Consultant 121 views0 applications

ARISA Consultant on Eswatini
Location: SADC Region
Contract Type: Consultant
Contract Period: 3 months (up to a maximum of 10 days a month)
Expected Start Date: 8 November 2021
Reporting to:  Chief of Party, Advancing Rights in Southern Africa (ARISA)

Background

Advancing Rights in Southern Africa (ARISA) is a 5-year USAID-funded human rights program that seeks to improve the recognition, awareness, and enforcement of human rights in the region, including protection of the region’s most vulnerable and marginalized groups. The program is led by Freedom House, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), Internews, and PACT. Working in 8 countries in the region, the program focuses on the following areas: indigenous peoples’ rights; women’s customary land rights; media freedoms and digital rights; the protection of human rights defenders; and strengthening citizen engagement in local elections.

Objective:

As a part of ARISA’s intended outcome to improve the enabling environment for the promotion and protection of human rights, ARISA is seeking a consultant to:

• Strengthen support for CSO efforts to promote inclusive and meaningful national dialogue on key political and rights reforms in Eswatini and to ensure the inclusion of women, youth, and other marginalized communities in such dialogue.
• Assess and provide technical capacity assistance to CSOs and related local institutions on democracy, communications capacity, and leadership.

Responsibilities and Deliverables:

Working closely with the Senior Program Officer and under the guidance of the Chief of Party, the Consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Provide analysis of political developments in Eswatini;
• Facilitate engagement of civil society with regional and international institutions and mechanisms such as the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC);
• Facilitate, organize and coordinate civil society efforts, including dialogues and public campaigns on promoting inclusive and meaningful national dialogue on key reforms in Eswatini and ensure the inclusion of women, youth and other marginalized communities;
• Coordinate civil society engagement in national consultation processes;
• Provide technical capacity support where required to civil society including youth-led organizations and movements on institutional leadership and governance structures and engaging with democratic processes;
• Identify and report on emerging issues on which there is civil society consensus related to political and human rights reforms;
• Prepare and submit monthly reports on key activities;
• Prepare and submit a final report on activities conducted, key lessons and recommendations for civil society, political parties, the Eswatini government, and regional and international interlocutors.

Qualification and experience:

• A post-graduate degree in development related disciplines or specialization in political science, public policy, law, or other related social science fields OR at least 5 years of experience in a similar field.
• Experience working with and providing technical capacity support to civil society organisations in Southern Africa.
• Strong research and communication skills, and ability to liaise with various stakeholders, including government/parliament officials, political parties and civil society organisations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent analytical, research and writing skills
• Experience working collaboratively and in teams
• Excellent organizational skills
• Willingness to travel for program related events where needed

Please email your C.V, a one-page cover application letter detailing relevant experience and skills, and budget proposal to [email protected] no later than 5pm, Friday, 29 October 2021