Job Description

CONSULTANT – Research Coordinator

1. Introduction and Background

The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA Sri Lanka) was instituted in 1953 as a non-governmental organization (NGO). We continued to initiate and explore innovative and challenging processes of promotion of family planning in Sri Lanka. The Association is proud to be one of the most expansive and well-known NGOs in the country that focuses on family planning, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and welfare. Our aspiration is to enhance components related to health and wellbeing of the people and at the same time mold the quality of people’s lives. (www.fpasilanka.org)

We are a member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), which is a leading service provider and advocate of SRH in 170 countries. At the same time FPA Sri Lanka plays a major role in the country in implementing SRH, HIV/AIDS and advocacy and other related programs funded by donors such as UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), EU, Global Fund, etc., with the partnership of Government of Sri Lanka and other local agencies.

The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL) is undertaking research titled “Awareness, Help-Seeking and Barriers to Medical Services for Breast and Cervical Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Female Factory Workers in the Whatupitiwala Export Processing Zone” under a Project funded by International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), London. The Research Coordinator will play a key role in this study.

Breast and cervical cancers are among the major reproductive health-related cancers affecting women in Sri Lanka. Although Well-Woman Clinic services are available through the public health system, access and utilisation among female factory workers may be influenced by awareness, beliefs, workplace constraints, service accessibility, personal circumstances, and other social and practical barriers. The study aims to generate evidence to inform more responsive Well-Woman services and related reproductive health interventions for female factory workers.

The study will use a self-administered structured questionnaire among a randomly selected sample of eligible female factory workers and key informant interviews with relevant health and non-health stakeholders. The Research Coordinator will support the field implementation of the study in line with the approved study protocol, ethics review application, data collection guidelines, and instructions issued by the research team.

2. The Consultancy

The purpose of this assignment is to engage a qualified Research Coordinator to coordinate and support the implementation of field activities for the above-mentioned study. The Research Coordinator will ensure that data collection is carried out in an organized, ethical, timely, and high-quality manner (as the Study Protocol and Data Collection Guidelines will be provided by IPPF Asia, London). The Research Coordinator will work in close coordination with FPA Sri Lanka’s project team and other relevant partners.

The position will be based in the Watupitiwala Export Processing Zone and will report directly to the Research team of FPA Sri Lanka.

3. Key Responsibilities

• Participant recruitment and survey administration: Coordinate with factory management and FPA Sri Lanka staff to recruit the approved sample of eligible female factory workers, in accordance with the approved recruitment procedures. Eligible participants include female factory workers aged 20 years and above who have worked in the Whatupitiwala Export Processing Zone for more than one year.
• Key Informant Interviews and Transcription: Take primary responsibility for conducting key informant interviews (KIIs) and ensuring the timely submission of accurate, high-quality transcripts in line with the study protocol.
• Project Coordination: Support the smooth implementation of the research study by managing the work plan and timeline. Monitor progress against key deliverables and ensure tasks are completed on schedule.
• Ethical Compliance: Ensure that all interview and research activities are conducted in accordance with approved ethical guidelines and safeguarding protocols, with special attention to confidentiality and the do-no-harm principle when engaging with vulnerable populations.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards in data collection and transcription by verifying informed consent processes, checking for data completeness and accuracy, and addressing any field-level issues or challenges promptly.
• Reporting and Documentation: Provide regular updates and progress reports to FPA Sri Lanka. Maintain clear documentation of activities, challenges, and decisions. Immediately flag any significant issues, risks, or delays to the project team.

4. Person Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, development studies or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in managing or coordinating research projects or public health/social intervention projects. Prior experience with field research data collection is an advantage; experience in studies related to Sexual and Reproductive Health is an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to develop work plans, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines. Experience in budgeting and resource management for projects.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods. Knowledge of conducting KII, FGDs, One to One Interviews. Understanding of gender, sexuality, and rights issues, especially as they pertain to sex workers and gender-based violence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Fluent in English and Sinhala, able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community members, NGO partners, and government officials.

5. Deliverables

• Work Plan: A detailed work plan at the start of the assignment, including a timeline of activities.
• Data Collection Completion: Complete data collection from the approved sample of female factory workers and conduct all planned key informant interviews. Submit accurate and complete English transcriptions of all KIIs.

Effort Estimation: 3 months full-time (60 working days).

Time Frame: The Research Coordinator is expected to be engaged from mid-June 2026 to mid-September 2026 (3-month period, full-time). Exact start and end dates will be finalized upon selection, and the schedule may be adjusted slightly based on project needs.

Remuneration: Negotiable (FPA Sri Lanka will cover transportation and other related expenses).

FPA Sri Lanka is committed to the safety and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults and this role may include contact with these groups. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our programs.

FPA Sri Lanka is an equal opportunity employer who will not discriminate on grounds such as Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Religion, Marital Status, and Disability.

Mail us your application on or before 5th June 2026, citing two non-related referees. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Executive Director
FPA Sri Lanka
37/27, Bullers Lane, Colombo 07

Or Email to careers@fpasilanka.org

Our Website: www.fpasilanka.org

FPA Sri Lanka is an equal opportunity employer

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