Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mapping in Bulgaria

Contract

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Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, over 2.1 million refugees from Ukraine have entered Bulgaria. As of mid-December 2023, the Government of Bulgaria has granted Temporary Protection to more than 173,400 refugees fleeing Ukraine, with the majority being women and children. An estimated 52,000 Ukrainian refugees remain within the country as of mid-December 2023. Additionally, Bulgaria, as an external EU border, plays a strategic role in refugee protection within Europe.

In 2022, Bulgaria's State Agency for Refugees (SAR) registered over 20,400 asylum seekers, primarily from Syria and Afghanistan. As of the end of October 2023, more than 19,000 asylum applications have been received by SAR, surpassing the numbers for the same period last year. SAR operates six reception centers for the registration, Refugee Status Determination procedures, and accommodation of asylum seekers. Amid an increase in arrivals of Afghan and Syrian asylum seekers since 2022, UNHCR supports Bulgaria's Government to ensure policies and legislation align with international and EU standards. UNHCR promotes a comprehensive refugee response grounded in a multi-stakeholder, whole-of-society approach.

UNHCR supports government-led efforts to provide key protection, including legal assistance, information on services, education, and psychosocial support. This support extends to reception and accommodation, as well as the delivery of core relief items for winterization and cash assistance for the most vulnerable groups. UNHCR's priority protection interventions include access to territory and asylum procedures, inclusion of refugees in state-led programs, Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence response, support to persons with specific needs, and mitigation of risks related to trafficking and other forms of abuse and exploitation. UNHCR also assists refugees and asylum seekers with legal information and legal aid, a dedicated legal hotline, and other outreach mechanisms, along with communication through community channels.

In response to the ongoing humanitarian situation with an influx of refugees from Ukraine and ongoing arrivals of asylum seekers at Bulgaria’s southern border, UNHCR recognizes the transformative role that responsible employers can play in fostering inclusivity and support for forcibly displaced individuals. This context prompts the need for a dedicated volunteer to undertake a mapping of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices within Bulgaria's private sector. This undertaking aims to identify and engage with companies committed to making a positive impact on society by providing employment opportunities, supporting UNHCR initiatives, or investing in programs linked to vocational training and livelihoods.

As a CSR and DEI Mapping Volunteer, your role can influence positive change. You will immerse yourself in the corporate landscape, discerning the essence of responsible practices and envisioning collaborations that can drive meaningful outcomes. Through comprehensive research, your task is to analyze and document CSR and DEI initiatives across various private companies in Bulgaria. The culmination of your efforts will be a detailed research paper, offering insights into responsible employers and their potential for collaboration with UNHCR and our partners.

• Conduct thorough research into the CSR and DEI practices of private companies in Bulgaria, identifying initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Evaluate the depth and impact of corporate initiatives towards potential for collaboration with UNHCR and partners.
• Deliver periodic updates, allowing for real-time adjustments to strategy based on emerging trends and findings. Identification of Potential Collaborators: Pinpoint companies with a demonstrated interest in recruiting refugees, supporting vocational training, or investing in initiatives linked to livelihoods and employment.

• Draft a comprehensive document outlining findings, insights, and recommendations based on CSR and DEI mapping in the Bulgarian private sector, and highlighting potential collaborators for UNHCR initiatives, categorizing them based on their areas of interest and commitment.

• Proven skills in conducting detailed and insightful research.

• Familiarity with Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles.
• Knowledge of the Bulgarian private sector landscape.
• Communication Skills: Ability to articulate findings effectively in Bulgarian.