APF seeking consultant to support Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission

The APF is a coalition of National Human Rights Institutions who work together to build an Asia Pacific region where everyone can enjoy human rights. National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are independent bodies with powers to investigate and report on human rights violations, to stand up for those in need of protection and to hold their governments to account. NHRIs also help shape laws, policies, practices and attitudes that create strong, fair and inclusive communities.

Since 14 August 2021, the APF has worked closely with its member, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), initially to facilitate the safe departure of staff members and Commissioners from Afghanistan via evacuation flights, and now on securing visas and travel for those colleagues who wish to leave. In total, approximately 60 AIHRC colleagues, most including their families, are now outside Afghanistan, including all the Commissioners, the Executive Director, and several provincial and regional directors as well as heads of thematic units.

The majority of the AIHRC staff remain in Afghanistan and are in hiding. Their physical security is precarious and continues to carry high-risk. Staff have had the Taliban search for them, they have been stopped and they have been harassed. 

The APF is seeking a consultant, to assist with continued efforts to provide dedicated support to AIHRC staff in their attempts to depart Afghanistan using means that are as safe as possible, and to support their applications for humanitarian and other visas and travel arrangements to safe countries. 

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

The consultant will have demonstrated experience in:

• Organisational management, including human resources, financial and communications
• Knowledge of, and ability to communicate in Dari and/or Pasto
• Liaising with international government and non-government organisations
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including understanding of secure communication channels

Additionally, the consultant will need to:

• Act in a professional manner and adhere to the APF Code of Conduct
• Demonstrate empathy and tact when dealing with people who are living in fear
• Work effectively and deliver outputs on time
• Be flexible and open to working in a complex environment with a small team
• Have awareness of gender considerations when undertaking work
• Experience of working in the human rights sector is highly desirable
• Ideally have knowledge and experience of migration and evacuation arrangements

Download the Request for Proposal from the APF website. 

Please email your quotation/proposal to thuydoan-smith@asiapacificforum.net  by 17:00 (AEDT), 8 November 2021.