The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) is requesting expressions of interest for an independent consultant to revise existing IOE’s training material and develop a modular training package on Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

About us

IOE is the largest private sector network in the world, representing 50 million businesses through 150 national employers’ organisations. IOE is the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates taking place at the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations, G20 and other global forums. IOE is recognised for its unique expertise, advocacy, and influence as a powerful and balanced voice for business at the international level. IOE consolidates the perspectives and priorities of national employers’ and business organisations in one single, effective, and coherent voice. Our vision is to create a sustainable economic environment worldwide, promoting free enterprise that is fair and beneficial to both business and society.

Background

IOE is strengthening its capacity-building support on Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) by transforming its existing guidance for companies to implement HRDD (November 2025) into a practical, business-oriented training material package specifically tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The objective is to develop a professional, interactive, and adaptable presentation that can be used in capacity-building workshops across different regions and sectors, incorporating tailored industry-specific content, practical case studies, and short exercises to enhance participant engagement, and facilitate the application of HRDD principles in diverse business contexts. This training material will be mainly for an SME business audience and should be practical and easily workable to adapt to different contexts and level of awareness.

About the consultancy

The consultant will be expected to develop and design a comprehensive, modular, and user-friendly training package on Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Building on IOE’s existing HRDD guidance, the material should cover, among others elements, the core workshop content listed below:

• Introduction to responsible business conduct (RBC) and human rights due diligence (HRDD)
• The international standards and evolving regulatory landscape relevant to HRDD; key requirements, implications for SMEs, and practical considerations
• Practical guidance on implementing HRDD throughout the due diligence process
• Sector-specific examples, case studies and practical exercises
• Resources and tools for employers' organisations — Practical guidance on how employers' federations can support member companies in implementing HRDD

Timeline:  

• Full first draft (delivery by 15 August 2026)
• One round of consolidated revisions (delivery by 21 August 2026)
• Final work to be delivered by 30 August 2026

Location:

Home based/Remote

Competencies:

• Proven expertise in human rights due diligence (HRDD), responsible business conduct (RBC), and relevant international standards, with a strong understanding of the evolving business and regulatory landscape.
• Experience developing practical training materials and designing interactive, adult-learning workshops for business audiences, particularly SMEs.
• Excellent drafting, research, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, practical, and actionable guidance tailored to a global business audience.
• Strong communication, coordination, and project management skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.
• Experience working with international organisations, business associations, and/or the private sector.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word.

Funding:

The total funding available is 3’000 EUR

Required:

Candidate must be registered as an independent consultant in their country of residence or apply through a registered organisation/company to be considered for this consultancy. Proof of registration will be required at contracting stage.

Please send your application package (cover letter, CV, proof of registration as an independent consultant in your country of residency, samples of relevant work and references) to projectprocurement@ioe-emp.com with the subject line “IOE Consultancy – HRDD Training Material”.

Deadline: 30 July 2026

IOE values diversity among its staff and recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

This consultancy is within the framework of the International Organisation of Employers’ partnership with the European Commission.