The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) is requesting expressions of interest for an independent consultant to support IOE’s multistakeholder dialogue strategy in the field of business and human rights.

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.

About the consultancy:

Engagement with multiple stakeholders is not only critical to IOE’s mission and its advocacy in representing the voice of business constituents but is equally vital to providing insights for IOE’s wider advocacy work. As the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates taking place at global forums such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations, and G20, IOE aims to have a systematic approach to stakeholder dialogue from which strategic decisions can be clarified, and achieve the organisation’s goals and objectives in the field of business and human rights.

The International Organisation of Employers is seeking the services of a qualified consultant to lead an internal process which improves the capacity of IOE team members within the organisation, and to also improve engagement with external stakeholders’ (e.g., employers and labour organisations, multilateral international platforms, as well as different political, economic, and social groups)to discuss specific needs and expectations, as well as concerns and challenges.

Proposed tasks:

The consultant will organise, train, prepare, design the methodology for (and lead the facilitation of) a dialogue strategy, including a stakeholder mapping, in the field of business and human rights.  The consultant will provide the workflow in order to assess and advise the IOE in a series of steps, namely:

• Provide training to IOE team members on how to conduct a stakeholder mapping and lead selected IOE staff through a stakeholder mapping session (identification, categorisation of stakeholders) with clear purpose and focus (considering stakeholder interests, influence, and communication preferences).
• Implement the dialogue strategy to ensure the IOE team engages with stakeholders effectively, highlighting tools and procedures for identifying clear objectives (including target audience, key messages) and communication channels.
• Design a dialogue panel, leading the coordination work for the event, and then facilitate the panel itself, acting as a moderator to developing the agreed working dynamics.
• Train IOE speakers and internal participants on how to conduct a dialogue strategy and support the preparations for hosting a Dialogue Panel.

Deliverables:

• Provide a comprehensive plan for the dialogue strategy (stakeholder mapping and dialogue panel).
• A stakeholder mapping report.
• Training materials and documentation for capacity-building sessions.
• Review and validate of executive report.

Schedule, Timing and Specific Contents:

• Step 1: Individual interviews, group meetings and stakeholder mapping – week of 27 November 2023
• Step 2: Consultancy tasks + online coordination – between 1 December 2023 and mid-February 2024
• Step 3: Dialogue Panel – between February and March 2024
• Step 4: Delivery of an executive report – April 2024

Timeline:

November 2023 to April 2024

Location:

Home based, with two in-person sessions in Geneva.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of private sector and/or employers’ networks and business
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proven experience in developing dialogue strategies and stakeholder mappings for similar projects.
• Expertise in communication and stakeholder engagement, as well as a good understanding of ways to improve dissemination of project results.
• Working experience in advocacy strategy, relational coaching, and CSR is a plus.
• Advanced degree in social science, business management or related field.
• Fluency in English.

Additional information:

Interested consultants should submit their proposals, including detailed CV, a brief statement of interest, a proposed methodology, and a financial proposal by 20 November 2023 to projectprocurement@ioe-emp.com with the email subject line: BHR Dialogue Strategy.

The consultant will work independently and address statutory contributions in their country of residence. They must be registered as an independent consultant in their country of residence, affiliated with a university, or a registered organisation/company to apply for this consultancy.

IOE will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the facilitator included an assistant/rapporteur in some of the phases.

Funding:

The proposed funding available is 10.000 EUR