Researcher: Understanding the linkages between Business and Human Rights in the context of international trade and investment

Consultant

Overview

Research and analyze the linkages between Human Rights, Sustainable Development and International Trade and Investment.

You have:

• Master’s Degree in International Relations, International Law, Economics, Political Science, or other Social Sciences, or closely related fields is required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working on Business and Human Rights related issues, in policy, research or practice areas.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Expertise and knowledge of the Asia and the Pacific region, in particular in the areas of international trade and investment, Rule of Law, and Human Rights.
• Good understanding of Sri Lanka and key stakeholders.

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

Over several decades, increased levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade flows have translated to increased growth and reduced poverty levels in several countries in Asia and the Pacific. In Sri Lanka, FDI contributes to under 3% of GDP, well below potential given the country’s capacity and sizeable diaspora. As consumers become more socially conscious and aware of their consumption patterns, it is vital that the trade and investment sectors in Sri Lanka adapt to the change, in order to benefit from this, and spur growth in the country.

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in production and trade coming to a near standstill in several countries. This break in economic activity, underscored by factory and retail lock downs and an abrupt halt in consumer demand, comes during a period of slowing trade growth overall. In response to this challenging environment, governments have turned to new trade arrangements, expansionary fiscal policies, special economic zones, tax incentives, and other instruments to stimulate economic growth. Some countries have relaxed regulations or oversight to give businesses the leeway needed to either maintain operations or to restart them.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, the will to promote growth often came at a steep price to human rights and the environment. National Human Rights institutions and civil society organizations across the region have long given voice to the rise in illegal land appropriation against indigenous groups, violation of labour rights, and increased environmental degradation linked to business operations. Given the increasing social awareness of modern day consumers, the COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to ‘build back better’ allowing us to divert away from previously unsustainable practices toward a more sustainable growth trajectory, one that integrates human rights considerations with trade and investment incentives, thereby positioning Sri Lanka in a more favourable, advantageous light globally.

UNDP Sri Lanka under the guidance of the UNDP Asia-Pacific, Governance and Peace building Team, Business and Human Rights Unit is currently engaged in promoting the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). The UNGP clarifies the duty of states and the responsibility of businesses to uphold international norms and treaties on human rights. These Guiding Principles rest on three pillars: 1) the State’s duty to protect human rights; 2) the corporate responsibility to respect human rights and; 3) the joint responsibility of both the State and businesses sector to provide access to remedy for victims of business-related abuses.

UNDP’s regional project on Business and Human Rights, titled “Business and Human Rights in Asia: Enabling Sustainable Economic Development through the Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework”, will, among other things, address the linkages between international trade and investment and human rights risks in business operations.

Against this backdrop, UNDP Sri Lanka is looking to hire a consultant to conduct a research on these linkages between Human Rights, Sustainable Development and International Trade and Investment specifically in the context of Sri Lanka, and to further develop this research into a think piece.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

The objective of this research is to examine international trade and investment issues and how they relate to the UNGPs and broader Business and Human Rights agenda to better understand the linkages, as well as examine the risks and opportunities, through application of the UNGPs on Business and Human Rights lens.

The research will inform policy dialogues on Business and HR in Sri Lanka, the role of international trade and investment in achieving sustainable development and will also be developed into a think piece as a part of the project’s communication products.

The assignment is to be structured around the following objectives,

1. Identify the linkages between international trade and investment in relation to sustainable development and Human Rights considerations with specific reference to:

• The political and economic context of the country;
• The role of Human Rights in trade and investment;
• The role of the UNGPs (in the context of Business and Human Rights) in trade and investment

1. Develop a strong evidence base for the role of international trade and investment, and the link to Business and Human Rights;
2. Identify the role of state and business enterprises in promoting businesses to respect human rights while engaging in international trade and investment;
3. Identify potential changes that the government and businesses may implement in the current COVID-19 context, in relation to international trade and investment;
4. Analyse relevant policies being developed in the region as lessons learned for the Sri Lankan context as appropriate;
5. Develop the research into a think piece, to be used as a communications product.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct the following activities under the supervision of the Business and Human Rights Specialist

• Develop a research methodology;
• Conduct a desk review of relevant policies and measures in place in relation to international trade and investment that are in place and their effects on the Business and Human Rights landscape in Sri Lanka as well how it links to the political economic landscape of the country;
• Provide case studies on international trade and investment and BHR;
• Conduct interviews, meetings, focus group discussions as necessary;
• Draft research paper on the findings, recommendation and highlight policy actions;
• Present research findings;
• Develop research into a think piece, to be used as a communications product for advocacy and raising awareness.

Key Deliverables and Timeline

The consultant will be responsible for delivering:

1. A research paper with the content mentioned in section C in line with the UNDP programming on Business and Human Rights (Preliminary report and findings presented to team and final research report thereafter);
2. Presentation of draft research report distinguishing, the context, literature review, analysis of primary and secondary data findings, recommendations and policy implications on the Business and Human Rights agenda in Sri Lanka;
3. A think piece that can be used as a communications product.

TIME FRAME

3 Months. The period of the assignment is estimated to be from September – December 2020.

Competencies

The consultant should possess the following expertise and qualifications:

• Expertise and knowledge of the Asia and the Pacific region, in particular in the areas of international trade and investment, Rule of Law, and Human Rights;
• Expertise on Business and Human Rights is an advantage;
• Excellent leadership and organisational skills, including the ability to share information and coordinate efforts within the team;
• Excellent writing and reporting skills in English;
• Effective communication skills and ability to work under time constraints;
• Full computer literacy in Microsoft Office i.e. MS-Word, MS-Excel, and MS-Power Point. Excellent presentation and facilitation skills;
• Ability to work in multi-cultural teams and work in different cultural contexts;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s Degree in International Relations, International Law, Economics, Political Science, or other Social Sciences, or closely related fields is required.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience working on Business and Human Rights related issues, in policy, research or practice areas;
• Relevant experience in Asia Pacific is an asset;
• Good understanding of Sri Lanka and key stakeholders;
• Previous experience with the United Nations is a definite asset.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

HOW TO APPLY

The application should contain:

• A Technical research proposal clearly outlining the methodology and the rationale and limitations
• Cover letter describing suitability of the candidate for the scope of work outlined in this ToR
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including the technical proposal, the cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP
• Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: [email protected] stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: US$ (______________________________________)

Amount in words: (US$._______________________________________________________________)

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on the achievement of agreed milestones, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All-Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and submission of original bills/invoices and prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdium and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it to arrive at the duty station or as an essential duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above. A medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payment will be made upon completion of the following milestones verified by the B&HR Specialist

• Deliverable 1: Submission of a preliminary research paper with the content mentioned in section C in line with the UNDP programming on Business and Human Rights (Preliminary report and findings presented to team) – 30% of the total payment by September 2020;

• Deliverable 2: Presentation of final research report distinguishing, the context, literature review, analysis of primary and secondary data findings, recommendations and policy implications on the Business and Human Rights agenda in Sri Lanka – 60% of the total payment by October 2020;

• Deliverable 3: Submission of think piece to be used as a communications product – 10% of the total payment by December 2020.

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workplace, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.undp.org