Proposals sought for strategic planning consultant At Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions

Founded in 1996, the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) has created a strong and united platform that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from all corners of Asia and the Pacific to address some of the most serious human rights challenges in our region.

NHRIs are independent bodies, established by law or by the constitution of their country, to promote and protect human rights. Unlike other regions of the world, there is no regional human rights court or protection system across Asia Pacific to which people can turn when their rights are violated. This makes the role of APF and NHRIs in our region even more critical.

Through the sustained and dedicated efforts of our members, the APF is helping to build an Asia Pacific where everyone can enjoy their fundamental human rights. Drawing on 25 years of experience, a commitment to innovation and an outcome-based approach to our work, our expertise lies in establishing new NHRIs and strengthening the capacity of our members to achieve their mandate of protecting and promoting human rights.

On behalf of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) in its current role as Chairperson of the South-east Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF), the APF is seeking a consultant with demonstrated expertise in Strategic Planning to assist in the development and drafting of a new Strategic Plan for SEANF for 2022 – 2026.

The selected consultant will work closely with representatives from the APF, SUHAKAM and members from SEANF Technical Working Group (TWGSP) to develop the Strategic Plan for 2022 – 2026 and relevant stakeholders to finalise the Strategic Plan by November 2021. It is expected that the consultant will use the APF Guide to Strategic Planning for NHRIs and Guide for NHRIs to developing a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Framework with reference to the SEANF Strategic Plan for 2017 – 2021 to undertake this work.

About SEANF

SEANF, is a unique organisation with the mandate to promote, protect and fulfil human rights in Southeast Asia through its independent member NHRIs. Respecting the independent mandate of each member NHRI, SEANF do not regulate the authority, scope of work, and function of these institutions. Working under a cooperative framework, SEANF members carry out joint projects, and dialogue on issues of common concern, such as human trafficking, migrant workers, statelessness, business and human rights, persons with disabilities, and corruption. SEANF also collaborates with regional and international human rights organizations to further promote and protect human rights at all levels.

SEANF membership consists of six NHRIs, the National Commission on Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia (Komnas HAM), the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), the Commission on Human Rights of the Republic of the Philippines (CHR), National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT), Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC), and Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) of Timor-Leste.

The APF are seeking consultancy expertise to work collaboratively with the project team to produce the following deliverables:

· Using the APF Guide to Strategic Planning for NHRIs, to lead and guide SEANF TWGSP members through the process of developing a Strategic Plan for SEANF which will be finalised by November 2021. Work to achieve this deliverable includes:

o Facilitation of internal workshops with key representatives to agree on the mission, vision and values.

o Undertake a stakeholder consultation process as determined by SEANF TWGSP members.

o Working with key representatives to undertake an environmental scan and agree priorities and high-level outcomes.

o Assist in the identification of suitable interventions.

o Undertake a stakeholder consultation process as determined by SUHAKAM.

o Develop an initial draft by August 2021 for consultation.

o Finalise the plan based on the feedback from stakeholder consultations.

o Work with representatives to develop a high-level Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework for the final Plan.

o Assist in the development of an operational plan for the first year of the final Strategic Plan.

The consultant would be expected to apply gender considerations throughout the process.

The agreement will commence from 24 August 2021 to 30 June 2022*.* Candidates are requested to indicate a daily rate for the proposal. The APF estimates between 30 – 35 days to undertake this work.

The consultant will invoice the APF monthly for payment in alignment with the APF’s payment schedule.

Considerations

Please note in the consideration of the quotation, that the APF is currently operating remotely, with staff working from home, based across Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, and Melbourne). Pending the unfolding COVID Pandemic, there may be scope to bring the APF staff together for workshops and meetings required to complete the deliverables.

The APF is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation therefore the consideration of our status in the formulation of the quotation is greatly appreciated. In conducting our work, we seek to collaborate with partners who are aligned with our values and demonstrate a human rights-based approach to their work

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in:

· Successful development and drafting of Strategic Plans including Monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

· Operationalisation of Strategic Plans and formulation of budgeting processes.

· Keen awareness and understanding of NHRIs and international human rights frameworks.

· Ability to apply a gender mainstreaming approach to the development of a Strategic Plan.

· Excellent writing and communication skills.

Additionally, the successful candidate will need to:

· Act in a professional manner and adhere to the APF Code of Conduct.

· Apply the APF Guide to Strategic Planning for NHRIs for this work.

· Work effectively and deliver outputs on time.

· Be able to effectively work with teams based across Southeast Asia and Australia.