Freelance Research Consultant for Governance and Human Rights in Sri Lanka

Job-ID: F2 EU-Consultant 

Employment Type: Freelance contract 

Location: fully remote 

Start date: May or June 2026 

Contract Length: 6 Months 

Languages: English 
 

The Sri Lanka Advocacy Network is seeking a qualified
Freelance Research Consultant for Governance and Human Rights in Sri Lanka
(all genders)

The Sri Lanka Advocacy (SLA) is a network based in Germany promoting peace, human rights, democracy, transitional justice and reconciliation in Sri Lanka – with a special focus on the protection of civic space and political equality regardless of ethnic background, gender or religion. The SLA was founded in 2010 and aims to influence decision makers in Europe, and Germany specifically, to prioritize human rights, accountability and good governance in Sri Lanka. The network amplifies Sri Lankan voices in Europe and supports colleagues from Sri Lanka in their own efforts with international advocacy through networking and public relations. 

Skills we are seeking 

• Demonstrated expertise on human rights and governance issues in Sri Lanka
• Excellent research, writing and analytical skills
• Published work on Sri Lanka’s current government policies and planned reforms, covering topics including

transitional justice, repressive legislation, devolution of power, corruption, minority and women rights 

• Proven experience with EU institutions
• Ability to analyze Sri Lankan media in Sinhala and/or Tamil 

Offer

• Write three comprehensive Briefing Papers (in English), including background information, analysis of policy options and recommendations addressed to decision-makers in EU institutions on the following topics:
  • Land Rights and planned land returns in the North and East of Sri Lanka
  • Situation of the Malaiyaha Tamil Community, especially after Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025
  • Repressive legislation, with a focus on the Prevention of Terrorism Act and its planned reform
• The Briefing Papers may be adapted to be published under the Sri Lanka Advocacy’s name and used in the network’s advocacy work towards decision makers in EU, UN and German institutions 

Compensation is provided with a fixed fee of EUR 6,000 including VAT 

Please note: This is a freelance position under German law. Payment of tax and insurance in your respective country will be your responsibility. The contract partner will be a German NGO.