Job Description
Terms of Reference (ToR):
Lead Researcher – Justice Sector Responses to SGBV in Sri Lanka
Project Title: Documenting Formal Justice Sector Responses to SGBV in Sri Lanka
Location: Colombo, Galle, Matara, Jaffna, and Mullaitivu
Duration: 6 months
Reporting to: Programme & Legal Manager, Women In Need.
Supported by: UNDP
1. Background
Women In Need (WIN) is Sri Lanka’s prime non-governmental and civil society organization working to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the country.
WIN offers essential crisis intervention support services for women and girls - including free legal aid, counseling, emergency shelters, and operates a 24/7 hotline. WIN also carries out a strong violence prevention programme and spearheads advocacy to ensure women’s equality, equity and the protection of women’s rights.
Sri Lanka’s formal justice sector is tasked with the duty and responsibility of responding to incidents of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Despite existing legal frameworks, continued capacity building and sensitization efforts, the implementation often reflects varying degrees of gender sensitivity and application of the law.
Women In Need (WIN), with financial support from UNDP and technical guidance from The Asia Foundation, is undertaking qualitative research to observe and document the nature of responsiveness and attitude of the justice sector on SGBV.
2. Objectives of the Study
The Lead Researcher will be responsible for the overall design, implementation oversight, coordination, and analysis of the study. The aim is to evaluate the gender sensitivity and effectiveness of responses by judicial actors and to capture the experiences of SGBV victims that interact with the legal system, with the aim of assessing any improvement since the last observation and analysis or if there is still room for further improvement, and if so, provide recommendations.
3. Scope of Work
- Provide leadership in the design and implementation of the observation study.
- Develop research tools and ensure quality and consistency in data collection using the observation guide and narrative guidelines provided.
- Conduct capacity-building sessions or contribute to training for the observation team.
- Guide and supervise legal officers/lawyers in conducting observations in the five districts.
- Ensure ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and gender sensitivity.
- Lead the analysis and interpretation of qualitative data.
- Collect and collate all regional findings and draft the final research report to include key findings, thematic analysis, and policy recommendations.
- Present findings to stakeholders and participate in advocacy or dissemination events.
4. Expected Deliverables
- Inception report and finalized research plan
- Finalized data collections tools in consultation with WIN, UNDP and TAF
- Quality assurance protocols for data collection
- Monthly progress summaries and review notes
- Final comprehensive report (including narratives, thematic analysis, and recommendations)
- PowerPoint presentation and briefing note for dissemination
5. Required Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced degree in Law, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Sociology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a researcher conducting qualitative legal or social research.
- Experience in working on SGBV and aspects of legal and/or SGBV.
- Strong understanding of Sri Lanka’s legal system and gender-based legal frameworks.
- Excellent analytical, report writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multi-site research and lead diverse teams.
- Fluency in English; proficiency in Sinhala is mandatory. Proficiency in Tamil will be an added advantage.
6. Duration
The assignment will span approximately 6 months, with an estimated number of working days to be defined. This includes field visits capacity building of the team, data review, analysis, and report writing.
7. Ethical Considerations
- Ensure voluntary and informed participation from all respondents.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and anonymity of all observed parties and victims.
- Avoid conflicts of interest and ensure neutrality in all observations and reporting.
8. Evaluation and Selection Criteria
- Criteria
- Relevant qualifications and academic background - 20%
- Proven research experience (Gender and law related) - 30%
- Proposed methodology and understanding of assignment - 30%
- Timeline and availability - 20%
9. Application Process
Interested consultants are requested to submit the following two documents to applications@winl.net by the 28th of May 2025 with the subject: “Research Consultancy – Justice Sector Responses to SGBV”.
- Technical Proposal (in one PDF file)
- Updated CV with relevant criteria and professional background.
- Proposed methodology and tools to conduct the research.
- Two examples of similar work or research reports completed.
- Contact details of two professional references.
- Financial Proposal (separate PDF file)
- A detailed breakdown of the proposed fee, including:
- Daily rate and number of days required.
- Any additional costs (e.g., travel, materials).
- Total lump sum.
(Kindly note that incomplete applications or those submitted post deadline will not be considered.)
10. Selection Process
All complete applications received by the deadline will be reviewed and evaluated using the criteria listed above.
- The evaluation will be based on both technical quality (qualifications, methodology, experience, etc.) and the financial proposal.
- Each application will be scored out of 100 marks.
- The consultant who obtains the highest total score (combined technical and financial) and meets WIN’s requirements will be selected for the assignment.
- WIN reserves the right to request clarifications or conduct brief interviews if necessary during the selection process.