Result of Service

The expert consultant is expected to research and draft a study of patterns of obstacles and hostilities affecting civic space in the Middle East and North Africa region over the last decade.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

1 Nov to 31 Dec 2023

Duties and Responsibilities

In this regard, the mapping would benefit from two other studies conducted by the CSU and the OHCHR Tech team in 2023: an analysis of the experiences of journalists and human rights defenders on social media platforms (published as a conference paper at Rightscon) and a study on the impact of surveillance practices (currently being conducted).

For this collaborative effort, CSU would hire an expert consultant (after consultations with the OHCHR Regional Office in MENA), who would do a background research, including interviews with key actors and capture key-issues and structure them in a tangible, clear and comprehensive manner, referring to sources throughout. The study would be written in English and include background, contextual information and an analysis of trends/developments regarding to online democratic space.

The expert consultant is expected to research and draft a study of patterns of obstacles and hostilities affecting civic space in the MENA region over the last decade.

Possible areas of focus, to be decided after consultation between the contractee and OHCHR may include assessing the following interventions and its compatibility with human rights standards:

a) Identification of common online threats affecting human rights defenders, journalists, and other key civil society actors, including shutdowns of communications, the use of surveillance tools; online harassment, and organized campaigns against critical voices.
b) Identification of types of legal instruments and recurrent State interventions regulating online spaces and their impact on the work of civil society actors and entities.
c) Identification of channels and services offered by tech companies to support civil society operating in the MENA region and respond to their demands.
d) Identification of episodes of mandated communications disruptions (internet shutdowns) over the last decade in the MENA region, their perceived impact, alleged causes and attempts to respond and prevent them.
e) Identification of existing networks providing direct support and training to civil society actors to increase their protection in online contexts.
f) Review of relevant studies and comments by international human rights protection mechanisms , including human rights treaty bodies and special rapporteurs on alleged violations and legal and institutional developments in the region.
g) Formulate recommendations to all key stakeholders to address identified issues and challenges.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
At least seven (7) years of professional experience in the area of human rights protection and promotion, including in the context research and analysis.
Knowledge of human rights issues and working experience in the MENA region, including specifically in the context of technology/social media and human rights is desirable.
Prior contacts with relevant governmental and private business counterparts would be desirable.

Languages

For the position advertised, fluency in English and Arabic (both oral and written) is 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.