Human Rights Due Diligence Review Consultant - Security Sector, The Gambia

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is seeking an international consultant to carry out a Human Rights Due Diligence Review (HRDDP) of the security sector in The Gambia. The review covers the Armed Forces, the Police Force, state intelligence services, immigration, prison services, the Office of National Security and the National Human Rights Commission. The expected duration is 44 calendar days, and the work takes place in Banjul.

Key responsibilities

• Assess compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law.
• Review records of human rights violations and patterns of abuse.
• Evaluate accountability and justice mechanisms, including investigations, prosecutions and reparations.
• Assess prevention and mitigation mechanisms such as training, safeguards and early warning systems.
• Review legal, policy and institutional frameworks governing the security sector.
• Conduct risk analysis using HRDDP methodology and develop practical recommendations and mitigation measures.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in Human Rights Law, International Law, Political Science, Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, security sector reform or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience conducting human rights due diligence or risk assessments using HRDDP or similar frameworks.
• Experience engaging with security sector institutions and in transitional or post-authoritarian contexts.
• Experience in West Africa or The Gambia is an asset; fluency in English is required.

Required skills

• Knowledge of security sector reform and UN human rights mechanisms.
• Strong analytical, drafting and communication skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural, religious, gender and political contexts.

Technical proposals must score at least 75% on the evaluation criteria (experience 30%, methodology 45%, expertise 25%) to proceed to financial evaluation. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.