Consultant for Civic Space Strengthening

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries, working to ensure that international human rights standards are upheld. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals committed to advocating for human rights and providing support to governments and civil society organizations. OHCHR's mission includes strengthening civic space, promoting accountability, and fostering dialogue among stakeholders to enhance human rights protections.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting OHCHR's efforts to strengthen civic space in Mozambique. This position involves providing expert legal analysis to assess the alignment of national legislation with international human rights standards. The Consultant will develop practical recommendations for legal reform based on thorough research and stakeholder engagement. The role requires a deep understanding of international human rights law, particularly concerning freedoms of association, peaceful assembly, and expression. The Consultant will also prepare analytical reports and participate in workshops to present findings and facilitate discussions on legal reform priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive review of existing and draft legislation that impacts freedoms of association, peaceful assembly, expression, and the protection of human rights defenders and journalists. Key responsibilities include: - Conducting an expert review of relevant legislation to assess compatibility with international human rights standards. - Collaborating with other consultants to integrate findings from stakeholder consultations into actionable recommendations for legislative reform. - Drafting an analytical report that summarizes the legal review findings and presents recommendations. - Participating in a multi-stakeholder workshop to present findings, respond to queries, and facilitate discussions on legal reform. - Incorporating feedback from OHCHR and workshop outcomes into a final report and recommendations for legal reform.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 degree. A minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required, including expertise in international human rights law, legislative analysis, and civic space engagement. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to formulate policy recommendations, and experience in facilitating workshops.

Educational Background:
The position requires 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 have two additional years of qualifying work experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights law and legislative processes.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience, particularly in areas related to international human rights law, legislative analysis, and civic space or civil society engagement. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to conduct legal reviews, develop policy recommendations, and engage with various stakeholders effectively. Familiarity with civic space issues in Mozambique is also crucial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Portuguese, both oral and written, is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for conducting legal analyses and workshops in the local context. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

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

• The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial burdens during their application.