1. Background

   The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka is seeking to engage a qualified Legal Consultant to develop an Op-ed highlighting the intersection between the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

2. Purpose of the Consultancy

   The Legal Consultant will be responsible for the development of an Op-ed exploring the intersection between the MMDA and SRHR. The Consultant will conduct a desk review, a series of expert interviews and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and synthesize the findings into an Oped as part of this assignment.

3. Scope of work

   The consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Conduct a desk review of relevant laws, policies, literature, and comparative practices;

• Identifying and documenting practical challenges within the current legal framework;

• Conducting expert interviews to identify gaps in the implementation of current laws and develop recommendations to address these shortcomings in the legal framework;

• Conducting a Focus Group Discussion to gather in-depth insights and develop evidence-based recommendations to support advocacy efforts towards reforming the MMDA;

• Drafting an Oped that synthesizes key findings and setting out clear, actionable recommendations to support efforts towards reforming the MMDA.

4. Deliverables

• Completing a series of expert interviews with relevant stakeholders;

• Conducting a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to gather in-depth insights and develop evidence-based recommendations to support advocacy efforts towards reforming the MMDA;

• Drafting an Oped synthesizing key findings and submitting it to FPA Sri Lanka for review;

• Incorporating suggestions from FPA Sri Lanka and submitting the final draft of the Oped to FPA Sri Lanka within the agreed timeline.

5. Required qualifications and experience

   Applicant must demonstrate:

• Proven experience conducting research relating to laws and policy frameworks;

• A strong background in law, research, gender and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Justice (SRHRJ);

• In-depth understanding of domestic legislation, particularly the MMDA;

• Proven ability to translate research findings into clear, concise policy briefs and recommendations;

• Being an Attorney-at-Law is an added advantage.

6. Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills

• Analytical, problem-solving, and coordination abilities

• Commitment to rights-based, inclusive, and non-discriminatory approaches

• Commitment to confidentiality and safeguarding principles

• Sensitivity to diversity, gender, and inclusion

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet deadlines

• Comfortable working in politically sensitive environments

7. Duration and Reporting

• The consultancy is for a fixed-term of twenty-five (25) days

• The assignment will commence immediately upon selection

• The Consultant will report to the Head of Advocacy – Legal and work closely with FPA Sri Lanka’s Advocacy Unit

• All work will be carried out in consultation with FPA Sri Lanka to ensure alignment with advocacy priorities and objectives

8. How to apply

   Interested candidates must submit:

• A brief cover letter

• Curriculum Vitae including contact details of two non-related referees

• Two writing samples or links to publications in the subject area

FPA Sri Lanka is committed to the safety and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults and this role may include contact with these groups. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our programs.

FPA Sri Lanka is an equal opportunity employer who will not discriminate on grounds as Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Religion, Marital Status, and Disability.

Mail us your application on or before 20th June 2026, citing two non-related referees. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Executive Director
FPA Sri Lanka
37/27, Bullers Lane, Colombo 07
Or Email to careers@fpasrilanka.org
Our Website www.fpasrilanka.org
FPA Sri Lanka is an equal opportunity employer