
Job Title | Director General Director (Protection) Secretary to the Board of Management Assistance Director (Protection) Protection Officer Investigation Officer Management Assistant |
Institution | National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses, Sri Lanka. |
Closing Date | 2025/08/15 |
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Complete Career Guide: National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses (NAPVCW) 2025
The National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses (NAPVCW) represents one of Sri Lanka's most important specialized government institutions, dedicated to protecting and supporting victims of crime and witnesses. Working with NAPVCW offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a career in criminal justice, social work, and public service. This comprehensive guide will help you understand career opportunities and strategies for success in this vital organization.
About NAPVCW
Mission and Vision
Established on May 18, 2016, under the Assistance and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act No. 4 of 2015, NAPVCW is dedicated to protecting, promoting, and enforcing the rights of victims of crime and witnesses. The Authority operates with the vision of "A Sri Lanka towards Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses" and works to "Uphold and Enforce the Rights and Entitlements of Victims of Crime and Witnesses."
Key Services
NAPVCW provides comprehensive services including:
- Victim Protection: Physical security and relocation assistance for high-risk victims
- Witness Protection: Safeguarding witnesses in serious criminal cases
- Legal Support: Assistance with legal proceedings and court processes
- Psychological Counseling: Mental health support for trauma victims
- Emergency Response: 24/7 hotline (1985) for immediate assistance
- Advocacy Services: Promoting victim and witness rights in the justice system
Organizational Structure
The Authority is located at No. 428/11A, first floor of building complex in Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Battaramulla, and operates in collaboration with UNDP, UNICEF, and Transparency International.
Career Opportunities at NAPVCW
Entry-Level Positions
Victim Support Officer
- Providing direct assistance to crime victims
- Conducting initial assessments and safety planning
- Coordinating with law enforcement and legal services
- Maintaining case documentation and records
- Starting salary: Rs. 35,000 - Rs. 45,000
Witness Coordinator
- Managing witness protection programs
- Coordinating court appearances and security arrangements
- Maintaining communication with protected witnesses
- Ensuring compliance with protection protocols
- Starting salary: Rs. 40,000 - Rs. 50,000
Administrative Assistant
- Supporting daily operations and administration
- Managing correspondence and communications
- Maintaining databases and filing systems
- Assisting with program coordination
- Starting salary: Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 35,000
Counseling Assistant
- Supporting psychological counseling programs
- Assisting professional counselors with client care
- Maintaining therapy records and schedules
- Coordinating support group activities
- Starting salary: Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 40,000
Mid-Level Positions
Senior Victim Advocate
- Leading victim support programs
- Training junior staff and volunteers
- Developing victim services protocols
- Liaising with courts and legal professionals
- Salary range: Rs. 55,000 - Rs. 75,000
Protection Program Manager
- Overseeing witness protection operations
- Managing security arrangements and relocations
- Coordinating with law enforcement agencies
- Developing protection strategies and policies
- Salary range: Rs. 65,000 - Rs. 85,000
Legal Officer
- Providing legal guidance to victims and witnesses
- Representing NAPVCW in legal proceedings
- Drafting legal documents and policies
- Ensuring compliance with legal standards
- Salary range: Rs. 70,000 - Rs. 90,000
Psychologist/Counselor
- Providing professional therapy services
- Conducting trauma assessments
- Developing treatment plans
- Training staff in trauma-informed care
- Salary range: Rs. 60,000 - Rs. 80,000
Senior-Level Positions
Assistant Director
- Managing specific departments or programs
- Developing strategic plans and policies
- Supervising mid-level staff
- Representing NAPVCW in external meetings
- Salary range: Rs. 90,000 - Rs. 120,000
Deputy Director General
- Assisting in overall organizational management
- Overseeing multiple departments
- Policy development and implementation
- Strategic planning and resource allocation
- Salary range: Rs. 130,000 - Rs. 170,000
Director General
- Leading the entire organization
- Setting strategic direction and policies
- External relations and partnerships
- Overall accountability for organizational performance
- Salary range: Rs. 180,000 - Rs. 250,000+
Essential Qualifications and Skills
Educational Requirements
For Entry-Level Positions:
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Law, Criminology, or related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
- Professional certifications in relevant areas (preferred)
- Age requirement: 22-35 years
For Mid-Level Positions:
- Master's degree in relevant field
- 3-5 years of experience in victim services, criminal justice, or social work
- Professional licensing (for counselors, lawyers)
- Specialized training in trauma counseling or victim advocacy
For Senior Positions:
- Advanced degree (Master's/PhD) in relevant field
- 8+ years of leadership experience
- Proven track record in program management
- Published research or policy work (preferred)
Core Competencies
Technical Skills:
- Understanding of criminal justice system
- Knowledge of victim rights and legal procedures
- Trauma-informed care principles
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Case management software proficiency
- Report writing and documentation
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in Sinhala, Tamil, and English
- Additional languages (Arabic, other South Asian languages) advantageous
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Cultural sensitivity and multilingual communication
Personal Qualities
Essential Attributes:
- Empathy and Compassion: Ability to support traumatized individuals
- Emotional Resilience: Managing exposure to traumatic cases
- Integrity and Ethics: Maintaining highest ethical standards
- Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive information
- Cultural Sensitivity: Working with diverse populations
- Problem-Solving: Finding creative solutions to complex situations
Specialized Career Tracks
Victim Services Track
Career Progression:
- Victim Support Officer → 2. Senior Victim Advocate → 3. Victim Services Manager → 4. Director of Victim Services
Key Skills Development:
- Crisis counseling and intervention
- Safety planning and risk assessment
- Court advocacy and accompaniment
- Trauma recovery support
- Community resource coordination
Witness Protection Track
Career Progression:
- Witness Coordinator → 2. Protection Specialist → 3. Protection Program Manager → 4. Director of Protection Services
Specialized Training:
- Security assessment and planning
- Relocation and identity protection
- Law enforcement coordination
- Threat assessment and management
- Emergency response procedures
Legal Services Track
Career Progression:
- Legal Assistant → 2. Legal Officer → 3. Senior Legal Counsel → 4. Chief Legal Officer
Professional Requirements:
- Law degree and bar admission
- Experience in criminal or civil rights law
- Knowledge of victim compensation laws
- Court procedure and litigation experience
- Legal research and policy development
Mental Health Services Track
Career Progression:
- Counseling Assistant → 2. Counselor/Therapist → 3. Senior Psychologist → 4. Director of Mental Health Services
Specialized Qualifications:
- Psychology or counseling degree
- Professional licensing and certification
- Trauma therapy specialization
- Group therapy and crisis intervention training
- Research experience in trauma recovery
Application and Selection Process
How to Apply
Application Channels:
- Monitor NAPVCW official website (napvcw.gov.lk)
- Check Ministry of Justice vacancy announcements
- Follow government gazette notifications
- Contact HR department directly for inquiries
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae with recent photograph
- Educational certificates (certified copies)
- Professional licenses and certifications
- Work experience certificates
- Character references (minimum 3)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Police clearance certificate
Selection Process
Typical Recruitment Steps:
- Initial Screening: Application review and eligibility verification
- Written Examination:
- General knowledge and current affairs
- Specific knowledge in criminology, victim services, or relevant field
- Language proficiency (Sinhala, Tamil, English)
- Situational judgment scenarios
- Practical Assessment:
- Case study analysis
- Role-playing exercises (victim interaction scenarios)
- Computer skills assessment
- Presentation on relevant topics
- Panel Interview:
- Professional experience and qualifications
- Ethical scenarios and decision-making
- Communication skills assessment
- Motivation and commitment to victim services
- Background Investigation:
- Character and integrity verification
- Criminal background check
- Professional reference validation
- Security clearance process
- Medical Examination: Physical and psychological fitness assessment
Salary and Benefits Package
Compensation Structure
Base Salary Ranges:
- Entry Level: Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 50,000
- Mid Level: Rs. 55,000 - Rs. 90,000
- Senior Level: Rs. 90,000 - Rs. 250,000+
- Performance bonuses and annual increments
Special Allowances:
- Risk allowance for protection work
- Travel and transportation allowances
- Overtime compensation for emergency response
- Professional development allowances
- Field work and remote assignment allowances
Comprehensive Benefits
Financial Benefits:
- Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) - 8% employee, 12% employer
- Employees' Trust Fund (ETF) - 3% employer contribution
- Comprehensive life and medical insurance
- Professional liability insurance
- Educational assistance for staff and dependents
Leave and Time Off:
- Annual leave: 21 days
- Casual leave: 21 days
- Medical leave: 84 days per year
- Maternity/paternity leave: Extended leave provisions
- Study leave for professional development
- Compassionate leave for personal emergencies
Professional Development:
- International training opportunities
- Conference attendance funding
- Professional certification support
- Higher education assistance
- Skills development workshops
Training and Professional Development
Initial Training Program
Comprehensive Orientation (6-8 weeks):
- NAPVCW policies and procedures
- Legal framework and victim rights
- Trauma-informed care principles
- Cultural sensitivity and diversity training
- Safety and security protocols
- Emergency response procedures
Field Training:
- Supervised casework experience
- Court observation and accompaniment
- Inter-agency collaboration exercises
- Community outreach participation
- Crisis intervention simulations
Ongoing Professional Development
Mandatory Training:
- Annual refresher courses
- Legal updates and policy changes
- New technology and software training
- Ethics and professional standards
- Cultural competency updates
Specialized Training Opportunities:
- Advanced trauma therapy techniques
- Forensic interview training
- Multi-disciplinary team coordination
- Research methodology and evaluation
- Leadership and management development
International Collaboration
Global Learning Opportunities:
- UN training programs on victim services
- International conferences and seminars
- Exchange programs with similar organizations
- Research collaborations
- Best practices sharing initiatives
Career Advancement Strategies
Performance Excellence
Key Performance Indicators:
- Case outcome success rates
- Client satisfaction scores
- Professional development completion
- Team collaboration effectiveness
- Innovation and process improvement contributions
Career Advancement Tips:
- Exceed performance targets consistently
- Take initiative in challenging cases
- Mentor junior staff members
- Participate in policy development
- Build strong inter-agency relationships
Skill Development Priorities
Technical Skills:
- Master case management systems
- Develop expertise in specific trauma types
- Learn new assessment and intervention techniques
- Gain proficiency in data analysis
- Build research and evaluation capabilities
Leadership Skills:
- Team management and supervision
- Strategic planning and vision development
- Budget management and resource allocation
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
Networking and Professional Growth
Professional Associations:
- Sri Lanka Association of Social Workers
- Sri Lanka Psychological Association
- International Association of Victim Services
- Asia-Pacific Victim Services Network
- Regional criminal justice organizations
External Engagement:
- Serve on professional committees
- Participate in policy development forums
- Present at conferences and seminars
- Publish articles and research papers
- Engage with international partner organizations
Challenges and Rewards
Professional Challenges
Emotional Demands:
- Exposure to traumatic cases and human suffering
- Managing secondary trauma and burnout
- Maintaining professional boundaries
- Dealing with complex family situations
- Working with hostile or uncooperative clients
Systemic Challenges:
- Limited resources and funding constraints
- Coordination with multiple agencies
- Legal system complexities and delays
- Cultural barriers and stigma
- Political and social pressures
Solutions and Support Systems:
- Regular supervision and debriefing sessions
- Employee assistance programs
- Peer support groups
- Professional counseling services
- Flexible work arrangements and self-care policies
Career Rewards
Personal Fulfillment:
- Making tangible difference in people's lives
- Contributing to justice and social equity
- Protecting vulnerable members of society
- Building safer communities
- Creating positive social change
Professional Growth:
- Developing expertise in specialized field
- Building diverse skill set
- Leadership and management opportunities
- International recognition and networking
- Contributing to policy and system improvements
Future Trends and Opportunities
Emerging Areas
Technology Integration:
- Digital case management systems
- Virtual counseling and support services
- Online safety planning tools
- Mobile emergency response applications
- Data analytics for program improvement
Specialized Services:
- Cybercrime victim support
- Human trafficking response
- Domestic violence prevention
- Child protection services
- Elder abuse intervention
International Cooperation:
- Cross-border case coordination
- Regional victim services networks
- International standards development
- Capacity building in other countries
- Research and best practices sharing
Career Growth Opportunities
Expanding Role of NAPVCW:
- Increased government investment in victim services
- Growing public awareness of victim rights
- Enhanced inter-agency collaboration
- Community-based service delivery
- Prevention and early intervention programs
Tips for Success at NAPVCW
For New Employees
First Year Success Strategies:
- Learn organizational culture and values
- Build relationships with colleagues and partners
- Develop deep understanding of victim services
- Seek mentorship from experienced staff
- Participate actively in training programs
For Career Advancement
Long-term Development:
- Pursue advanced education and certifications
- Take on challenging and high-profile cases
- Volunteer for special projects and initiatives
- Develop expertise in emerging areas
- Build reputation as subject matter expert
Professional Best Practices
Maintaining Excellence:
- Stay current with research and best practices
- Participate in professional development activities
- Maintain work-life balance and self-care
- Build strong professional networks
- Contribute to organizational improvement
Conclusion
A career with the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses offers the opportunity to make a profound difference in society while building expertise in one of the most important areas of criminal justice and social services. NAPVCW represents the cutting edge of victim services in Sri Lanka and provides a platform for meaningful professional growth.
The organization offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and extensive professional development opportunities. More importantly, it provides the chance to contribute to building a more just and compassionate society where victims and witnesses receive the protection and support they deserve.
Success in this field requires dedication, empathy, professional competence, and resilience. Those who choose this career path join a community of professionals committed to justice, healing, and social change. The work is challenging but deeply rewarding, offering both personal fulfillment and professional growth opportunities.
Whether you're interested in direct victim services, witness protection, legal advocacy, mental health services, or organizational leadership, NAPVCW provides pathways for career development and the chance to be part of Sri Lanka's commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens.
The future of victim services in Sri Lanka is bright, with growing recognition of the importance of this work and increasing investment in professional, comprehensive services. By joining NAPVCW, you become part of this vital mission and contribute to building a safer, more just society for all Sri Lankans.
This guide provides comprehensive information about career opportunities at NAPVCW. For the most current information about specific vacancies and requirements, always check the official NAPVCW website (napvcw.gov.lk) and government gazette notifications. Contact NAPVCW directly at their Battaramulla office or call 1985 for specific inquiries about career opportunities.
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