Tenders Are Invited For Consultancy To Investigate DignityS Possibilities To Build Up A Programme In Ethiopia

Tenders are invited for Consultancy to Investigate DignityS Possibilities to Build up a Programme in Ethiopia. Closing Date: 20 Sep 2026 Type: Consultancy Background: DIGNITY is a Danish and international human rights organisation fighting for a world without torture. We work to ensure that no one is subjected to torture or other ill-treatment, and that torture does not live on with traumatized survivors and their families. For more than 35 years, DIGNITY has been a driving civil society force in the global fight against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (CIDTP). We combine rehabilitation, prevention, documentation, research and advocacy to address both the causes and the consequences of torture. In Denmark, DIGNITY operates one of the worlds first rehabilitation centres for survivors of torture, where we provide highly specialised rehabilitation to torture and violence survivors. Moreover, we take a leading role in preventing torture in prisons and other places of detention. In addition to our national work, DIGNITY works in more than 20 countries worldwide in close partnerships with human rights defenders, civil society organisations and, where possible, local and national authorities. In our international programmes, we pursue three core objectives: preventing torture and other forms of violence; strengthening access to timely and quality rehabilitation for survivors, and pursuing accountability for perpetrators and justice for survivors of torture and other grave human rights violations. DIGNITYs modus operandi is the human rights-based approach to development work. We work in close partnership with civil society organisations to strengthen local capacities to document torture and ill-treatment, conduct advocacy for change, and deliver trauma-informed MHPSS services and other relevant support to survivors. Moreover, we engage with duty-bearers at different levels through capacity building efforts and advocacy with the aim of stimulating legal, institutional and practice change towards enhanced compliance with States international human rights obligations to uphold the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment in its various forms. Finally, DIGNITY works to generate new knowledge on how to address the widespread torture, CIDTP and violence that affect marginalized and stigmatized populations in low-and middle-income countries. Through research and evaluations, we seek to deepen the understanding of the causes, dynamics and consequences of torture, CIDTP and violence. We also examine how different partnerships with development actors can leverage broader development and peace and stability for the prevention of torture and CIDTP. DIGNITYs international work is mainly supported by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutional donors. Our annual turnover is DKK 250 million, and we employ approximately 150 staff at the headquarters in Copenhagen and at our country offices in Jordan, Tunisia, Marocco and Ukraine. DIGNITYs potential to contribute to positive change in Ethiopia: In addition to DIGNITYs existing programme countries, Ethiopia has recently been identified as a potential new country of engagement due to the significant need to prevent torture and violence, strengthen access to trauma-informed mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and promote justice and accountability for survivors. Ethiopia continues to face a complex and volatile situation shaped by armed conflict, political tensions, displacement, economic pressures and recurrent climate-related emergencies. While the 2022 peace agreement ended the conflict between the Federal Government and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front, armed conflict continues. Civilians remain exposed to serious human rights violations and abuses, including extrajudicial killings, summary executions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, conflict related sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, incommunicado detention in unofficial facilities or military centres. These crises have severely disrupted communities and the provision of essential public services, leaving large parts of the population in situations of acute and protracted vulnerability. As noted by UN human rights bodies, Ethiopias human rights situation is characterised by a significant gap between legal protections and their implementation in practice. Accountability for torture, ill-treatment and other serious human rights violations remains limited, with persistent concerns regarding impunity. Conflict-affected areas present additional security and access challenges, including restrictions on humanitarian access and independent monitoring. Access to places of detention may be restricted, thereby constraining independent monitoring and documentation. Human rights defenders, journalists and civil society organisations have also been exposed to intimidation, harassment, detention and other forms of retaliation. The cumulative effects of conflict, violence and displacement have also created substantial mental health and psychosocial needs. Exposure to torture and violence, the loss of family members, sexual and gender-based violence and prolonged insecurity can have serious and lasting consequences for individuals, families and communities. The WHO estimates that approximately 22% of people who have experienced war or conflict develop a mental health condition. Without appropriate support, trauma and psychological distress may impair survivors ability to participate in family, community and working life and benefit from education, livelihood and other development initiatives. At the same time, access to quality, trauma-informed MHPSS remains limited, particularly in conflict-affected and resource-constrained areas. Survivors may also face barriers to accessing legal aid, medical documentation and effective referral mechanisms. These services are essential not only for survivors recovery and protection, but also for their ability to obtain justice, redress and recognition of the violations they have experienced. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated and locally led efforts involving civil society, affected communities, public institutions and international actors. Potential areas in which DIGNITY could contribute include: strengthening trauma-informed MHPSS and referral systems; preventing torture, ill-treatment and other forms of violence; supporting community-based violence prevention; improving legal and medical documentation of torture and related human rights violations; expanding survivors access to legal aid and redress; and strengthening the resilience and capacity of civil society organisations working in an increasingly challenging environment. DIGNITY believes that our specialised expertise and partnership-based approach could complement existing initiatives and contribute to positive change in Ethiopia. Any future programme should be developed in close collaboration with Ethiopian civil society organisations, relevant public institutions, research institutions, affected communities and international partners, ensuring that it is locally grounded, conflict-sensitive and responsive to the needs and priorities of survivors and people at risk. However, an engagement in Ethiopia may also entail significant legal, regulatory and civic-space risks. DIGNITY must therefore undertake careful due diligence before initiating any activities in the country in order to determine whether, and under what conditions, DIGNITY can provide financial and technical support to local partner organisations without exposing them to undue risks. The present consultancy assignment will therefore consist of two phases with a built-in stop/go assessment. The first phase will assess the legal and civic-space risks and determine whether DIGNITY can establish a safe, legally viable and operationally feasible and cost-effective engagement in Ethiopia. If no such entry point can be identified, DIGNITY will not proceed to the second phase. If a viable pathway is identified, the second phase of the consultancy will explore and identify areas where DIGNITY can provide clear added value and inform decisions regarding potential partners, geographic focus, areas of engagement, programme design and risk mitigation.Bottom of Form Assignment objectives: The objective of the first phase of the assignment is: To determine whether there is a viable pathway for DIGNITY to engage in Ethiopia and support local partner organisations without exposing them to undue risks. To identify the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to DIGNITY, including different ways of fulfilling them that do not require official organisational registration in Ethiopia, unless strictly necessary. The objective of the second phase of the assignment is: To identify potentials entry points for a future DIGNITY programme in Ethiopia, including strategic relevance and added value in relation to existing structures, actors and gaps in the fields of torture and violence prevention, rehabilitation, documentation and redress in the country. Scope of work: Phase 1 The first phase of the assignment will comprise a narrowly focused stop/go assessment of the legal, regulatory framework and civic-space risks associated with DIGNITYs engagement in Ethiopia, enabling DIGNITY to provide financial and technical support to local partner organisations. The assessment will examine requirements and restrictions on foreign funding, the permissible scope of activities, reporting obligations, potential administrative pressure on partners, and access constraints. The following issues should be carefully assessed: Legal requirements and registration risks What are the legal requirements for establishing a programme as an international NGO in Ethiopia? What legally viable opera Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4228761/consultancy-investigate-dignitys-possibilities-build-programme-ethiopia