Consultancy Services to Produce A Study on No Innocent Bystanders and Violence Against Women and Girls in the Cyberspace in European Commonwealth Countries

Purpose of the assignment

The purpose of the assignment is to undertake research and produce a detailed report which assesses the nature, prevalence and impact of OVAWG, the adverse and positive impacts of bystanders, and key interventions and frameworks required to address the problem of OVAWGs in Commonwealth countries in Europe.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking a consultant who can undertake research and produce a detailed report, which draws on the policy, legal and institutional frameworks, and practices in the region. The report is expected to map the prevalence of OVAWG, the culpability of bystanders and the state of laws, institutions, policies, and practices in European Commonwealth countries. To this end the findings of the report must contain, key interventions on OVAWG and culpability of bystanders in the pervasive problem of OVAWG (through the rule of law and human rights interventions), good practices and frameworks required to address the problem and recommendations for legal and policy reform.

Methodology

The Consultant(s) - in close consultation with the Project Manager - will be expected to:

1. Conduct a desk review of literature and materials from across the respective region of the Commonwealth.
2. Write and present a detailed report to the Secretariat

Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant

 Under the guidance of the Project Manager, the Consultant will be required to:

1. Review existing literature on OVAWG and the laws, policy and institutional framework on bystanders in European countries of the Commonwealth.
2. Map the prevalence of OVAWG perpetrated by bystanders in the region and highlight victims’ perspective.
3. Review relevant current debates, policy documents, reports and legislative papers to assess the relevant frameworks used to address online violence against women and girls in target countries.
4. Present draft versions of the report by 15 January 2023 and receive thereafter any comments on the draft report from the Secretariat and take these into account in drafting the final report.
5. Deliver by no later than 31 January 2022 a satisfactory final version of the report to the Secretariat.

Expected tangible and measurable output(s)

Indicators to evaluate the consultant's performance 

All outputs shall be assessed in accordance with the following indicators:

Qualifications/expertise sought (required educational background, years of relevant work experience, other special skills or knowledge required)

• Advanced degree(s) in law, politics, social science, or international relations;
• Minimum of 10 years of professional expertise in criminal justice and international cooperation in criminal matters, with a focus on electronic evidence and cybercrime;
• Practical professional experience in provision of advice and training to justice system officials;
• Proven ability to network and establish collaborative relationships with a variety of actors;
• Strong research design skills, including capacity to prepare logical, coherent, and consistent reports.
• Prior demonstrated experience from designing and conducting research for institutional donors and for multilateral, bilateral and vertical funding sources.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Flexibility to adapt to any subsequent changes in the terms of reference.
• Excellent English speaking/writing skills required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities.
• Very good understanding of using Microsoft Word and Excel as well as other relevant Microsoft office software.
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
• A positive, constructive attitude to work.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards.

Administrative arrangements

The tasks associated with this Terms of Reference are expected to be completed through home-based preparatory and coordination work.  Virtual conference calls will be the main mode of meetings with the Secretariat and other key stakeholders. The total budget payable under this contract will be up to £5000 (including VAT and other charges). Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of work signed off by the Commonwealth Secretariat and within 30 days upon submission of the invoice.

Applicants should send a CV and a quote (including the number of consultancy days) to [email protected] before 17:00 GMT on Monday, 21 December 2022.

Evaluation will be based on competency and cost. Priority will be given to consultants that are Commonwealth citizens or entities registered in a Commonwealth country.

The consultant will receive payments on a payment schedule and in accordance with the terms of the consultancy offer letter.