The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) is requesting expressions of interest from independent consultants to support IOE’s research on the implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence for Responsible Business Conduct.

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 on topic

IOE acknowledges the critical role of businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in promoting ethical, sustainable, and inclusive business conduct that respects human rights. To further this mission, IOE is developing a comprehensive guide for employers on implementing Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in alignment with international frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

With the guide, IOE aims to provide practical tools and insights to help businesses integrate HRDD into their operations effectively. The guide will focus on actionable strategies for identifying, preventing, mitigating, and addressing adverse human rights impacts throughout business operations and supply chains. This work will contribute to IOE’s broader research initiatives, supporting employers in achieving responsible business conduct while navigating complex regulatory landscapes and stakeholder expectations. IOE invites qualified professionals with a strong background in human rights, business ethics, and policy development to express their interest in this exciting opportunity.

Scope of work

• Develop an overview of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), focusing on the three pillars, with an emphasis on Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) under Pillar 2, using practical and business-oriented language.
• Identify and analyse effective strategies, practical tips, examples, checklists, and adaptable templates to support businesses in implementing HRDD.
• Conduct a legal comparison between the UNGPs and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), highlighting key misalignments, differences, and additional steps required to comply with the CSDDD.
• Provide practical guidance on how Employers Federations can support businesses in implementing HRDD, offering actionable advice tailored to their role.
• Ensure the final guidance document does not exceed 25 pages in length.

• Timeline: to be delivered by 15 March 2025.
•  Location: Home based/Remote

Competencies:

• Proven practical business experience, particularly at the company level, in implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), with a focus on Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) processes.
• Strong legal expertise, particularly regarding EU Directives, with a focus on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
• Demonstrated experience working with employers’ networks and business organizations, with a deep understanding of the private sector’s role in implementing HRDD.
• Exceptional English writing, research, and policy analysis skills, as well as critical thinking abilities and proficiency in using Microsoft Word and shared drive tools.
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex information clearly and concisely, and to translate technical content into practical, business-oriented language (avoiding overly UN-centric jargon).

• Estimate of total hours of work: 30-40 hours
• Funding: the total funding available is 6000 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.

Please send your CV and your proposal to: projectprocurement@ioe-emp.com with the email subject line: Guidance Human Rights Due Diligence 2025. Deadline 25 January 2025.