National Researcher

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda, which aimed to consolidate resources and mandates to enhance the impact of gender equality initiatives. UN Women merges and builds upon the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. The organization operates globally, with a mission to advance women's rights, promote gender equality, and empower all women and girls. UN Women is committed to ensuring that the rights of women and girls are at the center of global progress, advocating for systemic changes in laws, institutions, and social behaviors to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The National Researcher position is integral to the THRIVE project, which aims to economically and socially empower marginalized women in Sri Lanka. This five-year project, launched in December 2024 and concluding in November 2029, is a collaborative effort between UN Women and Chrysalis, funded by the Government of Australia. The project will operate across six districts and engage diverse groups, including women-led businesses and community leaders, to transform gender-based social norms and enhance women's voices in decision-making and leadership. The National Researcher will support the Lead Researcher in conducting a Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and situational analysis, ensuring that the project is adaptive and results-oriented. The role involves developing methodologies, data collection tools, and analyzing data to inform effective programming and adaptive management throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Researcher will undertake several key tasks under the supervision of the Head of Office and with the technical support of the Lead Researcher. Responsibilities include: 1) Supporting the development of the inception report for the GEDSI and Situational Analysis, including conducting a kick-off meeting with UN Women, drafting the report, and outlining measures to address identified risks. 2) Assisting in the development of data collection and analysis tools, ensuring they are based on an intersectional approach and designed to collect relevant data from various sources. 3) Supporting the data collection and analysis process, including summarizing secondary data, coordinating with respondents, and ensuring the quality of data collected. 4) Assisting in the synthesis and finalization of the GEDSI and Situational Analysis report, preparing presentations of initial findings, and incorporating feedback from UN Women into the draft report. The National Researcher will be accountable for the timely submission of deliverables and must adhere to ethical research practices throughout the process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant discipline such as international development, sociology, gender studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of progressively responsible experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree. The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in assessments, research, or reviews within a development context, particularly concerning gender equality and women's empowerment. Experience in data collection and analysis, including the use of statistical software for both qualitative and quantitative research, is essential. Proven experience in conducting research related to gender equality in Sri Lanka, particularly in the six project districts, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as international development, sociology, gender studies, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may also be considered. The educational qualifications should provide a solid foundation in gender equality, social inclusion, and research methodologies.

Experience:
The National Researcher should have at least two years of relevant experience in research, assessments, or reviews in a development context, with a focus on gender equality and women's empowerment. Experience in data collection and analysis, including familiarity with statistical software for quantitative and qualitative research, is required. Previous experience in conducting GEDSI and situational analyses, as well as engaging with UN agencies and government stakeholders, is preferred.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in at least one local language, either Sinhala or Tamil. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and engagement with diverse community groups and stakeholders in Sri Lanka.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to commence on September 1, 2025, and continue until mid-October 2025, with an estimated total of 30 working days. Payments will be based on the achievement of deliverables and will be processed upon approval by the Head of Office of UN Women Sri Lanka. The consultancy may involve travel, which will be managed according to UN Women’s duty travel policy. All data collected during the assignment will remain the property of UN Women, and confidentiality must be maintained throughout the research process. The position requires adherence to UN Women’s policies and procedures, including a commitment to diversity and inclusion.