Germany: Long Term Consultant on Human Rights Monitoring

Background

Democracy Reporting International is implementing the EU-funded project Promoting Human and Labour Rights through GSP+ in the following countries: Armenia, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines and Sri Lanka.

The general objective of this EIDHR project is that civil society and social partners become effective advocates and drivers of change ensuring that EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) beneficiary countries meet their commitments to effectively implement core international conventions. The specific objectives are supporting and empowering civil society/social partners in monitoring the relevant conventions under the GSP+ process; and supporting the implementation and reforms necessary for scheme beneficiary countries to meet their commitments under the 15 human and labour rights conventions of GSP+.

Objective of the Assignment

In the framework of the GSP+, CSOs can play an important role in contributing to the official monitoring and reporting mechanism, providing accurate and reliable information and relevant recommendations covering issues and areas difficult to be reached by EU official monitoring. DRI’s programme, through its network of local partners, will contribute by producing data and alternative reports. These will be submitted to the European Commission and presented during relevant consultations in preparation for the reports on the status of implementation of the GSP+ related conventions, due on January 2020.

DRI is currently recruiting an expert to assist local partner organisations in monitoring and reporting on human and labour rights situation in their countries for the next 18 months. In particular, the expert will provide remote assistance on a regular basis: i) to develop country-specific monitoring plans; ii) to identify appropriate monitoring methodologies; iii) to provide advice during the monitoring phase and iv) the phase of drafting the reports. In addition to the remote assistance, ad hoc missions to some of the countries could be required according to the assessed needs.

Beneficiaries of the consultancy are organisations implementing the programme in the nine GSP+ countries. They are all working on human and labour rights related issues but in various contexts, using different approaches, and focusing on different issues (civil and political rights, right to information, labour rights).

Specific Tasks

The consultant, working under the guidance of DRI’s team in Berlin, will perform the following tasks:

· Develop a coaching plan, according to the results of the need assessment jointly conducted with DRI’s team;

· Provide guidance to local partner organisations in the drafting of effective country-specific human rights monitoring plans;

· Provide inputs to local partner organisations for the identification and development of appropriate monitoring methodologies and indicators;

· Provide regular and ad hoc assistance to local partner organisations during the monitoring phase and drafting of the relevant reports;

· If necessary, conduct missions to some of the countries for specific support during the monitoring phase and drafting of the relevant reports.

Deliverables:

· Coaching plan developed with specific milestones;

· Nine country-specific monitoring plans;

· Template for the human and labour rights reports is developed to facilitate local partners reporting;

· In case of missions to the countries, mission reports.

Location and duration of the assignment

· Timeframe: 18 months from the date of signature

· Home base: estimated 36 days

· Field work: estimated 15 days (possible mission to some of the beneficiary countries)

Qualifications

• Degree in law, political science, social sciences, and other related fields, with a focus on human rights and/or democracy;
• At least 5 years demonstrated working experience in international human rights monitoring, investigations and reporting;
• Experience in developing tools for human rights monitoring, investigations and reporting, as well as facilitating trainings on human rights, for CSOs across various countries;
• Previous experiences in some of the GSP+ beneficiary countries will be considered an asset;
• Strong awareness of the latest development and good practices on human rights monitoring and reporting methodologies;

· Sound knowledge of the fundamental UN and ILO conventions;

· Fluency in spoken English is required; fluency in Spanish, Portuguese and/or Russian will be considered an asset;

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

• Cultural and gender sensitivity;

· Flexibility in working hours and ability to travel.

Remuneration Package

Remuneration will depend on qualifications and experience, in accordance with DRI’s Procurement Policy. During the missions, DRI will cover all the travel costs for the expert, including flights, visa, and per diem paid according to the donor’s rates.

For interested applicants, please send your application (cover letter and CV) to global@democracy-reporting.org. Please include “Expert on HR monitoring” in the subject line.

The closing date for applications is midnight (CET) 15 June 2018. The role may be filled before the end of the deadline, so early applications are encouraged. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.