Research and Evidence Synthesis Support for UNICEF Sri Lanka Programme Planning

Volunteering

Overview

Support UNICEF Sri Lanka in drafting and consolidating evidence synthesis.

You have:

• An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in social policy, economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Experience in conducting desk research, literature reviews, or policy analysis is required.
• Ability to synthesize information and present findings in a clear and structured manner.
• Knowledge of Sri Lanka or Asia context is desirable.
• Very strong written communication skills in English are required.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a remote setting.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

This assignment is part of UNICEF Sri Lanka’s efforts in conducting an evidence synthesis, which is an important first step to the new Country Programme 2028 – 2032.

The Evidence Synthesis involves reflecting on existing and emerging evidence, data, analyses, and programme learning to identify the key deprivations, equity gaps, risks, and bottlenecks affecting children in Sri Lanka. The findings will inform subsequent stages of country programme planning, particularly strategic prioritization, theory of change development, and results formulation.

The purpose of the evidence synthesis is to present deprivations and child rights violations mirrored by development and humanitarian challenges; to identify vulnerable and marginalized rights holders who are exposed to abuses, as well as the duty bearers mandated to address these challenges; and to pinpoint the risks and bottlenecks that hinder the fulfillment of children’s rights, including critical data gaps.

The synthesis will also support UNICEF Sri Lanka in presenting equity and bottleneck analyses in a clear, accessible, and visually engaging format. By bringing together indicators, data, evidence, equity analysis, and bottleneck analysis in one document, the Online Volunteer's support with the evidence synthesis will provide a succinct and comprehensive foundation for programme planning and prioritization.

We are looking for an Online Volunteer with strong research and analytical skills and excellent writing ability to support the drafting and consolidation of the evidence synthesis exercise in Sri Lanka.

The Online Volunteer will undertake a desk review and synthesis of existing evidence, analyses, and documentation produced by programme sections, government counterparts, partners, and other relevant sources. Working closely with UNICEF Sri Lanka’s programme teams, the Online Volunteer will support quality assurance and evidence validation by assisting with the review, organization, consolidation, and synthesis of available evidence into a concise, accessible, and visually engaging evidence synthesis document to inform planning and prioritization processes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Support UNICEF programme teams in reviewing and validating evidence drawn from approximately 15–25 key reports, assessments, administrative data sources, survey findings, and other documentation already identified and provided by UNICEF and partners. • Organize, consolidate, and synthesize key evidence from the review with clear headings, summary tables and visuals. Draft inputs into a clear and coherent narrative covering the country context, key trends affecting children, bottlenecks, data gaps, and emerging issues. • Work closely with UNICEF Sri Lanka programme teams to review key findings, ensure consistency and accuracy across thematic areas, and incorporate feedback. • Support the refinement, structuring, and revision of a concise, visually engaging evidence synthesis document of approximately 5–10 pages. A draft report structure, templates, and core evidence inputs will be provided by UNICEF. • Participate in virtual meetings with UNICEF Sri Lanka programme teams, as required.

Learning Opportunity: The Online Volunteer will work closely with the Programme Teams at UNICEF Sri Lanka and gain exposure to how research and evidence directly informs programe design.

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social policy, economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field is highly desirable. A university degree in a relevant field with demonstrated research experience may also be considered
• Experience in conducting desk research, literature reviews, or policy analysis is required
• Ability to synthesize information and present findings in a clear and structured manner
• Knowledge of Sri Lanka or Asia context is desirable
• Very strong written communication skills in English are required.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a remote setting

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 2 months ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: unv.org