“Advocata was a great starting place for my career. I joined as its second employee, which meant I had a real hand in shaping how the think tank operated from the ground up. That kind of early responsibility taught me how to build something rather than just work within it, and it gave me a level of ownership that shaped how I’ve approached every role since.”
Join the team Shaping BETTER Policy
Where good ideas grow stronger
The best work starts with questions
Every project leaves us learning
Nurturing Ideas, Shaping Futures
How We Work
The Principles Behind Our Work
We seek independent thinkers, analytical minds and clear communicators who are curious about Sri Lanka’s economic challenges and ready to take responsibility for meaningful work.
Evidence-Based Policy
Recommendations begin with credible data, transparent methods and a clear understanding of trade-offs. We test ideas against evidence before taking them into public debate.
Clear Communication
Good policy matters only when people can understand it. We turn complex economic issues into clear research, useful arguments and accessible public conversations.
Sustainable Reforms
We look beyond quick fixes. Our work focuses on practical reforms that strengthen institutions, expand opportunity and remain effective over time.
Strict Independence
Our non-partisan independence guides every project. We protect it through objective analysis, transparent processes and the freedom to follow evidence wherever it leads.
Open positions
Find Your place at Advocata
Explore opportunities across research, communications, programs and operations. We welcome people who are curious, collaborative and ready to take ownership of work that can shape public debate and policy.
There are no open positions at the moment. Follow Advocata or check back soon for future opportunities.
CAREER BENEFITS
Benefits That Support Your Growth
How do I apply for a position at Advocata?
You can apply by submitting your CV to [email protected] or by clicking Apply on the relevant vacancy and submitting your CV and any other requested documents through the application link provided in the job advertisement. Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.
What departments and career opportunities are available at Advocata?
Advocata offers career opportunities across a range of functions that support our mission of advancing evidence-based public policy and economic reform. Our key departments include:
- Research & Policy – Conducting policy research, analysis, publications, and advocacy on key economic and governance issues.
- Data Science Unit – Using data analytics, visualisation, and quantitative research to support policy development and evidence-based decision-making.
- Programs & Fundraising – Managing programmes, events, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, donor relations, and fundraising initiatives.
- Communications & Production – Developing digital content, managing media relations, and producing publications, social media content, videos, podcasts, and other creative materials.
- Human Resources & Administration – Supporting recruitment, talent development, employee engagement, office administration, and organisational operations.
- Finance – Managing financial planning, budgeting, accounting, grant compliance, procurement, and financial reporting.
Can I apply for more than one position?
Yes. If you believe your skills and experience are relevant to multiple vacancies, you may submit a separate application for each position.
I don’t see a suitable vacancy. Can I still send my CV?
Yes. We welcome expressions of interest from talented individuals. You may submit your CV to [email protected] and we will keep your details on file and contact you if a suitable opportunity becomes available.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. International applicants may apply, provided they have a valid visa or appropriate work authorisation to work in Sri Lanka.
What is the recruitment process?
While the process may vary depending on the role, it generally includes:
- Application review
- Shortlisting
- One or more interviews
- An assessment or practical task, where applicable
- Reference checks
- Offer of employment
Life at Advocata
From Our Alumni
What It Means to Work at Advocata
Hear from our former team members about the responsibility, learning and purpose that shape their experience at Advocata.
“My experience at Advocata provided a strong foundation for my academic and research career, equipped me with skills and values that I continue to draw upon throughout my PhD. The research experience I gained at Advocata also contributed to my successful selection, through a competitive process, for a PhD scholarship funded by an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellowship.”
“What I valued most was the trust and freedom I was given to contribute ideas and take ownership of my work. The skills I developed at Advocata have continued to benefit me in my university studies, particularly in the way I approach research, communicate ideas, and work on academic projects.”
“Starting as a Research Intern and progressing to a Research Associate, I gained exposure to economic policy, research, stakeholder engagement and project coordination. Working on areas such as women’s economic empowerment, digital inclusion and labour rights strengthened my ability to research complex issues, think critically and communicate ideas effectively.”
“As part of the Communications team, my time at Advocata was nothing short of a transformative learning experience. It gave me the opportunity to understand the intricacies of the think tank and policy landscape while gaining hands-on experience across media and communications.”
“Advocata gave me space to use what I knew and encouraged me to experiment and learn as well.I learned that communications can be about much more than creating content; it can help make important ideas accessible and contribute to conversations that matter.”
