Job Title: Research Analyst
Team: Verité Media 
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Mode: Hybrid

About Verite Research

Verité Research is a private, interdisciplinary think tank based in Colombo, conducting leading-edge research in economics, politics, law, governance and ant-corruption and media. Our research teams cross-fertilize and improve each other’s insights, providing a powerful lens into Sri Lanka’s complex politico-economic environment. Verite seeks to enhance critical discourse and influence decision-makers and the public through relevant, credible information, analysis, and solutions.

Why Verite Research

At the heart of our work is a dual commitment: to pursue knowledge that advances truth, advances justice, and advances the common good, and to strive to have that knowledge translate into real-world outcomes. We are organised across three main divisions: Economics; Law and Governance; and Media and Politics.

We consistently aim to bring about real change through transformative research and are guided by our core values: professionalism, ethics, curiosity, supportiveness, and humility. By joining our research team, you will be pushed intellectually and have the opportunity to enhance your skills in critical thinking, analysis, writing, and communication. You will be an integral part of an interdisciplinary work environment and have a real, on the ground influence on public policy through rigorous research.

Curious about life at Verité? Click here to hear directly from the people behind our work and explore how research at Verité drives real-world impact.

Click here to learn more about our work in this short video.

Job Description

We are seeking a Research Analyst who can take end-to-end ownership of research products and platforms with minimal supervision. The role requires strong analytical leadership, methodological rigour, and the ability to translate complex socio-political dynamics in Sri Lanka into high-quality, actionable insights.

In this role, you will be expected to:

• Lead the development of high-quality analytical briefs and reports through a Sri Lankan media lens on socio-political and economic issues.
• Take ownership of research products and platforms, ensuring consistency, quality, and strategic relevance.
• Design, refine, and oversee research methodologies for new and ongoing initiatives, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Drive end-to-end research execution, from conceptualisation and data collection to analysis and publication.
• Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and quality assurance to research teams and junior analysts.
• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, outputs, and stakeholder expectations are met.
• Identify emerging trends in media and socio-political discourse and proactively propose new research areas.
• Lead the development of concept notes, proposals, and partnerships to secure new research opportunities and funding.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and subject-matter experts, to strengthen research outputs and impact.

What we Require:

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, or related fields.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in research, communications, journalism, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects and managing teams.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality analytical outputs and publications.
• Experience working on socio-political or media-related research in Sri Lanka is strongly preferred.

Skills:

• Exceptional analytical and writing skills in English, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and insight-driven outputs.
• Strong ability to read, analyse, and synthesise content in Sinhala and/or Tamil.
• Advanced research design and methodological skills across qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Strong project management and organisational capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgement with minimal supervision.
• Deep understanding of Sri Lankan media dynamics and the socio-political landscape.

Language Proficiency

• Full professional proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English is required.
• Professional working proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Sinhala and/or Tamil.

Interested in Making an Impact?

Verité seeks to build a team that reflects a broad range of experiences, identities and viewpoints. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

To apply, please email your CV, cover letter and writing sample to work@veriteresearch.org with the subject line “[Position Title] Application”. Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline. We are always keen to hear from individuals who are motivated by rigorous research, public policy, and the opportunity to make a real-world impact.