Research Coordinator | Consultant – In House (Research Advisor)

The Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya (Sarvodaya Movement), Sri Lanka’s largest people-centered development organization, through the Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning (SIHL) and its ongoing development initiatives, invites applications from dynamic, committed, and qualified professionals to join its team. We are currently seeking individuals with strong academic, research, and programme implementation expertise to contribute to advancing inclusive development, digital empowerment, and knowledge generation at both national and regional levels.

The Civil Society Alliance for Digital Empowerment (CADE) project is a nine-partner consortium-led project led by the Diplo Foundation (Malta) and co-funded by the European Union since December 2023 to advance the effective and meaningful participation of CSOs and marginalized communities in internet governance. The Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya (LJSSS / Sarvodaya Movement) is a member of the nine-partner consortium, specially focusing on the CADE activities implemented in South Asia. The CADE activities assigned to Sarvodaya Movement are carried out by the Sarvodaya-Fusion unit in collaboration with the other respective units of Sarvodaya, including the Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning.

Research coordinator – Sarvodaya institute of higher learning

Qualifications and experience

1. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in sociology or any other related field.
2. Proven expertise in fields related to education, social protection & religion, digital governance, digital literacy, and human rights.
3. At least 3-5 years research and fieldwork experience & relevant academic and professional publications.
4. Proven track record designing and coordinating research projects/ programs supported by international organizations such as the European Union (EU).
5. Excellent data collection, analytical, and report development skills.
6. Deep understanding of Sri Lanka’s social, political, religious, and cultural context.
7. Energetic, creative, and innovative professional approach.
8. Excellent communication and writing skills in English and proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil.

Tasks and responsibilities

1. Contribute intellectual expertise to the conceptualization and development of research ideas and projects.
2. Contribute to the preparation, writing, and dissemination of research reports and publications.
3. Oversee research and project activities, including design, planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring.
4. Lead resource mobilization efforts by developing project proposals, work plans, budgets, and financial frameworks.
5. Supervise and coordinate internal and external research teams and consultants.
6. Conduct field research and stakeholder engagement among diverse communities and population groups across Sri Lanka.
7. Develop case studies and support the organization and coordination of regional research initiatives and conferences in South Asia.
8. Coordinate data collection processes, stakeholder engagement, and the preparation of research reports related to regional case studies.
9. Coordinate logistical arrangements, calls for abstracts, and the review and selection process for abstracts for regional research conferences in South Asia.
10. Represent Sarvodaya (LJSSS) at international and regional research conferences, forums, and related events.
11. Foster collaborations and maintain relationships with academic institutions, development partners, and other key stakeholders to strengthen research and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Consultant (in-house) – research advisor – CADE project

Qualifications and experience

1. A minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field.
2. Proven expertise in fields related to digital governance, digital literacy, and human rights.
3. Strong research skills on core subject areas relevant to the project.
4. Proven track record designing and leading research projects/ programs supported by international organizations such as the European Union (EU).
5. Excellent communication skills.

Tasks and responsibilities

1. To support the consultant – programme advisor in the implementation of the CADE programme activities.
2. Lead the implementation of the CADE project activities assigned to the Sarvodaya Movement.
3. To carry out the CADE South Asia case studies, and the South Asia research symposium.

When applying

To complete the application process, kindly submit your resume & cover letter. Additionally, include two non-related referees who can endorse your suitability for this role. Please note that references will be checked, and applications lacking the aforementioned documents will be automatically disqualified.

The deadline for applications is Friday 3rd July 2026; interviews will be organized on a rolling basis as we receive applications. Applications should be emailed to [email protected]. Subject line: Mention the specific role applied. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.