Consultant for Civic Space Strengthening

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries, working to ensure that human rights are upheld and respected. The organization engages with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address human rights violations and promote legal reforms that enhance civic freedoms. OHCHR employs a diverse workforce of professionals committed to advancing human rights and operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on various human rights issues.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Civic Space Strengthening will play a crucial role in enhancing civic freedoms in Mozambique by conducting national-level stakeholder consultations and facilitating a multi-stakeholder workshop. The primary objective of this position is to capture diverse perspectives on national legislation that impacts freedoms of association, peaceful assembly, opinion, and expression. The Consultant will work closely with another Consultant responsible for legal analysis to ensure that the findings from consultations and workshops are contextualized and contribute to actionable recommendations for legal reform. This role requires a deep understanding of civic space issues and the ability to foster informed dialogue among various stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society organizations, and media professionals. The Consultant will be expected to document and synthesize findings, ensuring that all deliverables meet OHCHR quality standards and are submitted within agreed timelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties aimed at strengthening civic space in Mozambique. These include:

• Mapping relevant stakeholders involved in legal reform affecting civic space, which encompasses government representatives, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, media professionals, and international partners present in Mozambique.
• Conducting consultations with these stakeholders to gather a wide range of perspectives on existing and draft legislation that impacts freedoms of association, peaceful assembly, opinion, and expression, as well as the protection of human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors.
• Documenting and synthesizing the findings from these consultations, identifying key issues, challenges, and opportunities for reform, which will provide contextual input for legal analysis and inform recommendations.
• Organizing and facilitating a multi-stakeholder workshop to present the standards-based legal analysis and draft recommendations for legal reform, fostering informed dialogue on reform priorities, and identifying key recommendations and follow-up actions.
• Coordinating closely with the Consultant responsible for legal analysis to ensure that the findings from consultations and workshop outcomes are effectively integrated into the development of practical recommendations for legal reform.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• An advanced degree in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required, demonstrating a strong background in civic space issues and legal reform.
• Proven experience in mapping relevant actors and conducting national-level consultations is essential.
• Skills in organizing and facilitating workshops or multi-stakeholder dialogue processes are crucial for the success of this role.
• A solid understanding of civic space issues and the relevant stakeholders in Mozambique is necessary to effectively engage with participants and facilitate discussions.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying work experience to be considered for the position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Consultant has the necessary knowledge and analytical skills to address complex legal and civic issues in Mozambique.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience. This experience should include a strong focus on civic space issues, legal reform, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting national-level consultations and mapping relevant actors in the field. Additionally, experience in organizing and facilitating workshops or multi-stakeholder dialogue processes is highly desirable, as it will be critical for the Consultant to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and foster productive discussions.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese, both oral and written, is required for this position. This language proficiency is essential for conducting consultations, documenting findings, and facilitating workshops with stakeholders in Mozambique. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Portuguese are mandatory for effective communication in this role.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is from January 15, 2026, to March 31, 202

• The position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This position is likely to be full-time, and the Consultant will be expected to work closely with various stakeholders to achieve the objectives outlined in the job description.