TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEFENDERS COALITION PROTECTION POLICY

1. Background and context

The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders- Kenya (Defenders Coalition) is a national membership organization established in 2007 and registered under Kenyan law as a Trust. The Defenders Coalition works primarily for the protection of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Kenya. Among others, the Defenders Coalition strengthens capacities of HRDs to work more effectively, besides advocating for favorable legal, policy and institutional environments to reduce their vulnerability to the risk of persecution and or harm.

Defenders Coalition has over the years established itself as a dependable professionally run institution focusing on the safety and protection of HRDs and is the only national organization working primarily for the protection of HRDs in Kenya.

Defenders Coalition has a deep passion and commitment for human rights. Our human rights work is underpinned by human rights principles of participation, professionalism, accountability, non-violence and do no harm. We support actions that deepen mutuality, respect for diversity, equity and equality. We commit ourselves to constitutionalism and will abide by just and progressive laws. Defenders Coalition believes that every individual is entitled to the rights and personal liberties, security, and social justice, and that HRDs are key to advancement and realization of these rights.

Our work draws from universal human rights principles and protocols. We thus dedicate resources and capabilities to protect, promote and actualize the rights, safety, security, freedoms, and general wellbeing of HRDs. We do this as a basis of addressing prevailing systemic violations, oppression and or attempts at de-legitimization of the work of HRDs.

Under the current operating environment duty bearers often delegitimize the work of HRDs and their demands for justice are branded as deviant while also fueling widely prevalent prejudices and fears that serve to polarize societies and silence dissenting views. In this context, human rights defenders cannot rely on state protection as they form part of the perpetrators attacking them. While approaches to HRDs protection have evolved into standardized practices on physical security and emergency response there is still insufficient investment in long-term approaches that strengthen individual and community safety while confronting the root causes of violence and inequality.

Elimination of intimidation, violence and delegitimization of the work of HRDs is a prerequisite to their safety, wellbeing, and effectiveness. Putting an end to such violations require dismantling of the structural norms, perceptions, structures and systems that cause, contribute to or sustain such violations. This also requires that duty bearers fulfil their obligations to protect, respect and promote the rights of HRDs, including implementing effective protection mechanisms for HRDs at risk, or punishing those responsible for attacking them.

A system approach that promotes an enabling environment where HRDs are protected and can work without fear of reprisal or punishment is crucial and ensuring that protection services offered to at risk HRDs are within guided by well documented regulations and guidelines will protect the integrity of the services. Therefore, the Defenders Coalition will be seeking to engage a consultant to develop its Protection Policy.

2. Scope of work

• Overall Objective

Assist Defenders Coalition to consolidate and strengthen ongoing efforts and measures to respond to HRDs protection issues. This means ensuring the prevention and protection of HRDs from any forms of violations and abuses through the development and adoption of Protection policy grounded on relevant legal instruments.

• Specific Objective and Result

The specific objective of the assignment is to support the Defenders Coalition to develop and finalize a Protection policy. The policy should aim to be ambitious in its long term aims, but specific and realistic for Defenders Coalition protection mechanisms in the short and medium term. 

The selected consultant shall also be expected to undertake the following tasks:

1. Conduct a thorough desk review of all information on HRDs protection, as well as relevant policy frameworks in the country, region and beyond that should be considered in the development of the protection policy for Defenders Coalition.
2. Develop a framework/mechanism for the protection, and support of HRDs in the context of their work.
3. Evaluate the legal frameworks that supports and defend the work of HRDs and institutions.

• Expected deliverables.

1. The consultant shall be expected to produce a draft protection policy document for feedback incorporation by stakeholders.
2. A final draft protection policy for adoption.

•      Time frame: 30 working days

3. Required qualifications and expertise of the consultancy firm/individual.

Skills and Experience required

• Master’s degree in political science, international affairs, humanitarian affairs, or related subject
• Significant relevant human rights work experience in emergency settings required.
• Experience in incorporating into policies and training on gender and protection mainstreaming, beneficiary feedback models, emergency services/first responders, and humanitarian principles strongly preferred.
• Experience working with international donors required.
• Demonstrated competencies in teamwork, motivation, and commitment.
• Good attention to details.
• Ability to work with tight deadlines.

1. How to apply

Interested candidate should send the following documents to defenders coalition via procurement@defenderscoalition.org indicating ‘Expression of Interest for the Development of the Protection Policy’ as the subject of the email  by end of day 18^th August 2023.

The following documents are to be submitted.

1. Detailed copy of resume highlighting experience in successful policy writing.
2. Expression of interest letter indicating their interest and how they fit the role, the letter should include a list of policies previously prepared.
3. The letter should also include name(s) and contact address of professional referee(s) that can verify the information submitted.
4. Any other documents to strengthen your application.