Independent Consultant - Women's Human Rights Network Evaluation

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is seeking an independent consultant to evaluate the East African Women's Human Rights Defenders Network (EAWHRDN). The work is home-based, lasts about two months and focuses on assessing the network's achievements, governance, membership and sustainability, followed by practical recommendations.

Key responsibilities

• Inception phase: review network documents (terms of reference, strategic plan, meeting reports, steering committee records, funding proposals, membership records) and develop an inception report with methodology, work plan and data collection tools.
• Evaluate the network's achievements against its objectives, governance, leadership, decision-making, membership structure, steering committee, secretariat performance, communication and engagement mechanisms, fundraising and partnerships, and barriers to participation and accountability.
• Consult with current and former steering committee members, secretariat hosts, network members, national WHRD coalitions, women's rights organizations, the OHCHR East and Southern Africa hub, DefendDefenders, regional partners and selected donors.
• Map relevant networks, coalitions and initiatives in East Africa to find overlaps and opportunities for stronger partnerships and membership.
• Develop recommendations on membership reform, governance, engagement and accountability, strategic positioning, sustainability, intergenerational inclusion, regional representation and election and transition processes.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (master's or higher) in human rights, gender studies, development studies, political science, governance, law, social sciences, organizational development or international relations.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting organizational assessments, institutional reviews or evaluations of civil society networks, and experience facilitating governance reform and stakeholder mapping.
• Strong expertise in women's rights, feminist movements, gender equality and human rights; experience with human rights defenders in Africa is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and spoken English; French and/or regional languages are an added advantage.