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 Project coordinator will assist the Curatorial team and the Steering Committee to implement the Geoffrey Bawa Award programme 2026-27. They will serve as the Secretary to the Nominations and Public Outreach Committee of the Award – organising programmes, liaising between key partners, and representing the Award’s vision and goals. The candidate will need to commit to this role until the Award programme is concluded in July 2027. This position is based in Colombo and has options for part-time remote working. The deadline to apply for this position is the 20th of January 2026.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants to the role must demonstrate a strong aptitude for project management, exceptional written and oral communication skills in English, and an alignment with the vision and goals of the Award Programme.
Responsibilities
Represent the Award as a key member of the Award team, and further its vision and goals.
Serve as the secretary to the Nominations and Public Outreach Committee of the Award (NPOC), which will oversee public programmes, speaking tours, awareness-building initiatives, as well as invite, receive and organise the nominations for the Award.
Organise and structure regular meetings of the NPOC which will involve bringing together multiple partners, including Trustees, members of the steering Committee, Award ambassadors, and funding partners.
Travel whenever necessary to deliver presentations, talks, and public events to raise awareness about the vision and aims of the Award.
Liaise between the NPOC, the Steering Committee, and the Curatorial Team at the Trust to ensure the smooth coordination and functioning of the Award programmes.
Minimum qualifications
A demonstrated ability to manage complex planning, coordination, and logistics across multiple projects is essential. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as architecture, design, communications, arts, environmental studies, or project management, and an interest in architecture, design, and the environment are advantageous but not required.
Excellent communication skills in English and one other local language
Excellent soft skills, the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
The ability to maintain and manage records, keep accounts, organise administrative tasks in an efficient manner, and liaise between teams
The ability to speak in public and with key partners, stakeholders and communities
A conscientious work ethic, the ability to manage your time, and the motivation to take leadership and solve challenges in innovative and creative ways
Preferred Qualifications
The following are not required, but may give candidates an advantage in their application:
A master’s degree in any of the fields specified above
Demonstrated experience in writing and communication, especially in public forums
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
An unofficial transcript of your undergraduate or graduate record
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 10 mb) to opportunities@geoffreybawa.org
The deadline to apply for this position is the 20th of January 2026.
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The Project Assistant will support the Curator of Living Collections in overseeing and developing The Geoffrey Bawa Trust’s horticultural and environmental projects at Lunuganga Gardens and Honduwa Island. The project assistant will be expected to be involved primarily with The Trust’s ongoing projects spanning applied horticulture and landscape restoration at Lunuganga. A minimum of 2 years commitment to the position is required and the position will commence once a suitable applicant is chosen. This position is based at Lunuganga, Bentota.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants to the role must demonstrate a keen interest in either landscape architecture, horticulture, ecology, or environmental studies.
Responsibilities
Contribute to managing the various ongoing projects at Lunuganga, working closely with the Curator, the garden team, and external project partners
Assist the Curator and garden team with daily horticultural operations in the garden and collections nursery
Assist in the operation and expansion of the collections nursery by propagating and sourcing plant material, while maintaining thorough records of all nursery operations
Help with maintaining records of the garden and its living collections
Assist with the ongoing restoration of certain areas in the garden
Assist with purchasing and logistics across all projects with which the role is involved
Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues in Administrative, Operational and Accounting departments of the Trust and its partners
Minimum qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, ecology, or a related field, or two years of relevant institutional experience will be considered as equivalent
A familiarity with or an eagerness to learn about horticulture, ecological principles, and the functioning of tropical gardens
Excellent communication skills in English and one other local language
Familiarity with MS office software such as word, excel and power point
The ability to maintain and manage records, keep accounts, and organise administrative tasks in an efficient manner
The ability to undertake physical work in the garden, as demanded by the role, including spending long durations outdoors, lifting weight, and regularly traversing a 20 acre site on foot
The willingness to learn, receive constructive feedback, and work collaboratively in a team
A conscientious work ethic, the ability to manage your time, and the motivation to take leadership and solve challenges in innovative and creative ways when required
Preferred Qualifications
The following are not required, but may give candidates an advantage in their application:
Familiarity with ecological horticulture, garden design, and the management of historic or heritage spaces.
Familiarity with AutoCad or other design software.
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
An unofficial transcript of your undergraduate or graduate record
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 10 mb) to opportunities@geoffreybawa.org
This position will remain vacant until it is filled.
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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