Terms of Reference Consultant to Develop a Guide on International Human Rights Mechanisms (IHRM)

The assignment takes place in the framework of the following project:

Summary of the project:

Name of the lead implementing organization: Peace Track Initiative (PTI)

Project title: Strengthening Women’s Networks

Project location: Yemen

Beneficiaries: WSN members

Project duration: 01.07.2024 – 30.06.2025 (12 months)

Donor: National Endowment for Democracy

Peace Track Initiative (PTI) was founded by Yemeni women inside and outside Yemen who came together in 2015 to support the peace process in Yemen. It was incorporated in Canada as a nonprofit incorporation in 2017, hosted at the Human Rights Research and Education Centre, at Ottawa University. PTI’s working areas include promoting inclusion of women and marginalized groups in the peace and political processes, promoting the protection of women’s rights, and amplifying feminist knowledge and leadership. PTI operations are guided by the CEDAW, UNSCR 1325 resolution, and its subsequent resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security, as well as international human rights frameworks. Also the Peace Track Initiative acts as a technical secretariat for the WSN to facilitate and coordinate the work of the Women’s Solidarity Network.

2. Description of the Project:

The Women Solidarity Network (WSN) is a vital coalition of women advocates and organizations working to promote women’s rights and peacebuilding in Yemen. To strengthen the capacity of its members and enhance their ability to engage with international human rights mechanisms effectively, the Peace Track Initiative is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive guide.

This guide will provide essential tools for documenting human rights violations, accessing international human rights mechanisms, and advocating for an inclusive and comprehensive peace process that addresses human rights violations in Yemen.

Objective

The consultant will develop a detailed, user-friendly guide that:

1. Explains the types of human rights violations, including those specific to Yemen.
2. Identifies relevant international human rights mechanisms, both contractual and non-contractual.
3. Outlines the process for completing and submitting individual complaints to these mechanisms.
4. Provides real-world examples of cases submitted to international mechanisms and lessons learned.
5. Demonstrates how civil society has effectively used these mechanisms in the past.
6. Proposes follow-up mechanisms for submitted complaints.
7. Serves as an advocacy tool for promoting an inclusive peace deal that addresses human rights violations in Yemen.

Scope of Work

The consultant will:

1. Conduct a needs assessment: Engage with WSN members to identify their specific needs and gaps in understanding international human rights mechanisms.
2. Review relevant documentation: Analyze existing materials, reports, and frameworks related to human rights violations and international mechanisms.
3. Draft the guide: Develop a structured guide that includes:
   • Types of human rights violations with a focus on Yemen.
   • Overview of international human rights mechanisms (e.g., UN treaty bodies, special procedures, regional mechanisms).
   • Step-by-step guidance on filing individual complaints.
   • Case studies and best practices.
   • Advocacy strategies for integrating human rights into peace processes.
4. Facilitate a validation workshop: Present the draft guide to WSN members for feedback and refinement.
5. Finalize the guide: Incorporate feedback and produce a finalized version in Arabic and English.

Deliverables

1. Inception report detailing the methodology, work plan, and timeline.
2. Draft guide for review.
3. Validation workshop materials and facilitation.
4. Finalized guide in Arabic

7. Requirements and Qualifications:

● Masters degree in relevant field.

● 5 years and above experience working on International human rights mechanisms and their compliance with national laws and the human rights situation in Yemen.

● Knowledge of women, peace, and security agenda.

● Experience working in the MENA region and with Yemenis.

● Fluent in Arabic, both written and spoken is essential, and English is a plus.

8. Terms and conditions of solicitation:

Consultants who meet the requirements should submit a proposal which should include the following:

• A suitability statement, including commitment to availability for the assignment.
• Updated curriculum vitae of the consultant/consultant organizations that clearly states the relevant qualifications and experiences.
• A Technical Proposal that includes a draft outline of sessions planned, a draft work plan of implementation with a timeframe.
• Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract value in US dollar (including all applicable taxes), supported by a breakdown of costs, not exceeding $2000.