Result of Service
Output 1. Workplan including methodology and detailing monthly activities, timeline, coordination routes and definition of monthly targets to meet the objectives of the consultancy. (To be delivered during month 1).
Output 2. Updated compilation and classification of international norms and standards (from both the universal system and the Inter-American human rights system) on the right to defend human rights applicable to the State of Guatemala, as well as the identification of comparable regional experiences regarding the State response for the protection of human rights defenders. (To be delivered during month 4).
Output 3. Design of the institutional architecture of the protection system. Proposal for a coordination structure between COPADEH, MINGOB, and other relevant institutions and civil society. Reference framework for protocols and operational routes in accordance with institutional mandates. Analysis of gaps in the existing normative and institutional framework. Recommendations aligned with international standards and the 2025–2035 Public Policy. The analysis shall include the role of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, in the architecture of the protection system, including an action plan to combat impunity in cases of attacks against human rights defenders and measures to eradicate criminalization as a form of attack, (To be delivered during month 8).
Output 4. In accordance with the Public Policy for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and the State´s strategic priorities, analysis of the current functioning of the Attack Pattern Analysis Mechanism (MINGOB). Methodological work proposal for its strengthening with a gender approach, cultural relevance and territorial analysis. Road map for its decentralization in at least one prioritized department (Quetzaltenango, San Marcos, Sololá, Totonicapán and Verapaces). The analysis shall include the role that the Public Prosecutor’s Office should assume within the Mechanism. (To be delivered during month 12).
Output 5. Consolidated coordination report, throughout the consultancy, on the consultancies contracted under the PBF project (reporting and protection pathways, training, case systematization), including technical feedback, methodological guidance and recommendations to ensure coherence, relevance and alignment with international standards. In-person and virtual participation in inter-agency coordination meetings. (To be delivered during month 16).
Output 6. Final consultancy report containing: a summary of progress and achievements; assessment of the coherence and relevance of the outputs produced; key outstanding gaps; strategic recommendations for the sustainability of the protection system beyond the PBF project; and suggested indicators to measure the effectiveness of the Public Policy. (To be delivered during month 18).
Expected duration
09-01-26 to 02-28-28
Duties and Responsibilities
General objective: This consultancy will be implemented within the framework of the project “Comprehensive Protection of Human Rights Defenders”, financed by the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, led by OHCHR in Guatemala and coordinated with UNDP and UNESCO. It will also benefit from the support of other related projects.
The general objective of the consultancy is to provide senior international-level technical assistance to the State of Guatemala, under the leadership and ownership of the relevant State institutions, (COPADEH, MINGOB and the Public Prosecutor’s Office) for the design of the overall architecture that will enable the operationalization of the Public Policy for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala, coordinating the specialized consultancies financed by the PBF project and ensuring that implementation is coherent, relevant, well-articulated and aligned with international standards on the protection of human rights defenders.
This consultancy contributes directly to the following expected result: Improve the institutional response so that human rights defenders can carry out their work in a safer and more enabling environment, supported by public policies and comprehensive, decentralized protection mechanisms with a gender and intercultural approach. Specific objectives:
1. Provide strategic guidance, in support of the relevant State institutions, for the design of the comprehensive protection system for human rights defenders, including the institutional architecture, coordination mechanisms and operational protocols that enable the effective implementation of the 2025–2035 Public Policy.
2. Provide direct technical assistance to COPADEH (in its coordinating role) and MINGOB (in its implementing role), as well as to OHCHR, UNDP and UNESCO, to ensure coherence, relevance and sustainability in the implementation of the PBF project.
3. Ensure coordination in the design of the project’s specialized consultancies (care protocols, reporting and protection pathways, mechanism for journalists, decentralization of the Attack Pattern Analysis Mechanism, role of the Public Prosecutor’s Office) in order to guarantee a comprehensive and systemic vision. Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment:
Preparation of a workplan with relevant activities to be carried out each month and a timeline. The workplan shall be based on the guidance received from OHCHR-Guatemala.
Preparation of an updated compilation and classification of international norms and standards (from both the universal system and the Inter-American human rights system) on the right to defend human rights applicable to the State of Guatemala, as well as the identification of comparable regional experiences regarding the State response for the protection of human rights defenders.
Design of the institutional architecture of the protection system. Proposal for a coordination structure between COPADEH, MINGOB and civil society, as well as with the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Reference framework for protocols and operational pathways. Analysis of gaps in the existing normative and institutional framework. Recommendations aligned with international standards and the 2025–2035 Public Policy for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders.
Analysis of the current functioning of the Attack Pattern Analysis Mechanism (MINGOB), including the role of the Public Prosecutor’s Office within this space. Methodological work proposal for its strengthening with a gender approach, cultural relevance and territorial analysis. Road map for its decentralization in at least one prioritized department (Quetzaltenango, San Marcos, Sololá, Totonicapán and Verapaces).
Periodic reports on coordination and liaison with the consultancies contracted through the PBF project. Technical feedback to ensure coherence, relevance and alignment with international standards. In-person and virtual participation in inter-agency coordination meetings. Methodological guidance to the other consultancies (reporting and protection pathways, training, case systematization).
Final consultancy report including: a summary of progress and achievements; assessment of the coherence and relevance of the outputs; outstanding gaps; strategic recommendations for the sustainability of the protection system beyond the PBF project. Includes proposed indicators to measure the effectiveness of the Public Policy.
Qualifications/special skills
A First University degree in Law, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Business Administration, among others in convination with an advanced degree in Human Rights, Community Development, Project Management and Evaluation or Public Administration. A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in the field of protection of human rights defenders at national and international level. A minimum of 5 years of experience in field of protection of human rights defenders in Latin America, including journalists and human rights activists in Central America.
Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies and protection mechanisms for human rights defenders and journalists. Experience in leading interdisciplinary teams involved in the protection of human rights defenders is required.
Languages
Fluency in Spanish and knowledge of English is required.