Introduction

Save the Children is looking to hire a consultant to identify avenues for civil society engagement in the governance of international treaties/conventions in order to inform participation in the governing body(ies) and oversight mechanisms that will be established for the Pandemic Accord.

In December 2021, the World Health Assembly established an intergovernmental negotiating body (the “INB”) to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (so called “Pandemic Accord”). The process to develop this new international instrument commenced in February 2022 and will be ongoing until May 2024. The INB “proposed modalities of engagement for relevant stakeholders” invites some segments of civil society and communities to contribute to the drafting process, mainly through attendance in meetings and public hearings. However, participation remains limited to date and engagement modalities are not made sufficiently transparent and accessible. Moving forward, when the governance of the Pandemic Accord is defined, it will be critical to clearly agree upon mechanisms for effective civil society and community participation in the implementation and monitoring of the accord.

Indeed, under international human rights law, the right to participation is necessary to amplify the voices of those that would otherwise not be heard. This right is inextricably linked with the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs and the rights to freedom of expression and access to information, peaceful assembly and association. The right to participation is a core component of global health governance. The Alma Ata Declaration established in 1978 that “the people have the right and duty to participate individually and collectively in the planning and implementation of their health care” – a principle that echoes the WHO Constitution.

To date, only two legally binding instruments have been negotiated under WHO auspices, the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Only the latter has a formally established governance mechanism. Outside WHO there is a breadth of experience in treaty making with more meaningful engagement of civil society, from the drafting to implementation and monitoring.

Objectives, scope of work and deliverables

The objective of this consultancy is to research examples and good practices of civil society engagement in the governance of international treaties/conventions in order to inform participation in the governing body(ies) and oversight mechanisms that will be established for the Pandemic Accord.

Scope of work:

• Gain an understanding and provide an overview of civil society and communities’ advocacy work in the context of the pandemic accord negotiations.
• Get acquainted with, and report on, mechanisms for civil society engagement in line with the WHO Constitution and the Framework for Engagement with Non State Actors and specifically review governance mechanisms of the FCTC.
• Research examples and good practices in the governing body(ies) and oversight mechanisms of other international / UN treaties and conventions, in particular human rights, that could be applicable in a WHO setting.

Expected deliverables:

a) Research and document existing frameworks and mechanisms for civil society engagement to identify best practices:

• within WHO, particularly in relation to the Framework for Engagement with Non State Actors and the governance mechanisms of the FCTC
• in treaties and internationally negotiated instruments

b) Assess proposed governance mechanisms of the Pandemic Accord including Conference of Parties and Enlarged Conference of Parties

c) Support the development of a policy brief (approx. 8-10 pages) that can be used for advocacy with Member States

Competencies required

• Background and expertise in international law
• Ability to analyze information and clearly present results and ideas
• Demonstrated experience in working with civil society and community organizations
• Understanding of the role of civil society and community organizations in influencing change with both national and global actors
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences

Timing

All deliverables should be completed by early April 2023.

Instructions to Apply

Candidates should send their CV and proposal to Margot Nauleau margot.nauleau@savethechildren.org. In your application, please indicate your proposed daily rate and expected number of days to carry out the work. Kindly send applications via email and include “Application for Governance Consultancy” in the email subject line. Deadline for submission is January 20th, 2023.