Purpose of consultancy: 

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the leading UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA works in partnership with governments, civil society, and other key stakeholders to promote reproductive health, gender equality, and the rights and well-being of young people.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) plays a crucial role in shaping social policy, focusing on gender equality, reproductive health, and population dynamics. In the context of Sri Lanka, UNFPA's efforts include advocating for policies that support reproductive rights, providing data for informed decision-making, and offering technical assistance in health systems, particularly for maternal health. UNFPA emphasizes integrating population trends into national planning and actively promote gender equality and youth engagement. Additionally, in response to emergencies, UNFPA focuses on protecting the health and rights of vulnerable populations, especially women and girls. UNFPA’s work in Sri Lanka is instrumental in driving progress towards Sustainable Development Goals by collaborating with the government, NGOs, and other partners.

Under the guidance of the Assistant Representative, the SOCIAL POLICY OFFICER will contribute to shaping and advocating for evidence-based policies related to population change, reproductive health, and gender equality in the context of the evolving social, economic and political landscape of the country. 

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Political, social and economic scanning:

• Compile and analyze information on the political, social and economic environment relevant to the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action in Sri Lanka.
• Monitor and provide regular updates on political and policy environmental scanning.

Policy analysis and advocacy:

• Assess the implications of new policy developments and strategies on the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action.
• Analyze existing policies, strategy documents, and national development plans and prepare briefs for policy discussions with stakeholders.
• Develop position papers and support developing policy briefs aligned to UNFPA Country Office and country priorities.
• Support organizing policy dialogues and engagements events/sessions with parliamentarians.

Partnership: 

• Map existing social policy and research think tanks and advocacy networks focusing on population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health, and Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
• Support the team to establish working relations with social policy and research think tanks with the ability to provide external perspectives and capacity to support decision-making.