Job Description
Expected start date:
As soon as possible, subject to availability of the selected candidate
Duration:
Short-term consultancy contract, with possibility of extension
Duty station:
Based in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Background
SLYCAN Trust is an internationally recognised non-profit think tank dedicated to addressing climate change, sustainable development, ethical entrepreneurship, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation and social justice. With a strong focus on gender and youth empowerment, our work integrates policy analysis, evidence-based research, and on-the-ground implementation. For more information, please visit our homepage or the Adaptation & Resilience Knowledge Hub.
Overview
The Research Associate will contribute to SLYCAN Trust’s ongoing research programmes, particularly in the areas of climate-resilient food systems, climate disaster risk reduction, and climate risk transfer finance. The role involves supporting day-to-day project implementation, event management, and reporting.
The Research Associate will ensure timely and high-quality delivery of project outputs, in line with allocated budgets and programme goals.
Key tasks
- Contribute to, and where appropriate, lead activities related to project planning, coordination, and research within SLYCAN Trust’s work programme.
- Support the implementation of project activities, including conducting technical research and ensuring the delivery of final outputs.
- Assist in the development, editing, review, and finalisation of knowledge products.
- Support legal and policy analysis on topics such as climate change, the UNFCCC process, biodiversity, agriculture, stakeholder engagement, gender, and sustainable development at national and international levels.
- Represent SLYCAN Trust at events, forums, and outreach activities to promote the organisation’s work and outputs with prior approval.
- Coordinate and assist in the organisation of stakeholder consultations, webinars, and other project-related events.
- Prepare written documentation on the planning, implementation, and progress of assigned activities.
- Provide support for other related tasks as required and directed by the management.
Timeframe
This is a short term consultancy contract position, expected to commence at the earliest opportunity. Contract extensions may be considered based on mutual agreement and satisfactory performance of services.
Duty station and travel requirements
The position is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with potential travel within the country and internationally for field work, meetings, and participation in relevant conferences or events.
Qualifications and requirements
- A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as climate change, social sciences, environmental sciences, disaster risk reduction, food systems, or natural sciences. A Bachelor’s degree combined with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
- A minimum of two years’ demonstrable experience in research, project management, knowledge management, or coordination in areas related to climate change, sustainable development, or related fields.
- Proven ability to conduct high-quality research, with strong analytical and synthesis skills, including data interpretation and policy analysis.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of English. Proficiency in Sinhala or Tamil (spoken and written) is required.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and work both independently and as part of a team.
- Familiarity with international climate processes, such as the UNFCCC, and national policy frameworks on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development is an asset.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for project-related activities, as required.
Application process
Interested candidates are invited to submit a brief expression of interest outlining their interest and relevant experience, along with a CV that includes the contact details of two unrelated referees, to [email protected].
