Researcher – Global Report on the Situation of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs)

   Purpose of Consultancy

The Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRD-IC) is a transnational, intersectional feminist coalition of women human rights defenders, feminists, trans and non-binary activists, organisations, and allies.

To develop a new Global Report on the Situation of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs),  WHRD-IC seeks a researcher, group of researchers, or research organisation.

  Objectives of the Research

The consultant will produce a global report that:

• Provides an overview of key trends, challenges, threats, and violations faced by WHRDs globally.
• Develops cross-regional, cross-issue, and cross-movement analysis of WHRDs’ work and risks.
• Identifies new and emerging dynamics in the WHRD landscape.
• Documents and amplifies stories of resistance, resilience, and hope.
• Analyses effective feminist tactics and strategies and their impacts.
• Offers concrete recommendations for international, regional, and local stakeholders on protection, support, and funding.

  Scope of Work

Research Design & Methodology

• Develop an Inception Report with objectives, scope, methodology, and workplan.
• Ensure diversity of regions, themes, identities, and movements.
• Possible methods:
  • Literature review
  • Semi-structured interviews
  • Focus group discussions
  • Remote documentation
  • Case study collection
• Build upon existing WHRD-IC research and publications.

Data Collection

• Conduct interviews and/or focus groups with WHRD-IC members and allies.
• Identify gaps and propose outreach to ensure balance.
• Engage members in case/story collection.
• Ensure processes are safe, ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive.

Intersectional & Cross-Movement Lens

• Use tracking systems to ensure balanced representation.
• Include underrepresented groups and contexts.
• Engage grassroots and marginalised groups throughout.

Analysis

• Identify patterns in challenges, violations, risks, and threats.
• Highlight emerging trends and new types of attacks.
• Document positive stories and feminist strategies.
• Ground insights in intersectional and decolonial feminist analysis.

Drafting the Report

• Produce a coherent, accessible, advocacy-oriented global report.
• Combine narrative and analytical dimensions.
• Integrate case studies using ethical storytelling guidelines.

Coalition Engagement

• Attend coordination meetings with WHRD-IC leadership.
• Facilitate virtual workshops to refine findings and co-create chapters.
• Present preliminary findings for feedback and validation.
• Participate in the public launch of the report.

  Expected Deliverables

• Inception Report
• Data collection tools
• Interim findings report
• First full draft of the Global Report
• Revised draft based on feedback
• Final Global Report (approx. 40–60 pages)
• Executive Summary (5–8 pages)

  Timeline

• Inception Report: March 2026
• Interim findings report: July 2026
• First full draft: September 2026
• Second draft after feedback: October 2026
• Final report & executive summary: November 2026

  Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in human rights, gender justice, or WHRD research.
• Ability to use feminist, intersectional, participatory methodologies.
• Strong qualitative research skills.
• Experience with grassroots actors and diverse movements.
• Familiarity with WHRD ecosystem desirable.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to work remotely across time zones.
• Strong ethical awareness and safe documentation practices.

  Ethical Considerations & Safety

Researchers must adhere to:

• Intersectional feminist, human rights, and anti-oppression principles.
• Secure communication practices.
• Trauma-informed, survivor-centred approaches.
• Confidentiality and protection of sensitive information.
• Informed consent procedures.

  Reporting & Ways of Working

• Reports to WHRD-IC Executive Coordinator and Knowledge Co-Creation Working Group.
• WHRD-IC values feminist leadership, fairness, transparency, and strong communication.
• Contract duration: February 1 – November 30, 2026.

  Compensation

• Daily rate for up to 80 working days.
• Payments made according to a mutually agreed schedule.

  How to Apply

Learn more and Apply Here.

Application deadline: January 10, 2026. Apply now.