- Background and Context
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is currently implementing the EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EU-SEE) project, which aims to strengthen the enabling environment for civil society in Sri Lanka. This initiative focuses on assessing and monitoring key factors that could influence the operating space for civil society organizations (CSOs), including legal, political, and social dynamics.
In a context where civic space in Sri Lanka is often under pressure, it is crucial to foster and sustain a conducive environment for civil society through monitoring, capacity building, and strategic advocacy. The broader goal of this project is to empower and enhance the capacity of civil society actors to effectively detect and respond to both positive or negative developments in the enabling environment, while also addressing and contributing to the necessary structural and systemic foundations required for its sustainability.
- Objective of the Consultancy
TISL seeks to engage a qualified consultant to develop a Country Focus Report (CFR) that provides a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of the enabling environment for civil society in Sri Lanka. The CFR will identify existing strengths, emerging challenges, and key areas for improvement, in line with the framework provided by the EU-SEE methodology.
Objective of the CFR
The objective of the CFR is to deliver a detailed, objective, and evidence-based overview of the state of the enabling environment for civil society in Sri Lanka, and to use the findings to support advocacy strategies and contribute to the efforts aimed at strengthening the enabling environment.
The CFR will assess the enabling environment across the six core principles of the EU-SEE methodology:
- Respect and protection of fundamental civic freedoms
- Supportive legal framework to enable association
- Accessible and sustainable resources
- Open and responsive state
- Supportive Public Culture and Discourses on Civil Society
- Access to a secure digital environment
The CFR will serve as a key resource for tracking the evolution of the enabling environment for civil society over time and across these six principles within the Sri Lankan context.
- Scope of Work
The consultant shall be responsible for the following deliverables:
- Review and gain a thorough understanding of background materials specifically relevant to the development of the CFR.
- Develop a methodology for selecting a diverse and inclusive expert panel, including civil society representatives, human rights experts and other relevant stakeholders.
- Convene the expert panel to introduce the methodology and facilitate a structured scoring process, in line with the EU-SEE framework. (Logistics and associated cost for the panel discussion will be borne by Transparency International Sri Lanka)
- Develop Guiding Questions to steer the expert panel discussion.
- Compile and synthesize expert scores and justifications, and submit the findings.
- Draft a comprehensive, narrative, and evidence-based report complementing the panel’s scores and findings and providing an in-depth analysis across all six principles.
- Timeframe
The consultancy is expected to be completed within five (5) months from the date of commencement.
- Qualifications and Experience
The consultant must demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:
- Proven experience in human rights documentation and reporting.
- Proven expertise in civil society monitoring, human rights, governance, or related fields, preferably with experience in Sri Lanka or similar contexts is strongly preferred.
- Strong skills and proficiency in qualitative data collection, reporting methodologies, and event documentation.
- Strong networks and engagement with human rights stakeholders and civil society in Sri Lanka.
- Familiarity with the EU-SEE methodology and principles will be considered a significant advantage.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a timely and efficient manner.
- Excellent command of English, with demonstrated high-quality written communication skills.
- Application Process
Interested applicants are requested to submit the following to tisl@tisrilanka.org:
- A detailed proposal outlining the methodology, work plan, timeline, and budget breakdown
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Samples of previous relevant work
Please use the subject line: “Consultant – Country Focus Report for EU-SEE Project”
Application Deadline: 16th July 2025
Expected Start Date: Immediate
For further information regarding the consultancy, please contact Nethmi at 077-8478227.