Research and Evidence Synthesis Support for UNICEF Sri Lanka Programme Planning

Organizational Context

UNICEF is mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for children's rights, meet their basic needs, and expand their opportunities. It works to establish children's rights as enduring principles and international standards. UNICEF prioritizes the most disadvantaged children, responding to emergencies and ensuring cooperation is free of discrimination. The organization aims to promote equal rights for women and girls and support their participation in development, aligning with global sustainable development goals and the UN Charter.

Job Purpose

This assignment supports UNICEF Sri Lanka's evidence synthesis for the new Country Programme 2028-2032. The role involves analyzing existing and emerging evidence, data, and programme learning to identify key deprivations, equity gaps, risks, and bottlenecks affecting children in Sri Lanka. The findings will directly inform strategic prioritization, theory of change development, and results formulation for the upcoming country programme. The purpose is to clearly present child rights violations, vulnerable populations, duty bearers, and hindering factors, including data gaps, in an accessible and visually engaging format, providing a comprehensive foundation for programme planning.

Responsibilities

The Online Volunteer will conduct desk research and synthesize existing evidence, analyses, and documentation from programme sections, government, and partners. Key responsibilities include reviewing and validating evidence from approximately 15-25 key reports and data sources. The volunteer will organize, consolidate, and synthesize this evidence into a clear narrative with headings, tables, and visuals, covering country context, trends affecting children, bottlenecks, and data gaps. Collaboration with UNICEF Sri Lanka programme teams is essential for reviewing findings, ensuring consistency, and incorporating feedback. The role also involves supporting the refinement and revision of a concise, visually engaging evidence synthesis document (5-10 pages) and participating in virtual meetings as needed.

Work Experience

Experience in conducting desk research, literature reviews, or policy analysis is required. The ability to synthesize information and present findings clearly and structurally is essential. Knowledge of the Sri Lanka or Asia context is desirable. Strong written communication skills in English and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting are also necessary.

Skills

Strong research and analytical skills, excellent writing ability, ability to synthesize information and present findings clearly and structurally, knowledge of Sri Lanka or Asia context (desirable), very strong written communication skills in English, ability to work independently, and effective collaboration in a remote setting.

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