About us:
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is a National Chapter of Transparency International (TI), the leading global movement against corruption. TISL raises awareness of the damaging effects of corruption and works with partners in government, business and civil society to develop and implement effective measures to tackle it. TI has an international secretariat in Berlin, Germany, and more than 100 Chapters worldwide.
1. Background:
Despite ongoing efforts to increase women’s political participation in Sri Lanka, women remain significantly underrepresented in elected office at both national and local levels. One of the key structural barriers contributing to this disparity is inequitable access to campaign finance. This challenge is further exacerbated for women candidates from minority communities, who often face intersecting forms of discrimination and systemic disadvantage.
In response to this significant gap, TISL is seeking to engage a consultant to undertake a comprehensive study aimed at examining and analyzing the challenges encountered by women candidates—particularly in securing financial support for their election campaigns— with a specific lens on ethnic, religious, and linguistic minority communities in Sri Lanka.
2. Objectives of the Research:
- Identify the key financial and structural challenges women candidates face during election campaigns, particularly those from minority communities.
- Examine the socio-political and cultural factors that influence access to campaign finance for these women.
- Assess the effectiveness of existing policy frameworks and support mechanisms.
- Provide recommendations for reforms, interventions, and partnerships to promote equitable access to campaign finance.
3. Scope of Work:
The research should include but not be limited to:
- A literature review on gender, campaign finance, and political participation in Sri Lanka.
- Key informant interviews with past and current women candidates, and members of the Election Commission.
- Focus group discussions with CSOs, political analysts, and women’s rights organizations.
- Case studies on women candidates from minority backgrounds in recent elections (national and/or local).
- Policy analysis and comparative regional insights, if applicable.
Deliverable: A comprehensive research report in English language.
4. Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Sound knowledge on laws relevant to elections in Sri Lanka, especially the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act No. 3 of 2023 and international best practices/standards.
- Proven ability to carry out both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
- Experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, surveys, and data interpretation.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Excellent command of the English language, with strong academic and report-writing skills.
- Proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil for engaging with stakeholders will be an added advantage.
- Ability to effectively summarize, compile and present research findings.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet tight deadlines.
- Proven success in delivering similar consultancies.
5. Timeline:
The consultancy must be completed within 3 months of contract signing.
6. Reporting and Supervision:
The consultant will report directly to the Project Manager at Transparency International Sri Lanka. The consultant will also collaborate with relevant staff and provide regular updates on progress.
7. Submission Instructions:
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their proposals to join this project, along with the following, to tisl@tisrilanka.org ;
- A detailed proposal outlining the methodology, work plan, and timeline.
- An updated CV.
- Financial proposal detailing consultancy fees and any anticipated costs.
- Samples of previous work.
Application Deadline – 24th April 2025
For more information, please call: Shaveendra Senarath on 0114369781