Request for Proposals – Baseline Assessment in Brazil

Deadline for Submission of Proposals: September 26, 2024

RFP # VPSHR217

The complete RFP and instructions for submitting are available here.

Questions related to this RFP will be accepted until Monday, September 9, 2024. Answers will be posted below.

The Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) issued a Request for Proposals to develop a baseline study in Brazil.

Purpose of Consultancy

Working under the oversight of the VPI Secretariat, the consultant will develop a Baseline Study offering the necessary analysis and recommendations to inform the Brazil In-Country Working Group’s future strategy and work plans on Security and Human Rights.

The objective of the baseline study is to enhance the capacity of the members of the Brazil In-Country Working Group to accurately understand and predict human rights risks, and understand existing impacts related to the provision of security in mining and energy sectors in different regions of Brazil.

Eligibility Requirements

Resident of Brazil (with residence in Brazil during the time of the consultancy).
A degree in International Relations, Political Science, Law, or another relevant field.
A minimum of seven years of experience in developing research and publications on human rights issues and/or security-related issues. Working experience and knowledge of the extractives sector and its governance in Brazil is highly desirable.
Fluent in Portuguese and English.

Proposals must be submitted by e-mail no later than September 26, 2024, to tenders@voluntaryprinciples.org.

Background

The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR or simply Voluntary Principles) are an internationally recognized set of principles that guide companies on how to conduct their security operations while ensuring respect for human rights.

The Voluntary Principles were created in 2000 when companies, governments, and NGOs committed to work together to address security-related human rights abuses and violations in the extractive sector. Today, the Principles help companies in various industries.

To promote the implementation of the Principles, the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) was created. The Initiative is comprised of over 75 members including companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations that share best practices and mutually support the implementation of the Principles. For additional information, please visit: http://www.voluntaryprinciples.org/.

Questions and Answers

1. The start date indicates October 28th, 2024. Do you have a hard deadline for the completion date?

We anticipate that the baseline study will require approximately 90 days (3 months) for completion. However, we remain flexible. The applicant is expected to submit a detailed timeline, outlining their anticipated completion date based on the proposed methodology.
2. The RFP indicates that bidders must be a resident of Brazil. Would you accept a proposal from a Brazilian consultant based in Brazil with a support team from overseas?

The bidder is expected to be based in Brazil due to the need for in-depth knowledge of the extractives sector within the country, as well as familiarity with local security and human rights risks. Additionally, the consultant will need to conduct interviews—including bilateral meetings and focus group discussions—with representatives from companies, civil society organizations, and government entities in Brazil. While the consultant should be locally based, they may be supported by an overseas team in drafting the report.