Independent Consultant
Organizational Context
The UN Secretariat, specifically the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), is seeking an Independent Consultant based in Addis Ababa. This role will contribute to the assessment and reform of a regional network focused on women's human rights in East Africa, operating under the OHCHR East and Southern Africa Regional Hub.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of a regional women's human rights network (EAWHRDN). The consultant will analyze its achievements, governance, membership, and operational effectiveness, alongside mapping relevant regional actors and identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships. The ultimate goal is to develop practical recommendations to enhance the network's effectiveness, sustainability, and impact in advancing women's human rights and protection in the region, ensuring improved constituency engagement, governance, and resource mobilization.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct an in-depth review of the network's foundational documents, strategic plans, and operational records. This includes evaluating achievements against objectives, assessing governance structures, leadership, and decision-making processes, and reviewing membership models and Steering Committee functionality. The role involves assessing Secretariat performance, operational systems, communication strategies, and member engagement. Additionally, the consultant will examine fundraising efforts, partnerships, and sustainability initiatives, identifying barriers to participation and accountability. A key responsibility is to evaluate the network's contribution to women's human rights and the protection of WHRDs. This will involve extensive stakeholder consultations and a regional mapping exercise to identify overlaps, complementarities, and potential partnerships with other networks and organizations. Finally, the consultant will develop actionable recommendations for network reform, focusing on membership, governance, engagement, strategic positioning, sustainability, and inclusion.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience is required, including demonstrated experience in organizational assessments, institutional reviews, or evaluations of civil society networks. Expertise in women's rights, feminist movements, gender equality, and human rights is crucial. Experience with human rights defenders in Africa is highly desirable, as is experience in facilitating governance reform and strategic planning.
Skills
Excellent analytical and research skills; Strong facilitation and consultation skills; Excellent report-writing abilities; Ability to produce practical and actionable recommendations; Strong interpersonal and communication skills; Demonstrated understanding of regional human rights systems and civil society networks.