Uzbek Forum for Human Rights is Seeking a Consultant Researcher and Report Writer

Start date:

As soon as possible

Duration:

Initially for 4-6 months depending on availability, but with the possibility of further extension

Working hours:

Flexible

Location:

Remote

Remuneration:

Competitive

Deadline:

31 May 2024

Background
Uzbek Forum for Human Rights is a Berlin-based NGO dedicated to defending human rights and strengthening civil society in Uzbekistan. Uzbek Forum’s independent monitoring has been the backbone of a years’ long effort to eradicate child and forced labor in Uzbekistan’s cotton fields. Uzbek Forum has unique expertise on labor rights and works on a number of cross-cutting projects related to rights violations in Uzbekistan’s agriculture sector.

Uzbek Forum is currently researching links between German companies trading with Uzbek textile companies to assess their compliance with Germany’s supply chain law and overall due diligence. The findings will be used to publish a report and conduct advocacy with brands, retailers, textile companies and a diverse range of stakeholders including government ministries and industry associations to put forth recommendations and advocate for change where needed.

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • Conduct research into German companies sourcing from or supplying Uzbek textile companies.
  • Examine due diligence applied by German companies operating in Uzbekistan to comply with the German supply chain law.
  • Establish communications with German and Uzbek companies to understand the challenges of fulfilling the requirements of the German supply chain law.
  • Develop a monitoring plan to assess labor conditions throughout the Uzbek textile production chain.
  • Develop recommendations to key stakeholders including governments, industry representatives, companies, retailers and brands.
  • Draft a report outlining the findings of research and monitoring.

Requirements:

  • At least two years’ experience of researching and reporting on human rights issues, preferably in relation to business and human rights.
  • Written and spoken fluency in English and either German or Uzbek or Russian.
  • A university degree in international relations, law, human rights or social sciences.
  • Sound knowledge of business and human rights, including due diligence and supply chain codes.
  • Familiarity with the German supply chain law and the textile sector in Europe.
  • Strong communication skills in the field of human rights as well as corporate settings.
  • Strong analytical and writing skills.
  • Strong digital skills and familiarity with open-source investigations.
  • Creative approach to presenting and communicating research findings.

This is a consultancy position within a small, dynamic team working with a wide network of colleagues from international human rights NGOs. We look forward to meeting you!

Please send your letter of interest, CV and writing sample with the subject line Supply Chain Consultant by 31 May 2024 to: Lynn.Schweisfurth@uzbekforum.org