Consultancy for the Design of the Overall Architecture to Operationalize the Public Policy for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders

Job Posting Organization:
The consultancy is being conducted under the auspices of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Guatemala. The OHCHR is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, with a mission to ensure that everyone can enjoy their rights and freedoms. Established in 1993, the OHCHR operates in various countries, working closely with national governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to uphold human rights standards. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and operates in numerous countries, focusing on issues such as human rights violations, the rights of marginalized groups, and the promotion of justice and accountability.

Job Overview:
This consultancy aims to provide senior international-level technical assistance to the State of Guatemala, specifically targeting the design of a comprehensive protection system for human rights defenders. The consultancy is framed within the project 'Comprehensive Protection of Human Rights Defenders,' which is financed by the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund. The role involves collaborating with key state institutions such as COPADEH, MINGOB, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office to operationalize the Public Policy for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the implementation of this policy is coherent, relevant, and aligned with international standards. The overarching goal is to improve the institutional response to create a safer environment for human rights defenders, supported by public policies and decentralized protection mechanisms that incorporate gender and intercultural perspectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key outputs throughout the consultancy period. These include:

• Developing a comprehensive workplan that outlines methodology, monthly activities, timelines, and targets to meet consultancy objectives.
• Compiling and classifying international norms and standards related to the protection of human rights defenders applicable to Guatemala, alongside identifying regional experiences.
• Designing the institutional architecture of the protection system, proposing coordination structures among relevant institutions and civil society, and analyzing existing gaps in the normative framework.
• Conducting an analysis of the Attack Pattern Analysis Mechanism's current functioning and proposing methodological enhancements with a gender and cultural approach.
• Preparing periodic coordination reports on the consultancies contracted under the PBF project, providing technical feedback and guidance.
• Delivering a final consultancy report summarizing progress, assessing output coherence, identifying gaps, and providing strategic recommendations for sustainability beyond the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a First University degree in fields such as Law, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, or Business Administration, complemented by an advanced degree in Human Rights, Community Development, Project Management, Evaluation, or Public Administration. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in the protection of human rights defenders at both national and international levels is required. Candidates should also have at least 5 years of experience specifically in Latin America, focusing on the protection of journalists and human rights activists. Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating public policies and protection mechanisms for human rights defenders is essential, along with experience leading interdisciplinary teams in this field.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a First University degree in relevant fields such as Law, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, or Business Administration, along with an advanced degree in Human Rights, Community Development, Project Management, Evaluation, or Public Administration. This combination of educational qualifications is crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the operationalization of protection mechanisms.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in the field of protection of human rights defenders, with at least 5 years specifically focused on Latin America. Candidates should have a proven track record in the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies and protection mechanisms for human rights defenders and journalists. Experience in leading interdisciplinary teams is also a critical requirement, as the consultant will need to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, and knowledge of English is also required. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with local and international stakeholders involved in the protection of human rights defenders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to run from September 1, 2026, to February 28, 202

• The position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, emphasizing that the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. The consultancy is likely to be full-time, and the consultant will be expected to engage in both in-person and virtual coordination meetings throughout the consultancy period.