Background 

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is the worldwide membership-based network of national human rights institutions (NHRIs). 

GANHRI promotes and strengthens NHRIs to be in compliance with the Paris Principles and provides leadership for the promotion and protection of human rights. 

GANHRI provides a framework for NHRIs to work together and cooperate at the international level. We coordinate a wide range of activities, including annual meetings, international conferences, networks, training, and capacity building. 

GANHRI works in close partnership with the United Nations Human Rights Office – specifically with the National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Section (NIRMS) – and with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). We also work closely with the four regional networks of NHRIs, in Africa (NANHRI), the Americas (RINDHCA), the Asia Pacific (APF), and Europe (ENNHRI).G ANHRI is also partnering with the United National Enviromental Programme (UNEP).  

GANHRI is registered in Switzerland as a not-for-profit association. Our Head Office is located in Geneva at the Palais des Nations. 

Climate change and its impacts are one of the greatest challenges of the day, directly and indirectly impacting on the full enjoyment of human rights. These include social, economic, and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights, the right to development and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. 

NHRIs recognize the importance of protecting the environment and biodiversity for present and future generations and protecting the environment and biodiversity entails taking care of water, air, land, animals, and plants. 

Climate change and its human rights impact is a strategic priority for GANHRI and its members moving forward. The GANHRI Strategic Plan 2023-2027 recognizes climate change as one of the nine thematic areas of current focus. NHRIs from across all regions are applying their mandates and functions, to monitor and report on human rights impacts, advise their states on human rights-based climate action, engage with communities and rights holders, and hold to account those violating the set norms. 

The Human Rights Council resolution 51/31 of 13 October 2022, on NHRIs highlighted the important work done by GANHRI in promoting human rights in the context of climate action, especially through the Caucus on Human Rights and Climate Change, and requested NHRIs to continue their work in the context of climate change and in collaborating with the UN system. 

GANHRI provides a global platform for NHRIs to exchange experiences, discuss strategies, and collectively through GANHRI engage in global climate action. https://ganhri.org/nhri-resolution-hrc51/In recognition of NHRIs’ critical role in promoting environmental rights and protecting human rights from environmental degradation, GANHRI concluded an agreement with UNEP in 2021 to support NHRIs implementation of their joint commitment, the Outcome Statement, in particular to build the capacity of NHRIs in monitoring and reporting on climate change and other environmental issues. Key activities undertaken included: 

• In cooperation with UNEP, GANHRI developed and published a Practical Guidance for NHRIs Addressing Human Rights and Climate Change,  the practical guidance provides orientation to our members on engaging with human rights and other international mechanisms. It portrays in a companion document some of the wide range of activities that NHRIs in all regions are carrying out in connection with climate action. 

 In 2021, GANHRI established a Caucus on Human Rights and Climate Change – which currently brings together 33 NHRIs from all regions – with a mandate to facilitate exchange of knowledge and peer-learning among NHRIs, as well as to coordinate our global advocacy on climate change. 

GANHRI and its Caucus carried out a series of global advocacy activities, including the publication of an Open Letter to State Parties to the UNFCCC ahead of COP27 and the organization of a symposium in collaboration with UNDP and OHCHR. In addition, in 2022 we hosted a consultation with the Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change to showcase the work of NHRIs and build partnership. 

Building from this, GANHRI, is seeking the services of an International Consultant to : 

• Support in undertaking a needs assessment to identify priority areas of support for NHRIs in relation to human rights and climate change. This will include supporting:  
• Undertaking desk research including review of key documents  
• Developing a survey and disseminating to stakeholders for feedback as well as undertaking consultations  
• Compilation/analysis to determine main findings with proposals to GANHRI for needs-driven support
• Support in updating GANHRI/UNEP publication “Practical Guidance for NHRIs on Addressing Human Rights and Climate Change” (Specifically: Annex II on NHRIs good practices). This will include reaching out to members to gather inputs.  
• Support advocacy and engagement for COP 28 in UAE in collaboration with GANHRI, GANHRI’s Climate Change Caucus and partners including from UN. This will include supporting:  
• Developing a collective advocacy strategy for COP28 in consultation with GANHRI and its members, ahead of COP 28 (GANHRI position paper) 
• Preparing advocacy related initiatives for COP28, including GANHRI statements ahead of COP 28. 
• Organising in cooperation with the GANHRI Climate Change Caucus a symposium for NHRIs at the margins of COP 28 
• Support GANHRI/UNEP in technical preparations for COP 28, including holding a side-event and symposium to demonstrate the role NHRIs can play in human rights and climate change, and strengthen their collaboration with the UN, international organizations, and various other stakeholders.    
• Support GANHRI-led knowledge management initiatives on NHRIs and climate change. This will include:  
• Support ongoing development of content to inform GANHRI led knowledge management platforms 
• Support other technical tasks as per need. 

Qualifications, competencies and skills:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science, international relations, environmental studies or any related field. 
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights. Experience applying a human rights-based approach to climate change and other environmental issues is a strong asset.  
• Experience in human rights monitoring, analysis, advocacy, and reporting is required 
• Working experience with or in NHRIs, global or regional networks, or with UN bodies, is an asset. 
• Excellent analytical, research, and drafting skills.  
• Demonstrated ability to deliver quality results within tight deadlines. 
• High level command of English required. Knowledge of an additional working language of GANHRI (Arabic, French, Spanish) is an asset. 
• Proven experience in working in a culturally diverse environment. 
• Ability to work in a team and independently. 

Duration of work  

 Approximately 40 days, to be confirmed.  Starting in late August / early September to February 2023. 

 Application process 

 To complete your application by 21 August 2023: 

• Fill in all questions of this form: https://forms.office.com/e/dRAyuS6Zdz  
• Send a Cover letter and CV to: recruitment@ganhri.org with the email subject “Application for Consultancy on NHRIs and Climate Change” 

 Please appreciate that due to the volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. GANHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment subject to funding availability. 

GANHRI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.