National Consultant

Result of Service

The consultants with conduct extensive field trips to targeted counties (Lofa and Montserrado) to engage organize and facilitate consultations specifically targeting youth-led CSOs and networks, gather and incorporate feedback/inputs into the existing draft HRDP Policy. The consultant will develop a comprehensive report outlining the findings from the legislative mapping, gap analysis and consultations; and formulate an advocacy strategy for the adoption and operationalization of the HRDPP by the Cabinet as follows: 1. Inception report with a proposed work plan and methodology. 2. Report with detailed analysis of existing legislation and identification in the existing draft, gaps related to the protection of human rights defenders particularly in the structure-purpose and scope including definitions, policy context, rights and responsibilities, mechanism and funds annexes listing international standards and legislations, etc. 3. Summarized reports from the consultations with youth-led CSOs and networks, including key findings and recommendations. 4. A comprehensive report consolidating the legislative mapping, gap analysis, and consultation findings and recommendations for strengthening the draft HRDPP and debriefing session. 5. An updated draft Policy for the protection of human rights defenders in Liberia in line with international human rights standards and tailored to the local context with feedback incorporated into the draft policy to addresses the needs of all HRDs, with particular attention to marginalized groups. 6. A detailed advocacy strategy for the adoption and operationalization of the HRDPP.

Work Location

Monrovia, Liberia

Expected duration

3-6 months from 10 October 2024 to 6 April 2025

Duties and Responsibilities

1. The National Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Country Representative of OHCHR and with direct guidance from the designated program lead to perform the assigned tasks as well as work closely with the Ministry of Justice, the Independent National Commission for Human Rights (INCHR), and relevant CSOs including women and youth groups. 2. The consultant will review and analyze the current draft policy to identify gaps including structure-purpose and scope including definitions, policy context, rights and responsibilities, mechanism and funds annexes listing international standards and legislations, etc. 3. The consultant will identify and document gaps, particularly in the areas concerning women, youth, LGBTIQ+, and persons with disabilities HRDs and ensure that the identified gaps are filled and addressed, making the policy more comprehensive and inclusive. 4. The consultant will also have to facilitate a workshop involving various stakeholders to validate the revised draft policy with input from diverse groups to ensure broad consensus and acceptance, issue a comprehensive report and formulate an advocacy strategy for adoption and operationalization of the policy.

Qualifications/special skills

1. At least 10 years of professional experience in working on legal , human rights issues including with human rights organizations and other CSOs. 2. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the Liberia’s social system. 3. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet-based research. 4. Excellent report writing skills; good oral and written communication skills; ability to work closely with public, non-governmental, international and civil society organizations. 5. Strong organizational (interpersonal) and communication skills, make decisions on time; capacity to analyze data for decision making; and the ability to gain others’ support for ideas, proposals and solutions and get others to take action to advance work objectives; maintain high ethical/ professional standards and integrity.

Languages

Standard Text: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

1. Inception report: A detailed report that outlines the methodology, approach, and work plan. It should include timelines, key milestones, a stakeholder engagement plan and draft questionnaire to conduct the required assessment. (20%) 2. A detailed report: A comprehensive document that maps all relevant Human Rights laws, regulations, and policies in Liberia to provide a thorough understanding of the existing legal/policy. governing the Human Rights Defenders. Further the report should contain a Gap Analysis that identifies gaps between the current HRDPP in existing laws and compliance with international law. (40%) 3. Presentation of findings at a workshop for key stakeholders (government officials, NGOs, CSOs, etc) that outlines the findings and recommendations and a final detailed report that incorporates observations from workshops that includes all findings, analyses, and recommendations.(40%)

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.