Background

The Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) for Human Rights Capacity Development in Saudi Arabia commenced in 2014, based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Saudi Arabia through the Saudi Human Rights Commission. The Programme is supported by a team based in Riyadh under the auspices of the OHCHR Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, based in Beirut, Lebanon.

The main objective of the OHCHR-TCP is to develop national capacities for the promotion and protection of human rights, including working on promoting a human rights culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, OHCHR-TCP aims at providing technical assistance on human rights issues, to the Saudi Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and through the SHRC, to different public, private and civil society organisations in KSA. In addition, OHCHR-TCP aims at strengthening the engagement of KSA with the international human rights mechanisms, including providing support on the follow up process to the implementation of the recommendations of international human rights mechanisms[1].

OHCHR-TCP, in cooperation with the SHRC, is seeking to hire a consultant to draw up a full-fledged conception and strategic plan, as well as a roadmap to establish a Human Rights Research and Studies Centre in KSA. This consultancy assignment is being developed within the framework of the OHCHR-TCP.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Purpose, rationale and deliverables

It is anticipated that the consultant shall work on the development of a benchmark study, which should provide a "clear concept" aiming at achieving the following deliverables:

1. Determine the most prominent areas of research for the conceptualised centre and the competencies and skills required in the experts who will work in/for this centre,
2. Advise on the existing international centres that OHCHR deems appropriate to conduct research and studies in the field of human rights, to contact them by the SHRC (or other related stakeholders) and benefit from their research and study services,
3. Propose an organisational structure, which shows the divisions/departments/units of the centre as applied in similar centres that are acceptable by OHCHR (3 different models are preferred),
4. List all key success factors and enablers for continuity of such a centre,
5. Draw up a list of potential challenges and ways to overcome them for the concept of centre to be actualised and for it to be sustainable.

1. The objectives of the assignment

The objective of this assignment is to support the Saudi Human Rights Commission in establishing a human rights research and studies centre dedicated to the human rights field aiming at promoting and strengthening research capacities in the field of international human rights. This assignment will contribute to establishing a national research and human rights studies centre in KSA as a reliable and well-known source for human rights information and research. The Centre will play a prominent role in international research and innovation projects to build a bridge between it and all national (and perhaps international) stakeholders (CSOs, NGOs, Governmental entities, and other research centres).

Objectives and main pillars of work:

• Promote and strengthen human rights through research, education, and awareness raising and advocacy.
• Promote a human-rights-based approach to policymaking and practice at the local level.
• Conduct research and data analysis on issues related to human rights.
• Publish research papers, reports, and other materials on human rights at the national and international levels.
• Provide expertise and advice to national stakeholders, including SHRC, CSOs, law enforcement officials, and policymakers, on human rights issues.
• Develop and carry out human rights research studies and implement capacity-building activities, which support equitable social development and human rights.
• Act as a facilitator to bring together stakeholders and research institutions and researchers to develop national and international cooperation and working partnerships for the advancement of human rights.

1. Scope of work

1. Scope of work

The consultant will carry out a variety of tasks, these include, but not limited to the following:

• Develop a full-fledged concept on the rationale behind establishing the Centre, including how to go about establishing it.
• Set up the structure, and programmes for the Centre including themes of work, modality and functionality.
• Determine the most promising areas of research for the Centre, as well as the competencies and skills required for its staff and experts.
• Share information about other existing international centres whose research might strengthen the work of the Centre.
• List all key success factors and enablers for continuity of such a centre,
• Draw up a list of potential challenges and ways to overcome them to ensure the work of the Centre is always relevant and that it remains sustainable.

Competencies

1. Deliverables:

The work of the consultant will entail:

1. Developing a well-structured plan for the research centre and submitting a detailed proposal that includes: 

1. The Mission, Principles, Roles of the centre and any issues that might arise. 
2. Academic and research objectives and activities to be undertaken, including any measurable targets.
3. An explanation of how the synergy generated by researchers at the Centre is likely to result in positive outcomes. 
4. Highlight the role and methods of engagement of non-sate actors with the centre, especially the CSOs.

c) A sustainability plan:

• Concerning the anticipated sources of funding and how such funding will be managed.
• Concerning the facilities themselves, required office equipment and support staff, detailing the level of SHRC involvement whenever it is needed.

d) Three different organisational structures representing divisions/departments/units of the Centre modelled after similar international centres.

e) Details of both the proposed management and governance structure, whether there is to be an oversight board and/or an expert advisory board.

f) Details of the treatment of intellectual property and protection of the right to publish.

1. Drafting and developing a strategic plan and a roadmap to establish the centre.
2. Attending regular monthly meetings with staff concerned from the SHRC and OHCHR-TCP.
3. Providing reports and a record of all meetings and activities attended by the consultant.

1. The duration of the assignment

The assignment is for a period of Six-months. 

1. The duty station and expected places of travel  

This is a remote assignment; however, the consultant is expected to visit the duty station, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 4 to 5 times throughout the duration of the consultancy.  

1. Reporting requirements, frequency, format, and deadlines

The consultant will be working under the supervision of the OHCHR-TCP’s Programme Coordinator and/or his delegates and human rights officers and in close collaboration with SHRC board members.

The consultant shall coordinate, consult, and seek official information from the national counterpart, namely the SHRC.

The consultant shall submit a final draft of the proposal and the road map within a period of two months. By the end of her/his assignment, the consultant should have submitted all requested documents a final draft to be shared for feedback and review by the SHRC.

1. The approval process required to certify outputs prior to authorising payment, and payment milestones if applicable:

A certificate of payment must be verified by UNDP upon the validation of each deliverable. The consultant is advised to keep track of days worked and tasks performed during the course of her/his assignment. The purpose of such documentation is to support the payment process if deemed necessary.

1. A clear and precise description of the selection criteria, including the required degree of expertise and qualifications such as specialized knowledge, language needs and experience

Required Skills and Experience

1. Qualification:

The consultant must have an advanced university degree in social sciences with a focus on human rights, good governance and organisational management.   

1. Experience:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in consulting for and/or employed by a human rights research centre or similar.
• Experience reviewing laws and policies.
• Previous experience establishing research or academic centres and setting up a structure.     
• Extensive knowledge of the Saudi national context.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in both English and Arabic.
• Preferably experience working with the United Nations.

1. Language: 

Language proficiency in both written and oral Arabic and English.

1. Application requirements

• CV or PHP to indicate all past experiences with similar projects and assignments as well as the consultant’s contact details (email, telephone number) of the consultant.
• Attach at least two proposals submitted to international organizations as a reference.
• A preliminary plan for establishing a centre on human rights studies and research.
• Brief description of why the individual should be considered as the most suitable person for the assignment.