Background:
Transparency international Sri Lanka (TISL) is the national chapter of transparency international (TI), the leading global movement against corruption committed to promoting good governance and eradicating corruption. As a local organisation, TISL raises awareness on the damaging effects of corruption, and works with partners in government, business and civil society to develop and implement effective measures to tackle it.
Objective:
The terms of reference (ToR) are for engaging a consultant to developing campaign finance best practices guide for the private sector in Sri Lanka, mapping current corporate political‑finance practices, benchmarking against international best practices, and producing a practitioner‑oriented handbook with model policies, disclosure templates and actionable recommendations.
Sri Lanka currently lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework governing private sector practices when providing financial contributions to political parties and candidate for campaigning, resulting in an absence of standardized disclosure practices and potential opacity in corporate political engagement. Transparency international Sri Lanka (TISL) seeks to strengthen private sector transparency by commissioning a research‑based campaign finance best practices guide for the private sector that will assist companies to voluntarily adopt and implement robust campaign‑finance policies and practices.
The primary objective of this consultancy is to review the regulation of election expenditure act no.03 of 2023 and to research the private sector campaign‑finance practices in Sri Lanka, benchmark these against recognised international laws and best practices, and produce a practitioner‑oriented campaign finance best practices guide for the private sector comprising core principles, model policies, standardized disclosure templates and actionable recommendations for voluntary adoption and advocacy.
TISL is seeking a dynamic and competent researcher to conduct the above research and to compile a campaign finance best practices guide for the private sector of Sri Lanka based on the findings of the research. The researcher will be expected to conduct thorough desk research to compile any existing information and to compare the international laws and best practices that are being followed. Interviews with key institutions or informants are to be conducted if the researcher finds it complimentary. Based on the information gathered through the interviews, discussions and other available sources, the final analysis and complete guide should be produced by the researcher. The research and subsequent publication of the report would be conducted under the guidance of TISL.
Scope of work:
The following deliverables are expected from the researcher:
The consultant shall;
- Prepare an inception report detailing research design, methodology, timelines and the budget;
- Conduct a desk review of Sri Lankan and international legal and regulatory texts on funding election campaigns and corporate governance, together with a comparative analysis of at least three international frameworks which compliments Sri Lankan governance and legal aspects;
- Facilitate up to five (5) consultation meetings: four (4) in‑person meetings with the election commission and chambers of commerce to discuss project parameters in detail, and one (1) meeting to present and obtain feedback on the initial draft of the guide.
- Undertake semi‑structured interviews with private sector compliance officers, corporate counsels, civil‑society experts and election commission officials;
- Draft a comprehensive guide in English on financing political campaigns, including clear definitions, a model corporate policy, standardized reporting templates (for monthly and annual reporting), illustrative case studies, practical checklists, and an analysis of the research underpinning the included recommendations and data.
Duration:
The researcher is expected to complete the report within three months.
Budget:
The proposed budget for this research is a maximum of LKR 500,000/-. A competitive proposal will be selected on a value for money basis.
The ideal candidate should have:
- A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, law, economics, political science or any other related discipline.
- A working knowledge of company policies, private sector donations etc.
- Familiarity with transparency, accountability and the anti-corruption discourse.
- Research experience in critically analysing quantitative data and report writing.
- Experience in working with/applying quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
- Professionalism and adherence to timelines.
- Ability to write succinctly and for a non-academic audience.
- Proven capacity to ensure objectivity and neutrality in analysis, scoring and report writing free from bias, influence and/or conflict of interest.
- Ability to conduct research under minimum supervision to obtain relevant information.
- Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
Applicants should submit a detailed proposal outlining the methodology, workplan, timeline, budget breakdown, samples of previous work along with their CV to tisl@tisrilanka.org by 25th May 2025. ‘Consultant – A campaign finance best practices guide for the private sector in Sri Lanka,’ should be mentioned in the subject line of your email application. Commencement of duties – immediate.
For more information about the consultancy, contact Charithma – 074 055 1213