Terms of Reference
ROLI Africa- ABA ROLI Freedom of Expression Consultant; April 2024 – June 2024
- Background.
For 30 years, and through our work in more than 100 countries, ABA ROLI and our partners have sought to strengthen legal institutions, support legal professionals, foster respect for human rights, and advance public understanding of the law and citizen rights. In collaboration with our in-country partners – including government ministries, judges, lawyers, bar associations, court administrators, legislatures, and civil society organizations – we design programs that are responsive to local needs and that prioritize sustainable solutions to pressing rule of law challenges.
ABA ROLI and its partners are undertaking various efforts to increase awareness and understanding of freedom of expression (FoE) rights under Tanzanian law. The program aims to reduce restrictions on FoE and bolster the safeguarding of related fundamental rights in Tanzania, where an erosion of civil liberties has occurred under previous administrations. Therefore raising understanding is a prerequisite for better reporting on FoE issues, which in turn bolsters public awareness and advocacy efforts. Many journalists, particularly in rural areas, continue to lack an adequate understanding of regulations that can affect their operations and right to free speech. Furthermore, there is need to raise understanding among bloggers, citizen journalists, and other alternative media who lack institutional resources while facing equal risk of prosecution. Addressing this deficit requires educational modalities that are available on-demand and adaptable to reflect changing policies.
2.0. Scope of the Assignment
ABA ROLI seeks a consultant to develop an online “Right to Expression” (R2E) resource on FoE laws and policies in Tanzania. The resource is intended to be a sustainable solution and source of information for human rights defenders and organizations to have greater access to the laws and policies in Tanzania. The consultant will be expected to undertake a literature review to provide context and comparative frameworks resources, including exploring the importance and interrelation of FoE to ensuring other human rights; comparative international policy frameworks; and example “best practice” legislation from other jurisdictions. Following the development of the literature, the consultant will conduct key informant interviews and focus group discussions to gain a greater understanding of the local context, the levels of awareness of issues in the community, and practices of legal work related to FoE to develop the online R2E resource. Finally, the consultant will conduct a validation meeting of the R2E resource with key stakeholders such as media, civil society and the government sector.
3.0 Deliverables
The following are the expected deliverables during the consultancy period:
- Prepare an inception report
- Review and undertake literature review on the context and comparative frameworks, including the importance and interrelation of FoE to ensuring other human rights; comparative international policy frameworks; and example “best practice” legislation from other jurisdictions.
- Undertake key informant interviews and focus group discussions with R2E resource beneficiaries to inform resource content and modality.
- Develop draft R2E resource that can be adapted as online reference
- Conduct consultative and validation meetings of the developed draft R2E resource with key stakeholders such as civil society and government sector amongst others.
- Prepare final R2E resource after validation
4.0 Duration of the Assignment
The assignment is expected to last for 35 working days between April 2024 and June 2024.
5.0. Preferred Qualifications and Experience of consulting team
- Minimum of Master’s Degree in, Law, Human Rights, Political Science, or any related field. Post Graduate Qualification is an added advantage
- At least 5-10 years of professional experience at national, regional or international levels engaging in human rights
- Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding and knowledge of the jurisprudence and laws on FoE at national, regional level and international level.
- Demonstrated experience in related tools such as manuals, reference documents
- English fluency, excellent communication, and presentation skills. Swahili is an added advantage
- Experience in undertaking similar assignments in Tanzania and or elsewhere in East Africa
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Ability to produce quality work product within short timelines
6.0. Application Procedure
Interested and qualified consultant(s) must submit a proposal, including the following: Technical proposal (1-2 pages) highlighting the proposed structure of the “Right to Expression” (R2E) Resource, approaches and tools required including an outline of how they intend to undertake the assignment including proposed structure of the “Right to Expression” (R2E) resource, a detailed curriculum vitae highlighting experience on developing handbooks and similar assignment and the topics /areas, 2 letters of reference, timeline/workplan for delivery of the key outputs, and an estimated budget to [email protected] and [email protected]. Applications should have an email subject line of “Tanzania Right to Expression application” and must be submitted by 5pm East Africa Time on Thursday 28 March, 2024.
