Human Rights Defenders Consultant
Organizational Context
UN Women in Papua New Guinea (PNG) operates in a context of severe gender inequality, with high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and limited access to education for women and girls. The "Soim Wokabaut: Gender-Based Violence Referral Pathways Programme," funded by NDICI Global Europe, aims to reduce GBV by strengthening service delivery, referral pathways, and community engagement. This consultancy supports the development of a legal and policy framework for human rights defenders, enhancing institutional accountability and parliamentary oversight.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to advance the development of a comprehensive Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Protection Bill in Papua New Guinea. Building on previous initiatives, the consultant will lead the drafting process, informed by national laws, international standards, and stakeholder consultations. The purpose is to establish a legally sound framework that recognizes, protects, and supports human rights defenders, with a particular focus on women human rights defenders and other vulnerable groups. This initiative is crucial for strengthening institutional accountability, parliamentary oversight, and the overall protection of human rights, gender equality, and civic space within PNG, contributing to the achievement of SDGs 5, 10, and 16.
Responsibilities
The National Consultant will provide expert technical and legal assistance to develop and finalize a Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Protection Policy and Bill. Key responsibilities include conducting legal and policy analysis to identify gaps and areas for reform, assessing gender dimensions and specific protection needs of women HRDs, and analyzing risks faced by various HRDs. The consultant will lead stakeholder consultations with government institutions, parliament, civil society, and other relevant actors to ensure inclusive input. This involves drafting and refining the HRD Protection Bill and Policy/Strategy, ensuring alignment with national and international human rights obligations. The role also includes assessing institutional and parliamentary dimensions, recommending accountability mechanisms, and developing an implementation roadmap. The consultant will prepare various reports, including an inception report, baseline and gap analysis, draft bill, consultation reports, and a final consultancy report.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in legal support for social accountability mechanisms, gender equality, and women's empowerment, with a focus on ending violence against women and community mobilization. Experience in developing legal frameworks within PNG sectors is essential. Familiarity with PNG's legal landscape concerning GBV, SARV, and human rights is required. Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder forums and working with government agencies and the UN system is highly desirable. Courtroom advocacy experience is also desirable.
Skills
- Legal and legislative drafting - Human rights analysis - Gender equality and women's empowerment - Stakeholder engagement and consultation - Policy development and analysis - Project management and reporting - Communication and facilitation