Background and Context
Public infrastructure projects are particularly vulnerable to corruption, especially during the project selection stage, when strategic decisions are made on priorities, design, financing, and approvals. Corruption at this early stage can result in unnecessary, poorly designed, or misaligned infrastructure projects, with long-term economic, social, environmental, and governance consequences.
To address these risks, Transparency International Australia developed the Infrastructure Corruption Risk Assessment Tool (ICRAT). The tool provides a structured and practical methodology to identify corruption risks during the project selection phase of public infrastructure projects. It is designed primarily for use by civil society to strengthen accountability, transparency, and oversight.
The ICRAT operates across three levels:
- Level I – Initial Assessment
- Level II – Detailed Assessment (optional)
- Level III – Communicating and Addressing the Risks
This consultancy concerns Level I only.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) intends to apply Level I of the ICRAT in Sri Lanka, in order to:
- assess the corruption risk context surrounding project selection;
- identify vulnerabilities in the selection and appraisal process; and
- generate evidence-based findings to inform advocacy, engagement, and follow-up actions.
The ICRAT tool, worksheets, indicators, scoring framework, and methodology are already fully developed. This assignment is strictly focused on applying the existing tool in the Sri Lankan context, under the technical guidance of TISL.
Objective of the Consultancy
The objective of this consultancy is to conduct a Level I (Initial Assessment) of the Infrastructure Corruption Risk Assessment Tool (ICRAT) for a selected public infrastructure project in Sri Lanka, in close coordination with Transparency International Sri Lanka.
The assignment will result in a structured Initial Assessment Report that identifies:
- corruption risk factors in the broader country and agency context;
- vulnerabilities in the project selection and appraisal process; and
- an overall Indicative Risk of Corruption, as defined by the ICRAT methodology.
Scope of Work
Important Clarification
- The consultant will not design a new methodology, indicators, or tool.
- The consultant will not conduct a Level II (Detailed Assessment).
- All work will be based on the existing ICRAT framework, worksheets, and guidance notes.
- TISL will provide orientation, technical guidance, and ongoing support throughout the assignment.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Task 1: Inception and Familiarisation
- Participate in an inception meeting with TISL.
- Review the ICRAT tool in full
Task 2: Assessing the Context (General and Agency Context)
Apply Step 1 of the ICRAT to assess corruption risks in the broader governance environment in which the project selection takes place.
This includes:
- a) General Country Context
- Political and electoral processes
- Legal and judicial systems
- Public finance management and procurement frameworks
- Cultural and institutional hierarchies
- Access to information and right to information frameworks
- Media freedom and civic space
- b) Agency Context
- Institutional mandates and roles of decision-making bodies
- Capacity, competence, and independence of the relevant ministry/agency
- Oversight, accountability, and grievance redress mechanisms
- Role of financiers, advisers, and other influencers (where applicable)
Methodology
- Desk-based research using publicly available sources (laws, policies, audit reports, budget documents, media reports, CPI, etc.).
- Limited targeted information requests or clarifications from relevant institutions, where necessary.
Task 3: Categorising the Project Selection Process
Apply Step 2 of the ICRAT to identify and categorise the project selection process used by the government for the selected infrastructure project.
This includes:
- Identifying whether the project followed a structured, partially structured, or discretionary selection process.
- Mapping key decision points, approvals, and responsible actors.
- Completing the relevant ICRAT worksheet and documenting assumptions, gaps, or uncertainties.
Task 4: Project Assessment (Selection and Appraisal)
Apply Step 3 of the ICRAT to assess whether good project selection and appraisal practices were followed.
This includes examining:
- Existence and quality of needs assessments
- Alignment with national or sectoral plans
- Consideration of project alternatives
- Cost estimation and economic appraisal
- Environmental, social, and gender considerations
- Transparency and disclosure of project information
- Stakeholder consultation and participation
Methodology
- Desk review of feasibility studies, cabinet papers (where accessible), project summaries, environmental assessments, budget documents, and public disclosures.
- Use of the ICRAT worksheets to assess vulnerabilities and red flags.
- Identification of gaps, inconsistencies, or warning signs linked to corruption or undue influence.
Task 5: Step 4 – Summary Assessment and Indicative Risk Rating
- Synthesize findings from Steps 1–3.
- Apply the ICRAT scoring logic to determine the Indicative Risk of Corruption.
- Identify the most vulnerable aspects of the project selection and appraisal process.
- Clearly distinguish between:
- corruption risks;
- risks of undue influence; and
- potential mismanagement or capacity gaps.
Deliverables
- Inception Note (brief) outlining approach, timeline, and data sources
- Completed ICRAT Level I Worksheets (Steps 1–4)
- Draft Initial Assessment Report (Level I)
- Final Initial Assessment Report
Duration and Level of Effort
The consultancy is expected to be completed within 8 weeks from contract signing – this timeline can be further discussed and amended if needed.
Level I assessments are designed to be conducted with limited time and resources, relying primarily on existing data and documentation.
Required Qualifications and Experience
The consultant (or consultancy team) should demonstrate:
- Proven experience in governance, anti-corruption, public sector accountability, or infrastructure governance.
- Strong desk-based research and analytical skills.
- Familiarity with public infrastructure planning, appraisal, or public financial management is an asset.
- Experience working with civil society organisations or accountability tools is strongly preferred.
- Ability to produce high-quality analytical reports in English.
- Knowledge of the Sri Lankan governance and institutional context is essential.
Application Requirements
Interested consultants should submit:
- A technical proposal;
- A financial proposal;
- CV(s) of the consultant(s);
- Examples of relevant previous work (not mandatory).
Deadline for submission of applications: 18th January 2026. Please submit applications to tisl@tisrilanka.org
The ICRAT tool can be found here: https://transparency.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TIA_ICRAT_Web_2.pdf