1. Background and Context
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is implementing the EU-SEE project, which aims to strengthen the enabling environment for civil society in Sri Lanka. This project seeks to assess and monitor factors that could affect the operating space for civil society organizations (CSOs), including legal, political, and social dynamics. To support this objective, TISL aims to establish an Early Warning Mechanism (EWM) and an Enabling Environment Snapshot (EES), in line with the principles outlined by the EU-SEE methodology.
To achieve this, TISL requires a consultant to develop the necessary tools, training, and systems for monitoring and responding to developments that may negatively impact the enabling environment for civil society in Sri Lanka.
2. Objective of the Consultancy
The consultant will support the EU-SEE project team in the development of the Early Warning Mechanism (EWM) and Enabling Environment Snapshot (EES), with specific focus on:
• Developing a data capture manual to support bi-weekly reporting of the enabling environment for civic space in the country.
• Training the project team on identifying, documenting, and reporting concerning developments within the prescribed EU-SEE principles.
• Creating a framework linking EWM and EES and ensuring the EES remains dynamic and event-driven.
• Conducting training on physical safety protocols to ensure the safety of the project team during data collection and reporting.
3. Scope of Work
A. Development of Data Capture Manual for EWM
The consultant will:
• Develop a data capture manual that outlines methods for systematically collecting data available in the public domain and from civil society, on the enabling environment for civic space in the country.
• Identify and compile a comprehensive list of data sources such as social media, government statements (reports etc.), local/national media, developmental CSOs, advocacy CSO, CSO active in research (information dissemination, education and training), Non-profit media groups, Association of socio-economically marginalized groups, Social service and health association, other fundraising bodies and organizations, professional and business organizations, community organizations, community level groups or associations, economic interest CSO, Ethnic traditional or indigenous associations or organizations, environmental CSOs, faith based organizations, cultural and arts as social recreational CSOs, CSO networks (federations, support organizations), social movements, social business (non-profit).
• Ensure the manual supports bi-weekly reporting to EU-SEE, with the data captured reflecting key developments affecting the enabling environment for civil society.
B. Training for TISL EU-SEE Project Team
The consultant will provide training sessions to the TISL EU-SEE project team, including the following components:
1. Identifying Concerning Impacts on Civil Society:
• Train staff on how to identify and assess events or trends that may adversely affect the enabling environment for civil society in Sri Lanka, according to the EU-SEE methodology.
• Focus will be on recognizing developments related to the five principles prescribed by EU-SEE:
1. Respect and protection of fundamental freedoms.
2. Supportive legal framework for civil society.
3. Accessible and sustainable resources.
4. State openness and responsiveness.
5. Political culture and public discourses on civil society.
6. Access to a secure digital environment.
2. Using the Data Capture Manual:
• Train staff on how to apply the data capture manual to document and report relevant events.
3. Physical Safety Protocols:
• Provide training on safety protocols, ensuring secure data collection and handling of sensitive information.
C. Linking EWM to EES
The consultant will:
• Develop a framework to link the EWM to the EES, ensuring that the EES reflects the latest developments and trends in the enabling environment, informed by the EWM reports.
• Ensure that the EES remains dynamic and event-driven, capturing key developments from the past four months.
4. Deliverables
The consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:
1. Data Capture Manual for the EWM, including detailed instructions and a list of data sources for monitoring the enabling environment for civil society.
2. Training sessions:
• Data capture manual for documentation and human rights violations documentation.
• Half a day training on physical security.
*Both the Human Rights Documentation training and the Physical Security training will be customized to align with the specific requirements of the EU-SEE project to ensure they are relevant and impactful for all participants.
3. Linkage Report detailing the methodology for linking the EWM to the EES, ensuring alignment with the EU-SEE methodology.
5. Duration and Timeframe
The period of consultancy will be three (3) weeks from the date of signing of the Contract, with the following key milestones:
• Deliverable 1 – Completion of Data Capture Manual: two (2) weeks
• Deliverable 2 – Delivery of Training Sessions and submission of the Linkage Report: one (1) week
6. Consultant’s Qualifications
The consultant should meet the following requirements:
• Proven expertise in civil society monitoring, human rights, governance, or related fields, preferably with experience in Sri Lanka or similar contexts.
• Strong skills and background in data collection, reporting methodologies, and event documentation.
• Familiarity with the EU-SEE methodology and principles is highly desirable.
• Experience in conducting training on data collection, safety protocols, and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in English, with exceptional written and oral communication skills.
7. Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report directly to the EU-SEE Project Manager at Transparency International Sri Lanka. The consultant will also collaborate with relevant staff and provide regular updates on progress.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their proposals to join this project, along with the following, to tisl@tisrilanka.org
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• A Proposal outlining the methodology, work plan, and timeline.
• Financial proposal detailing consultancy fees and any anticipated costs.
• Samples of previous work.
Application Deadline – 31st March 2025
For more information, please call: Nethmi on (+94) 0114369781