Call for proposals – Evaluation of ISHR on issues of equality, inclusion, diversity and non-discrimination At International Service for Human Rights

The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is committed to respect and promote
equality, inclusion, diversity and non-discrimination. We plan to evaluate our current
practices and procedures to identify how we can improve. We aim to do this through a
process that encourages reflection and active engagement by ISHR members and provides
best practice examples to ensure we meet the highest standards. We seek a consultant to
lead and assist us with this process.

Organisation
ISHR is an independent, non-profit organisation with offices in Geneva and New York. We are
dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights. We achieve this by supporting human
rights defenders, strengthening human rights systems, and leading and participating in
coalitions for human rights change. For more information, consult our website www.ishr.ch.

Background information
In June 2020, ISHR made a public pledge to “address issues of racism and systemic
discrimination, to promote diversity and inclusivity, and to support human rights defenders,
including those working on police brutality, in their demands for justice”. To implement that
pledge, ISHR advocated for the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry on police
violence and systemic racism in the US and globally, and works for the promotion and
protection of the rights of human rights defenders suffering multiple and intersecting forms
of discrimination. Internally, a Working Group on discrimination, diversity, equity and
inclusion was formed “to monitor and make recommendations on ways in which ISHR can
better address structural and systemic discrimination within our organisation and movement
and through our programmes, as well as to promote and ensure diversity, equity and
inclusivity within the organisation”. The Working Group reports to the Executive Director, as
well as directly to the Board. The Working Group has identified this external evaluation as an
essential step for it to implement its mandate.

Objectives of the evaluation
The consultant will engage with ISHR staff and external partners to identify good practices,
needs and opportunities for improvement to ensure ISHR respects principles of equality,
inclusion, diversity and non-discrimination in our internal processes and practices and with
partners, and that we promote these in our work.
It is envisaged that the evaluation will include a review of ISHR policies, procedures and
practices, employing best standard practices as benchmarks and inspirations.
The consultant will adopt a comprehensive and intersectional approach, with specific focus
on systems and actions that prevent and address intolerance, racism, biases, xenophobia
and discrimination on all grounds recognised under international human rights law.

The main project activities may include reviewing and making recommendations in relation
to:

• Internal policies, procedures and practices as a whole.
• Accountability processes.
• Staff and board composition.
• Pay equity and promotions.
• Performance appraisal systems.
• Internal and external perceptions, including by surveying staff, board members, and
  other key partners.
• Internal and external communications (website, articles, publications, advocacy etc).
• Engagement and collaboration with partner organisations.
• Other activities necessary to reach the main objectives.

It is envisaged that the evaluation criteria would consider the relevance, effectiveness,
impact, efficiency and sustainability of policies, practices, procedures and other measures
with respect to promoting and addressing issues of discrimination, equality, diversity and
inclusion.

Methodology:
The consultant will design a methodology that provides opportunity for engagement by all
staff and that promotes reflection and curiosity, while also being conscious of
considerations of staff workload and wellbeing. The scope of the evaluation may include
literature and document reviews, interviews, surveys and such other tools that are identified
as appropriate and relevant.
The consultant will work closely with the Working Group on anti-discrimination, diversity,
equity and inclusion. They will engage with all ISHR staff members including the Human
Resources Manager and the Executive Director.

Timeframe, schedule and deliverables
The work is expected to start in the second half of March and the final report to be finalised
by 30 June 2022.
The expected activities of the evaluation will include:

• Kick-off, clarifications and scoping meeting with the Working Group;
• Inception report for the evaluation;
• Debriefing/presentation of the results (after visits and prior to the submission of
• the draft report);
• Submit a draft report;
• Submit a final report by 30 June 2022.

The report should include at least the following sections:

• Background and introduction.
• Methodology.
• Main finding concerning the evaluation criteria of relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability.
• Lessons learned.
• Implementation plan including recommendations to ISHR.
• Relevant annexes, including questionnaires, persons and institutions interviewed,
• relevant documents related to ISHR activities etc.**
  Professional qualifications and experience**
  The consultant should have demonstrated experience in evaluation of non-profit
  organisations and human rights projects from a diversity and inclusion perspective.

Applicants should submit their application via the following link by 28 February 2022.
**
Equal opportunity**
ISHR is firmly committed to having a diverse team and to the principle of equal employment
opportunity. ISHR’s policy is to practice fair and non-discriminatory recruitment and
selection procedures and strive for diverse, international and multicultural personnel.
We welcome all kinds of diversity. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates
without distinction including on grounds of race, colour, national origin, age, religion,
disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or sex characteristics,
pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, socio-economic status, or any
other characteristic protected by law.

We particularly welcome applications from systematically, historically and/or
traditionally discriminated against under-represented groups, including women,
persons of colour, LGBTIQ+ persons candidates, persons with disabilities and other
groups.