Consultant on digital risks of DFI projects

Result of Service Analysis of MDB and DFI project databases and findings on the extent to which digital projects address human rights concerns.

Work Location Home based

Expected duration 1/10/2023-30/11/2023

Duties and Responsibilities To undertake research to identify the extent to which environmental and social (E&S) risk assessment and management processes of development finance institutions (DFIs) address human rights concerns associated with digital technology projects. The research will be undertaken by the consultant in October-November 2023 and will feed into OHCHR’s longer-term project in 2023-24 on digital risks in DFI-supported projects. The research will aim to fill the evidence gap in terms of how digital risks are addressed through the application of DFIs’ existing environmental and social (E&S) safeguard policies and risk management processes. The consultant will carry out preliminary consultations and key informant interviews in order to scope the work, and will then undertake a literature review and web-based research of the project databases of major multilateral development banks (MDBs) and a selection of bilateral DFIs, identified in consultation with OHCHR. The consultant will analyse E&S ratings and assessment information for digital projects in key sectors, along with E&S risk information for projects which are not defined as “digital” but nevertheless have significant digital dimensions. The consultant will also review available thematic evaluations, E&S guidance material, evaluations of E&S outcomes of projects, and databases of DFIs’ independent accountability mechanisms. Applying an analytical framework agreed with OHCHR, the consultant will assess the extent to which existing E&S risk assessment and management policies and practices for digital projects address human rights concerns, and present the findings in a clear and comprehensive fashion, with the DFI readership in mind. The consultant will participate as a resource person in at least one on-line consultation meeting with DFIs in November 2023.

Qualifications/special skills Strong research skills are essential. 2 years experience in the fields of development finance, digital technology or human rights are desirable.

Languages Fluency in English required

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.