Organization: Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD)
Engagement Type: Short-Term Consultancy
Location: Remote (West Africa & Sahel focus)
Duration: 4–6 weeks
Deadline: March 20, 2026
Background
Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) – Women Leaders Network for Development is an African women-led civil society network working to advance democratic governance, human rights protection, and inclusive development across West Africa and the Sahel. RFLD actively engages regional and continental human rights mechanisms, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), to amplify civic voices and strengthen accountability frameworks.
RFLD holds Observer Status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the principal human rights body of the African Union responsible for promoting and protecting human and peoples’ rights under the African Charter. This status enables RFLD to formally engage with the Commission, submit statements, participate in public sessions, and contribute to thematic and country-specific deliberations.
Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) play a significant role in promoting accountability, protecting civic space, and advancing democratic governance across West Africa and the Sahel. However, the human rights defenders (HRDs), including women leaders, journalists, pro-democracy activists, lawyers, youth advocates, environmental defenders, and community organizers, often face increasing restrictions and reprisals. Democratic regression, unconstitutional changes of government, counter-terrorism operations, digital repression, judicial harassment, and shrinking civic space have significantly heightened risks, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected Sahelian states.
In preparation for the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) from 11 May to 20 May 2026, RFLD intends to commission a comprehensive and policy-oriented brief assessing the state of human rights defenders in West Africa and the Sahel. The policy brief will be officially presented during the ACHPR session and launched at a side event engaging relevant Special Mechanisms, including the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The primary objective of this consultancy is to produce an evidence-based, advocacy-oriented policy brief that:
Examines the current human rights environment for defenders across West Africa and the Sahel;
Identifies regional trends, patterns of violations, and emerging risks;
Analyses legal and policy frameworks governing civic space.
Provides practical, implementable policy recommendations for governments, regional bodies, and civil society actors;
Supports RFLD’s advocacy engagement at the ACHPR.
The brief must be analytical, concise, and suitable for high-level policy dialogue.
Scope of Work
The Consultant will undertake the following:
3.1 Contextual and Thematic Analysis
Analyses trends affecting HRDs in at least 8–10 countries in West Africa and the Sahel.
Identify key patterns, including:
Criminalization of dissent and peaceful assembly;
Abuse of counter-terrorism legislation;
Restrictions on civil society registration and funding;
Digital surveillance and online harassment;
Attacks and reprisals against women human rights defenders;
Threats against journalists and media actors;
Militarization and emergency governance impacts.
3.2 Legal and Normative Framework Review
Assess compliance with:
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
Relevant ACHPR resolutions and jurisprudence;
The UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders;
Domestic legal and regulatory frameworks governing civil society.
Identify gaps between normative commitments and implementation.
3.3 Review of RFLD Advocacy
Integrate relevant oral statements and advocacy submissions previously made by RFLD at ACHPR sessions (to be provided).
Align findings with RFLD’s strategic advocacy priorities.
3.4 Development of Policy Recommendations
Formulate actionable recommendations directed to:
Member States;
The ACHPR and its Special Mechanisms;
Regional institutions (including ECOWAS bodies);
Civil society networks and development partners.
Deliverables
The Consultant will produce:
Inception Report (Within Week 1)
Refined methodology;
Analytical framework;
Detailed outline of the policy brief;
Workplan and timeline.
Draft Policy Brief (Weeks 3–4)
Approximately 15–20 pages, structured as follows:
Executive Summary (2 pages);
Regional Overview and Context;
Country Snapshots;
Thematic and Legal Analysis;
Gendered Analysis (with specific focus on women HRDs);
Policy Recommendations.
Final Policy Brief (Week 5 or 6)
Revised version incorporating RFLD’s feedback;
Publication-ready format suitable for dissemination at the ACHPR session.
Presentation Brief
A concise PowerPoint (5–8 slides) summarizing key findings for use at the side event during the ACHPR session.
Methodology
The Consultant is expected to use:
Desk-based research and legal analysis;
Review of regional human rights documentation and reports;
Comparative analysis across selected countries;
Targeted virtual consultations (where feasible) with HRDs, CSOs, and experts;
Intersectional and gender-sensitive analytical approaches.
The assignment should be grounded in credible sources and verifiable data.
Duration and Timeline
The consultancy will run for 4–6 weeks from the date of contract signature.
Indicative timeline:
Week 1: Inception Report
Weeks 2–3: Research and drafting
Week 4: Draft submission and Feedback incorporation
Week 5: Final submission
The final policy brief must be completed at least two weeks prior to the ACHPR session.
Required Qualifications
The Consultant should meet the following criteria:
Advanced degree in Law, Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, or related discipline;
Minimum 4-7 years of relevant experience in human rights research and advocacy in Africa;
Demonstrated expertise on civic space and human rights defenders;
Strong knowledge of the ACHPR system and Special Procedures;
Proven track record of producing high-quality policy briefs or advocacy reports;
Excellent analytical and drafting skills in English (French proficiency is highly desirable).
Reporting and Coordination
The Consultant will report directly to the Africa Director of Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) or a designated focal person.
All outputs will be reviewed and validated by RFLD before publication.
Budget and Payment Terms
Interested consultants must submit a financial proposal covering professional fees and any anticipated research-related costs.
Payment schedule:
30% upon approval of the Inception Report;
30% upon submission of the Draft Policy Brief;
40% upon approval of the Final Policy Brief.
Side Event at the ACHPR
RFLD will organize a side event during the upcoming session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to:
Launch the policy brief;
Engage the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa;
Facilitate dialogue between civil society and state representatives;
Strengthen coordinated regional advocacy.
The Consultant may be invited to present key findings during the side event, subject to availability.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit:
Technical Proposal (max. 5 pages);
Financial Proposal;
Updated CV;
Two recent writing samples relevant to human rights or civic space.
Applications should be sent to: Programs@rflgd.org
Subject Line: Consultancy – Policy Brief on Human Rights Defenders (West Africa & Sahel)
Deadline:
Intellectual Property
