1. Background

Since 1953, the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL) has championed sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). As the national context evolves, FPASL is intensifying its advocacy for progressive legal and policy reform in key areas such as LGBTIQ+ rights, sex work, harm reduction, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in humanitarian settings.

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic leader to serve as Head of Advocacy, guiding our efforts to influence policy, legal reform, and social justice outcomes.

2. Purpose of the Role

The Head of Advocacy will drive FPASL’s advocacy and legal reform agenda, particularly in advancing progressive legislation and policies related to sexual and reproductive rights, gender justice, and protection of marginalised communities. The incumbent will provide strategic evidence based and policy related advice, coordinate national advocacy initiatives, and represent FPASL in legal and policy forums locally and internationally. The advocacy strategy will focus its strategic directions on shifting societal norms and engaging with youth.

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1 Strategic Leadership

Develop and lead FPASL’s advocacy strategy through strategic communication, activity-based advocacy through societal participation and the design and roll out of SBCC campaigns, focused on key reforms of the country’s legal framework and policies including:

• Advocating decriminalisation protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (or "questioning") (LGBTIQ+) and sex workers rights.

• Promotion of harm reduction strategies for people who use drugs.

• Prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence.

• Protection and fulfillment of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in humanitarian contexts.

• Analyse existing laws, policies, National action plans (NAPs) and regulations and identify opportunities for reform and advocacy.

• Analyse the United Nations (UN) Declarations Sri Lanka has signed and ratified in line with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and create a strategic pathway to lobby public sector institutions for more cohesion in policy reforms.

• Design, structure and roll out social behaviour change Community (SBCC) campaigns and other advocacy related workshops and activities cross sectionally to ensure inclusivity and knowledge dissemination

3.2 Policy Advocacy and Legal Reform

• Draft policy briefs, position papers, and strategic communication material (for social media platforms and other outreach routes).

• Engage and build partnerships with policymakers, government agencies, civil society, and international organisations to influence legislative and policy change.

• Engage on international platforms and create visibility for the advocacy initiative of the FPA and present at international forums.

• Advocate for the domestication and implementation of international human rights standards relevant to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

3.3 Strategic Litigation

• Identify and support strategic litigation opportunities that promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR.)

• Liaise with legal partners, law firms, and public interest law organisations to advance strategic cases.

• Create the strong conversation loop between communities and legal aid organizations to ensure citizens are aware of their rights.

3.4 Capacity Building and Technical Assistance

• Provide advice regarding policy reforms and legal parameters FPASL’s management and program teams.

• Build the capacity of FPASL staff, volunteers, and partners on legal frameworks relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (or "questioning") (LGBTQ+) rights, and humanitarian law with the aim of ensuring FPASL initiatives and knowledge sharing drives the FPASL agenda while remaining within the legal framework of the country.

• Support the development of advocacy and legal literacy materials tailored for diverse audiences.

3.5 Representation and Alliance Building

• Represent FPASL at national, regional, and international advocacy spaces, legal forums, and United Nations (UN) processes as appropriate.

• Strengthen networks and coalitions working on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), human rights, and humanitarian advocacy.

3.6 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Undertake and supervise Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities as part of shared responsibilities, in alignment with FPA Sri Lanka Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy, Standard Operational Procedure Manual and International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) accreditation requirements. This includes promotion of results-based culture, use of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) data / information for evidence-based decision making, management response and management actions.

• Establish advocacy indicators and monitor the impact of FPASL’s advocacy initiatives on policy and legal reform.

• Conduct Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) analyses to monitor impact of advocacy initiatives.

• Prepare and submit regular progress reports to the Executive Director and relevant donors or partners.

• Impact analysis and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) “wellness wheel” on all advocacy initiatives

4. Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B.); Master’s Degree in Human Rights, International Relations, Public International Law, Gender Studies, or related fields is an advantage.

• Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience in human rights law, public policy advocacy, strategic litigation, advocacy of women’s and children’s rights or social behaviour/social justice campaigns.

• Proven experience advocating for legal and policy reform in areas such as SRHR, sex workers' rights, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), protection of women’s, girls and children’s rights and harm reduction.

• Knowledge of international and regional human rights instruments and mechanisms.

• Experience working with civil society coalitions, government institutions, and international organisations.

• Excellent skills in legal research, drafting, policy analysis, and strategic communication.

• Fluency in English and Sinhala or Tamil; trilingual proficiency is highly desirable.

5. Competencies

• Strategic thinking, political analysis, and legal acumen.

• Commitment to social justice, inclusion, and human rights.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work independently, under pressure, and as part of multidisciplinary teams.

• Create and deliver engaging content across multiple audiences

• Ability to build capacity across a wide cross section of society

• High ethical standards and confidentiality.

• Sensitivity and respect for diverse cultural, sexual, and gender identities.

6. Remuneration

An attractive and competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered.

7. Other Details

• Location: Colombo 07, Sri Lanka (with occasional national and overseas travel)

• Reports to: Executive Director

• Starting Date: 01st September 2025

• Contract Type: Fixed term (Renewable)

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.

Please send us your application on or before 18th of July 2025, citing names and contact information for two professional and a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the qualifications and key responsibilities, to the Executive Director at careers@fpasrilanka. 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