ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 75 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL TORTURE INDEX

The objective of the Global Torture Index is to have a tool to measure and provide an assessment of the risk of being subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment in any given country on an annual basis. The measurement assesses State compliance with international standards on the fight against torture and ill-treatment both in laws and public policies but also in the practice.

The Global Torture Index, launched in June 2025, will be updated annually. Each year’s edition will include new analysis based on data from the previous year and expanded country coverage. This initiative primarily relys on the information provided by local actors, most of them being  SOS-Torture members, partners and experts, as they have first-hand experience on the front line of the fight against torture in different contexts and in different parts of the world. This makes the Torture Index a member-driven initiative and thus the information will be collected and analysed at the local level with ownership, involvement and recognition of the implementing partners. The gathering of the information will be done through a detailed, research-driven and standarised questionnaire based on international and regional human rights standards.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall Objective

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support for data verification, scoring, and longitudinal analysis of the Global Torture Index, following the revision of the Index methodology and questionnaire, and to ensure comparability of Index results across survey rounds and years, including the integration of newly assessed countries in the 2026 Index cycle.

Specific Objectives

• To technically verify and validate country-level data from previously assessed countries against the revised questionnaire and methodological framework.
• To support the analysis and integration of data from newly assessed countries for the 2026 Index cycle.
• To assess and document the impact of methodological and questionnaire changes on year-to-year comparability of Index results.
• To support the application, testing, and refinement of question-level prioritisation (weighting), scoring rules, and aggregation procedures.
• To support analytical outputs for trend analysis and the enhancement of data visualisation on the Global Torture Index website.

TIMEFRAME, METHODOLOGY AND DELIVERABLES

Period covered: The consultancy will be conducted remotely throughout 2026, commencing in March. The period from March to June will involve more intensive work, followed by ongoing data analysis and occasional database support for the remainder of the year.

Tasks and methodology: The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Data verification and methodological alignment
  • Review and verify country-level data from previously assessed countries to ensure alignment with the revised questionnaire, indicators, and scoring logic.
  • Identify, document, and support the resolution of inconsistencies arising from methodological changes.
• Analysis of new country data (2026 cycle)
  • Analyse country-level data collected through the revised questionnaire for newly assessed countries.
  • Ensure consistent application of indicators, scoring rules, and aggregation methods across all countries.
• Scoring framework and prioritisation
  • Apply and test question-level prioritisation (weighting) and scoring rules in accordance with the revised Index methodology.
  • Develop, maintain, and document a scoring key (Excel-based) that mirrors response- and question-level scoring logic implemented in SurveyMonkey, enabling aggregation, normalisation, and reproducible analysis.
• Comparability and longitudinal analysis
  • Assess comparability of Index scores across survey rounds and years, including the identification of structural breaks, missing data effects, and scoring shifts.
  • Support longitudinal and cross-country analyses to identify trends and changes over time.
• Analytical support for visualisation and dissemination
  • Interpret Index scores and analytical outputs to inform data visualisation requirements.
  • Provide analytical inputs to support the enhancement of country and regional data visualisations on the Global Torture Index website, including trend displays and comparative views.
• Ongoing technical support
  • Provide ongoing technical support related to data analysis, scoring adjustments, and database management throughout the 2026 Index cycle, as required.

Expected activities and key deliverables:

Task 1: Verification and methodological alignment of existing country data

Deliverables:

• Excel-based verification report for previously assessed countries, including identified discrepancies between rounds, and notes on alignment with the revised questionnaire and methodology (internal use).
• Support the update of methodological documentation and comparability considerations (public use/internal use as appropriate).

Task 2: Analysis and integration of new country data (2026 cycle)

Deliverables:

• Standardised scoring and aggregation scripts (Excel or R) for newly assessed countries, replicable and annotated for internal use.
• Scoring key reflecting question-level prioritisation, scoring rules, and alignment with SurveyMonkey logic (internal use).

Task 3: Scoring, comparability, and longitudinal analysis

Deliverables:

• Finalised Index scores by country and topic for all countries (old + new) in .xls format.
• Analytical report on year-to-year comparability, trends, and methodological impacts (internal use).
• Contribution to internal discussions and support for last-minute adjustments as required.

Task 4: Analytical support for visualisation and dissemination

Deliverables:

• Inputs for enhanced data visualisation and dashboard displays on the Global Torture Index website, including trends, country comparisons, and topic-level summaries (internal use).

Task 5: Ongoing technical support

Deliverables:

• Continued support for data analysis, scoring adjustments, and database maintenance throughout the 2026 Index cycle.
• Participation in ad hoc meetings or consultations to address technical or methodological issues as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE EXPECTED

• University degree in data science, statistics, social sciences, human rights, or a related field. A postgraduate degree is an asset.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in data analysis, preferably in human rights research or survey-based studies.
• Proven expertise in statistical programming using R, with experience in survey methodology and index construction.
• Experience working with CSOs, international organisations, or research institutions on human rights data projects is recommended.
• Strong understanding of human rights indicators, measurement frameworks, and index-based analysis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting, managing conflicting demands and meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge of international human rights law, data governance, and ethical considerations in human rights research is an asset.

 COMPETENCIES EXPECTED

• High ethical standards and proven commitment to human rights principles, data integrity, and research transparency.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, ensuring efficient and effective work delivery.
• Initiative and motivation: ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive tasks to completion.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities to interpret complex datasets and derive meaningful insights.
• Familiarity with human rights measurement tools and methodologies, such as index scoring and comparative analysis.
• Commitment to human rights values and evidence-based policymaking.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Depending on the applications received, more than one consultant may be selected for one or more deliverables and may be required to collaborate. This collaboration will be defined on a case-by-case basis and does not constitute a guaranteed joint assignment.

OMCT is an equal opportunities employer.

Duration of consultancy: March – December 2026 (with intensive work until June, followed by ongoing data analysis and database support).

Starting date: 2^nd of March 2026 (negociable)

Place of work: Remote

ELIGIBILITY, APPLICATIONS, AND CONSIDERATION

Interested consultants are invited to submit their proposals via email to applications@omct.org with the subject line “Proposal for Global Torture Index Consultancy.” The submission should include the following attachments in PDF format:

• A Letter of Interest summarising your qualifications and interest in the project (maximum 1 page).
• A Bid for the Contract: detailing the following (maximum 2 pages):
  • Approach: A short explanation of how you would approach the five main tasks listed in the deliverables:
  • Timeframe: A general estimate of how much time you would allocate to each task (e.g., Task 1: 3 weeks, Task 2: 4 weeks, etc.).
  • Fee: Your hourly rate and proposed overall fee for the entire project, including an estimated breakdown of hours per task or deliverable, if possible.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.

Application Deadline: All proposals must be submitted by February 20th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

The total budget allocated for the consultancy is approximately EUR 10,000. Competitive bids, including proposed methodologies, timeframes, and fee structures, will be given thorough consideration during the selection process.