Consultant to work on Protection in UN Mission Transitions and Withdrawals (home based)

1. Background

UN peace operations play a critical role in promoting the protection of civilians in conflict zones. In recent years, however, a number of missions have closed despite continuing violence and threats to civilians. These experiences have highlighted the importance of anticipating and understanding the implications of mission transitions for capacities to protect civilians and their human rights, and the need to identify if and how remaining protection risks can be mitigated. Recognizing the need for this analysis, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), and the Global Protection Cluster (GPC) are seeking a consultant to collaborate on producing analysis that helps their teams to engage in dialogue, operational planning, and decision-making on these issues.

1. Objectives and scope of work

Building on existing analysis and complemented by new key informant interviews and desk research, the consultant will produce a paper that analyses the implications of UN mission drawdowns and withdrawals on capacities to protect civilians and their human rights, and that offers concrete considerations for if and how residual protection risks and needs can be addressed in contexts of future transitions. The paper will aim to be a resource for actors at country-level (e.g. humanitarian leadership structures, Protection Cluster Coordinators, and operational UN and NGO staff) as well as policymakers and other actors at global level who may be engaging on these issues in the diplomatic or institutional space. 

2.1. Major tasks and responsibilities

The consultant will carry out the tasks listed below:

• In consultation with the core team (NRC, GPC, CIVIC), refine the workplan and methodology, including identifying a list of individuals for key informant interviews and materials to consult.
• Carry out a desk review and analysis of existing literature on the topic.
• Identify key protection capacities that have been affected during past mission transitions. Core team will provide a suggested list as a starting point.
• Analyze how actors have attempted to cope with the different impact areas following past mission transitions and withdrawals, including successes, challenges, or dilemmas that arose as part of those efforts.
• Offer considerations for different types of actors in dealing with these impacts in the future.
• Compile results of this research into a succint report for external publication.

3. Institutional and organizational arrangements

The consultancy will be managed by NRC, in close collaboration with CIVIC and the GPC working as a core team. The core team has also identified a group of relevant experts who have indicated their willingness to serve as a reference group. The format for engagement with this group will be determined in discussion with the selected consultant.

This is a home based consultancy.

4. Deliverables and timelines

NRC has tentatively allocated 20 days for this project, to be adjusted depending on the daily rate of the consultant. The following deliverables are expected: 

• Initial workplan, including methodology and timeline
• Detailed outline
• Draft report
• Final report

The final report needs to be received no later than mid-April 2025.

5. Qualifications and competencies

The consultancy must be a registered company or a sole trader, and provide proof of registration in the country where the consultant is based. 

5.1 Experience, qualifications, and competencies:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, social sciences, international affairs, or related topics. A first level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, peacekeeping, and/or research in related fields.
• Technical expertise and experience in peacekeeping, the protection of civilians, humanitarian protection, or related fields. 
• Demonstrable experience carrying out similar research and analysis.
• Ability to work independently and remotely and adhere to tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills to ensure a smooth flow of information with the core team and reference group.
• Ability to process large volumes of information and navigate potentially diverging sets of inputs.
• Excellent drafting skills and command of the English language. Proficiency in French an asset. 
• Registration as a consultant in country of residence (or as employee within a consultancy company) required.

6. Reference point within NRC

Caelin Briggs, Head of Interagency Coordination and Protection Policy, NRC Geneva

Email: caelin.briggs@nrc.no (for questions only; only applications submitted through our online application tool will be accepted - see below for full instructions).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Consultants who meet the above requirements are invited to submit an expression of interest through the link in the advert Consultant to work on Protection in UN Mission Transitions and Withdrawals (home based) - NRC NORCAP Careers Careers and include the following as part of their application:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Cover letter outlining how their experience meets the required competencies and qualifications.
• Unedited sample of past research.
• List of references that can be contacted to verify the quality of services.
• Rates: daily consultancy rate in CHF or EUR, inclusive of all costs, VAT and charges.
• Proof of registration as a consultant/sole trader/proprietor or a company in country of residence as required

Please note: All consultants working with NRC should maintain high standards on ethical issues, respect and apply basic human and social rights, ensure non-exploitation of child labour, and give fair working conditions to their staff. NRC reserves the right to reject quotations provided by suppliers not meeting these standards. Consultants doing business with NRC will be screened on anti-corruption due diligence before NRC confirms a contract.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Geneva leads NRC’s representation with the IASC and UN agencies, and coordinates donor engagement with the UN and Swiss donors. NRC strives to assist and protect vulnerable and displaced people during crises, especially in situations of conflict. Established in 1946, NRC is an independent, humanitarian, non-profit, non-governmental organisation working in around 31 countries with approximately 14’000 staff. NRC employs a rights based approach, challenging those with responsibility to uphold the rights of displaced people set out within national and International Laws. NRC endeavors to secure the acceptance of local stakeholders for activities and is committed to the principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality.

NRC seeks to engage with all relevant actors in order to promote the full respect for the rights of displaced and vulnerable people; secure and maintain access for humanitarian operations and promote the achievement of durable solutions. NRC Geneva, with the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC), are NRC’s primary presence in Geneva.