships to you, including Name, Title, Relationship to you and Email or Phone Number of Contact Person.
Applications should be emailed in a single PDF format (file size less than 15 mb) to opportunities@geoffreybawa.org
The deadline to apply for this position is Thursday, 14 May 2026, 5 p.m. IST
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The Gallery Assistant is responsible for the daily front-of-house operations of the gallery during exhibition hours. The role ensures that the facility is prepared for public access, manages the onsite team, and maintains a high standard of service for all visitors. The Assistant serves as the primary point of contact for operational matters, ensuring that both the exhibition and the visitor experience function according to institutional standards.
The Gallery Assistant will report directly to the Exhibitions Manager and the Curator of Public Programmes, and collaborate with staff across the organisation to ensure that all front-of-house operations reflect the Trust’s commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and a high standard of visitor experience. This is a full-time role based at the Geoffrey Bawa Space (42/1 Horton Place, Colombo 07). The position requires reporting Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00am – 6:00pm.
This position is only open to applicants who are legally eligible to work in Sri Lanka (citizens and those who have work permits).
Responsibilities
Daily Operations Management
Operational Execution: Carry out daily opening and closing procedures, including the activation of exhibition technology, lighting, and security systems.
Facility Maintenance: Conduct regular walkthroughs to ensure the gallery environment is clean, safe, and that all exhibition elements are functioning correctly.
Inventory Management: Oversee inventory of supplies for gallery and office use, restocking as needed while maintaining relevant records and budgets.
Incident Reporting: Document and report any issues related to artwork condition, facility maintenance, or visitor safety to the appropriate departments.
Team Supervision
Staff Training: Train interns and docents in visitor services operations and maintain training manuals.
Protocol Enforcement: Ensure all staff and visitors adhere to gallery policies, health and safety regulations, and art-protection protocols.
Visitor Relations
Serve as the lead customer service representative in the front-of-house area.
Provide tours of the exhibition and share information about the work of the Trust and Geoffrey Bawa with visitors.
Information Services: Oversee the reception desk and provide accurate information regarding current exhibitions, ticketing, and gallery programming.
Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve visitor inquiries or complaints professionally and efficiently.
Data Collection: Manage the collection of visitor metrics, including attendance numbers for internal reporting.
Feedback & Communication: Record and respond to visitor feedback to support continuous improvement of the visitor experience.
Eligibility and Requirements
Friendly and motivated with a proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
Adaptable to changing situations and able to manage multiple tasks as required.
Self-motivated and capable of prioritising work independently.
Demonstrates an interest in the arts and cultural sector, and a willingness to learn about the programmes of the Geoffrey Bawa Trust and share this knowledge with visitors.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications, an arts-related discipline, education, hospitality, or a related field.
Minimum one year of experience in a Visitor Services, Customer Service, or similar public-facing role.
Experience working directly with the public in settings such as museums, schools, cultural institutions, or tourism environments.
Bilingual, with a good standard of written English and numeracy.
Basic IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Drive.
Comfortable operating technical equipment used in exhibitions.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong communication skills in English and at least one additional language (Sinhala or Tamil).
Prior experience in the arts, culture, heritage, or tourism sectors.
Demonstrated interest in architecture, design, or cultural programming.
Applications Must Include the Following
A one-page cover letter summarizing your interest in the position and providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in this brief
A résumé or CV
Two professional references with no personal relationships to you, including Name, Title, Relationship to you and Email or Phone Number of Contact Person.
Applications should be emailed in a single PDF format (file size less than 15 mb) to opportunities@geoffreybawa.org
The deadline to apply for this position is Friday, 15 May 2026, 5 p.m. IST
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Since launching our Bawa 100 centenary programme, we have had a lot of interest from people who would like to volunteer at Lunuganga Trust. Volunteering is a great way to engage with your community, learn new skills, make friends and professional contacts, and engage more deeply with the legacy of an extraordinary architect and his collections. We accept volunteers aged 16 and over. Volunteers under 18 may be limited as to what volunteer opportunities are available to them. Volunteering is not equivalent to an internship or work experience.
Ideal candidates should possess an appreciation for art, a genuine interest in engaging with the public, keen attention to detail, and a positive attitude. Geoffrey Bawa Trust volunteers are proactive, adaptable, and understand that reliability is key.
To find out more, or express interest, email opportunities@geoffreybawa.org