Context and rationale
RCN J&D has been operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2000 . The association currently supports and works with several civil society organizations in the field of justice in order to contribute to plural justice , more honest and respectful of fundamental rights . In the approach of local justice, RCN supports alternative methods of conflict resolution, in particular by supporting traditional leaders in their role as conciliators and by promoting better recognition of women in custom and land law. To promote access to justice for all, support is provided to free consultation offices. Mechanisms to raise awareness and inform litigants on the procedures for seeking legal recourse and on the functioning of justice are also developed. RCN also takes actions to combat torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in various places of detention. The fight against corruption in the judicial system is also one of our priority interventions. In view of the conflict situations in the DRC and the international crimes committed there, RCN and its partners are also interested in mechanisms of transitional justice and the fight against impunity with a view to contributing to the return to social cohesion and peace. building lasting peace.
RCN J&D implements support programs for judicial actors and members of civil society with the aim of promoting accessible justice, meeting the needs of litigants. It is currently present in the provinces of Kinshasa, Kasaï, Equateur, North Kivu and Ituri.
As part of the second Justice Reform Support Program (PARJ2), financed by the 11th European Development Fund and co-financed by the Belgian Development Cooperation (DGD), RCN J&D is implementing the following product: “the alternative methods of conflict resolution offer litigants effective alternatives that respect rights and are recognized by the authorities to resolve their disputes”, which provides for the development of a training and awareness kit on the rights of indigenous peoples (IP) including a image box and training from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) partners of RCN J&D in Ecuador, including a CSO for IP protection
Indeed, there are indigenous peoples on every continent, from the Arctic to the Pacific, including Asia, Africa and the Americas. The term “indigenous peoples” has not been the subject of any authoritative definition in international law, nor is it defined in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This decision was made intentionally by the drafters on the basis that the identification of an indigenous people is their own right – the right to self-identification – and constitutes a fundamental element of the right to self-determination . [1]
In the DRC, these are ethnic groups living mainly in the Congo River basin with lifestyles, cultures, languages and knowledge distinct from other populations. Considering the efforts made by civil society and the Congolese legislator, which efforts resulted in Law No. 22/030 of July 15, 2022 on the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous Pygmy peoples , it is clearly visible that complementary initiatives must continue both at the level of decision-makers and at the level of citizens with a view to further raising collective awareness regarding the recognition, respect and exercise of fundamental rights as well as rights specific to this group which, in fact, , is often the victim of discrimination and marginalization.
As much as the above-mentioned law enshrines civil and political rights to IPs, economic, social and cultural rights, rights to the environment, land, natural resources and work, complementary measures and actions must be implemented. support to be able to really change people’s paradigms, attitudes and behaviors. In some places again, the cultures of IPs are seen through the wave of social, cultural, linguistic norms, etc. who do not value diversity. Many IPs are excluded from decision-making processes, public services, economic opportunities, land rights and natural resources. Victims of stereotypes, they are often considered by their fellow citizens as inferior to other communities or other ethnic groups [2] . They are considered a savage, backward people, and very little represented in public institutions. In certain areas, they are subject to neighboring ethnic groups who have more rights (over) than them.
In view of the above, as part of PARJ2, RCN J&D is looking for a consultant at national and international level to develop a kit of training and awareness materials on IP rights
Objectives and expected results of the service
RCN J&D is looking for a consultant/firm/design office responsible for developing training and awareness materials on the rights of IPs – Pygmies for civil society actors from Ecuador in the DRC.
More specifically, the consultant will be in charge of:
- Equip RCN J&D and its partners to implement educational materials and techniques appropriate to training, popularization and awareness-raising activities on the rights of IPs adapted to the Congolese context
- Strengthen the technical capacities of RCN J&D and its partners in Ecuador on the rights of IPs and the techniques for facilitating awareness sessions for IPs and neighboring peoples.
The following results are expected from the consultant:
- RCN J&D and its partners have appropriate educational materials and animation techniques to strengthen knowledge of IP rights
- RCN J&D and its partners have educational materials and appropriate animation techniques for raising awareness among IPs and neighboring peoples
- RCN J&D and its civil society partners in Ecuador are trained in the use of all training and awareness materials produced
Deliverables
The consultant must deliver the following products:
- Deliverable 1: An illustrated training module on IP rights
- Deliverable 2: A methodological and educational guide for conducting training
- Deliverable 3: Innovative educational materials to raise awareness and encourage the population on the rights of IPs (image box)
- Deliverable 4: Training of a CSO to promote the rights of IPs and a CSO to defend human rights in Mbandaka.
- Deliverable 5: Final mission execution report
Location and duration of the consultancy
The consultancy is estimated at 9 days of work (including 6 of service for the design and 3 days for training in Mbandaka, including travel days) and can be carried out partially remotely with regard to the development of the tools.
The indicative implementation period is from April 15 to May 15, 2024.
Required profile
The consultant or consultancy team will have the following skills:
- Diploma in sociology, anthropology, law, communication, pedagogy, etc.;
- Specific knowledge and experience relating to the theme of indigenous peoples will be an asset.
- Proven professional experience in the training and communication sector in fragile and developing states;
- Knowledge of the Great Lakes region and the political and legal context of the DRC is an asset;
- Excellent writing skills in French;
- Good knowledge of national languages is an advantage;
- Be available throughout the duration of the study.
Application file
The application file will consist of:
- The CVs of the team members detailing similar missions, expertise and skills related to this mission
- A detailed technical offer
- A financial offer not exceeding €4,794 (four thousand seven hundred and ninety-four euros), which will take into account in detail all costs (including tax charges) linked to the mission and indicate the total price proposed , included flight costs and accommodation for training in Mbandaka. Printing and distribution costs are not included in the offer; similarly, the logistical costs relating to the training-coaching workshop (room rental, transport of participants, meals), will be covered by RCN J&D and are not included in the financial offer.
- Three professional references including first and last names, positions at the time of collaboration, emails and telephone contacts
- An extract from similar training and/or communication tools produced in sub-Saharan Africa.
The offers will be evaluated on the basis of a cumulative analysis of the CV, the technical offer, previous experience and the financial offer.
[1] Indigenous peoples and human rights | OHCHR
[2] sowip-summary-fr.pdf (un.org)
How to apply
- How to apply?
The various elements constituting the file to be submitted must be sent no later than April 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. (Kinshasa time) only by email and in PDF files to the following address: ao@rcn-rdc.org with the subject PARJ2 /TRAINING-PA/RCN2024
Note: RCN Justice & Démocratie is not responsible for the fees and costs relating to related files. The Organization does not charge any fees at any stage of its selection and contract award process.
Any telephone or e-mail exchange with RCN J&D employees relating to this call for tenders is not authorized. Any suspicion of compromise, influence peddling, corruption or conflict of interest in the process invalidates the application.
RCN J&D encourages both female and male skills
Only pre-selected bidders will be contacted.
The selection process may end before the deadline as soon as a candidate meeting the criteria has been identified among the files received as soon as possible.