Request for Proposal: Expert NHRI Facilitator/Consultant

The Asia Pacific Forum (APF) is a network of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) working together to build an Asia Pacific where everyone can enjoy human rights. NHRIs are independent statutory bodies established by national law and/or constitution with powers to investigate and report on human rights violations, to advise government of their international obligations, to engage with local, regional and international stakeholders, and to promote and protect human rights. NHRIs have the mandate to shape laws, policies, practices, and attitudes that promote and protect human rights.

A fundamental goal of the APF is to support the establishment of independent NHRIs and to strengthen existing NHRIs. The APF also brings its members together, and build partnerships with others, to tackle some of the most serious and complex human rights challenges facing the region.

The APF provides expert advisory services to its members and prospective members in relation to the role of independent NHRIs including their functions, mandate, and internal operations. This consultancy requires a very high-level expertise and experience in relation to NHRIs. The consultant must be of the highest calibre in character and integrity. The activities outlined in the TOR are designed to meet the needs and activities of the APF, in the implementation of its Strategic Plan (2015 – 2022).

Download the Request for Proposal from the APF website.

Scope of work

The contracted consultant will work in collaboration with the APF secretariat to be an expert facilitator for up to three virtual high level dialogues (HLDs), three Introduction to the APF sessions, six hours of strategic advice, and one capacity assessment review (CAR) for NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region.

Specifically, the consultant will:

• Have demonstrated experience and expertise as an NHRI commission chairperson, member, or senior executive manager (at the level of Executive Director/Secretary/Commissioner-General);
• Have an excellent understanding and knowledge of human rights, NHRIs and the Paris Principles;
• Have a strategic understanding of NHRIs and the APF; and
• Have experience of working with NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

The consultant will have demonstrated experience in:

• Holding a senior role as a chairperson, commission member or senior manager (Executive Director level) of an NHRI;
• Ability to share experiences of leading and/or managing an NHRI;
• Engaging on substantive issues with NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region;
• Facilitation and writing skills of a high order;
• Collaborating and working in the virtual space through teleconferencing; and
• High level diplomacy, gender sensitivity and confidentiality.

Additionally, the consultant will need to:

• Act in a professional manner and adhere to the APF Code of Conduct, including any other relevant policies and guidelines;
• Work effectively and deliver outputs on time;
• Be flexible and open to working in a complex environment with a small team; and
• Have awareness of gender considerations when undertaking tasks.

Please email your quotation/proposal to pipdargan@asiapacificforum.net by no later than 17:00 (AEST), 29 June 2021.