Job Description
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.
Abortion has remained a contentious women’s rights and health issue in Sri Lanka, which has impacted the lives of thousands of women, families and children due to multiple factors. Given the strict and conventional approach to legalizing abortions, many women opt for unsafe abortions, which seriously impact their health.
It is important therefore to understand the status of government policy on abortion, the impact of these policies on women, families and society, how Sri Lanka is placed in the context of international conventions ensuring women’s right to sexual and reproductive health in order to advocate for necessary policy legalistic changes.
2. Objectives of the Study:
The objectives of this research are as follows:
- To analyze the legal (legislation and case law) and policy framework governing abortion in Sri Lanka.
- A comparative analysis of laws and policy developments in the South Asian region.
- To review Sri Lanka’s laws, government policies, and public health guidelines related to abortion.
- To examine the societal attitudes, religious and cultural influences on abortion laws and practices in Sri Lanka.
- To evaluate the implications and impact of current laws on women’s health, rights, and access to safe abortion.
- To identify gaps and opportunities for law and policy reform based on international human rights norms and best practices.
- Develop Advocacy Material.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant/researcher will:
- Review existing laws, regulations, and legal interpretations related to abortion in Sri Lanka.
- Analyze secondary sources such as academic literature, media reports, NGO publications, and health statistics.
- Examine societal attitudes, religious and cultural influences on abortion laws and practices in Sri Lanka.
- Examine the role of key stakeholders, including government institutions, religious groups, civil society, and healthcare providers.
- Map out past and ongoing advocacy efforts, campaigns, and public debates on abortion rights.
- Compare Sri Lanka’s abortion laws with international and regional human rights obligations.
- Provide recommendations for policy and legal reform and the allocation of resources for services.
- Develop advocacy material to be agreed on.
4. Expected Deliverables
- Data collection tools: Finalized research tools - Week 2
- Literature Review: Desk review of relevant materials - Week 3 - 6
- Data collection: Using the finalized research tools - Week 6 - 9
- Draft report: Initial analysis and findings and presentation - Week 10
- Final report: Final Report - Week 10
- Policy brief and Material for Advocacy: White Paper on Abortions | Advocacy Material - Week 12
6. Duration and Timeline
The consultancy will be for 3 months commencing 9th June 2025.
7. Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in Gender Studies, Sociology, Public Health, Law, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience conducting qualitative research on gender, reproductive rights, or social justice.
- Proven experience writing high-quality research reports or publications.
- Strong understanding of ethical research practices, especially when working with vulnerable populations.
- Experience working with NGOs or human rights organizations is an asset.
- Excellent communication skills in English. Proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is preferred.
8. Evaluation and Selection Criteria
- Relevant qualifications and academic background - 20%
- Proven research experience (preferably Gender related) - 30%
- Proposed methodology and understanding of assignment - 30%
- Timeline and availability - 20%
9. Application Process
Interested consultants are required to submit the following two documents:
- Technical Proposal
- Updated CV with relevant academic and professional background.
- Proposed methodology and tools to conduct the research.
- Timeline and detailed work plan (including estimated number of working days).
- Brief ethical considerations and sensitivity in dealing with women affected by GBV.
- Two examples of similar work or research reports completed.
- Contact details of two professional references.
- Financial Proposal
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.
Incomplete applications or those submitted in a single document will not be considered.
Please send your application to [email protected] by 23rd of May 2025 with the subject: "Application: Research Consultant – Abortion and GBV Study".
10. Selection Process
All complete applications received before 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.
