Assignment: Prepare a briefing paper on Human Rights in EU Trade Instruments.
Form of Employment: Policy Analysis Consultancy
Starting Date: 17 September 2018
Duration: Three months
Background
Democracy Reporting International is implementing the EU-funded project Promoting Human and Labour Rights through GSP+ in the following countries: Armenia, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
The general objective of this EIDHR project is that civil society and social partners become effective advocates and drivers of change ensuring that EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) beneficiary countries meet their commitments to effectively implement core international conventions. The specific objectives are supporting and empowering civil society/social partners in monitoring the relevant conventions under the GSP+ process; and supporting the implementation and reforms necessary for scheme beneficiary countries to meet their commitments under the 15 human and labour rights conventions of GSP+.
Objective of the Assignment
Drawing from the results of the abovementioned programme, the experiences of other trade schemes and from the preliminary recommendations produced during the mid-term evaluation of the GSP, DRI is organising a conference to discuss and propose ways of enhancing the effectiveness of the GSP+ and other trade instruments to improve human and labour rights in the beneficiary countries.
In preparation to this conference, DRI is currently recruiting an expert to prepare a draft paper to be presented and discussed during the conference, which will be held in November in Brussels. The draft paper will be finalised thereafter.
Specific Tasks
We seek an Expert Consultant who is specialised in the topic of Human Rights in EU Trade Instruments, with a proven track record in policy analysis and writing. Under the direct supervision of DRI’s team, you will conduct a desk review of existing literature, provide a select bibliography on the topic, and draft a Briefing Paper. The subject of the Briefing Paper is:
Growing challenges and threats to the open-trading system risk undermining the EU commitment to
respect and promote human rights and sustainable development around the world through trade
policy. What are the roles for (i) Member States, (ii) civil society, (iii) businesses and (iv) beneficiary countries in ensuring that the GSP+ scheme serves its purpose? Specifically, fostering the sustainable economic, social and environmental development of beneficiary countries, with the primary aim of eradicating poverty; and helping vulnerable countries to assume the special burdens and responsibilities resulting from the ratification of core international conventions as well as from the effective implementation thereof.
Deliverables
- Conduct a desk review of existing literature and provide a select bibliography on the topic;
- Prepare an annotated Table of Contents for the Draft Paper, with consequent revisions based on DRI’s input. The main message will be subject to DRI’s approval;
- Identify relevant specialists and conduct consultation interviews on the abovementioned subject;
- Attend coordination meetings with DRI’s team during the drafting period (conference call can be arranged);
- Draft the Briefing Paper in English (around 2000 words), including a crisp and highly readable Executive Summary (first draft by 30 September 2018, final draft by 28 October 2018)
- Finalise the paper based on joint discussions with DRI and input collected during the conference.
Location and duration of the assignment
- Mostly home-based, one travel to Brussels is expected to present the draft paper during the conference organised by DRI
- Timeframe: 3 months from the date of signature
- Estimated 15 billable fee days
Qualifications
- Degree in law, political science, social sciences, or other related fields;
- Legal and technical knowledge of EU’s trade instruments, in particular the Generalised Scheme of Preferences;
- Writing samples/publications related to the targeted sector;
- Knowledge of the fundamental UN and ILO conventions;
- Excellent spoken and written English is required;
- Previous publications or policy analysis experiences on some of the GSP+ beneficiary countries will be considered an asset;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Cultural and gender sensitivity;
- Ability to travel to Brussels in November to present the draft paper during the conference organised by DRI.
DRI values diversity and aims to be an equal opportunity employer.
Remuneration Package
Remuneration will depend on qualifications and experience, in accordance with DRI’s Procurement Policy. In addition, DRI will cover all the travel costs for the expert to participate in the conference in Brussels in November.
How to apply
For interested applicants, please send your application, consisting of (1) a cover letter, (2) your CV, (3) two relevant work samples, and (4) a draft outline of the Draft Paper to [email protected].
Please include in the subject line: “<Your name> – Expert on HR in EU’s trade instruments”
The closing date for applications is 18:00 (CEST) 10 September 2018. The role may be filled before the end of the deadline, so early applications are encouraged. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Organisation responsible for this vacancy:
Democracy Reporting International gGmbH
Prinzessinnenstraße 30
10969 Berlin, Germany
Tel +49 30 27877300
Fax +49 30 27877300-10
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