Consultancy Opportunity
HRDN is looking for a consultant to analyse the level of prioritisation and investment on the support to Human Rights and Democracy work under the new "Global Europe" regulation as part of the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
I. About the Human Rights and Democracy Network
The Human Rights and Democracy Network is united by our vision that human rights and democracy should be placed at the heart of the European Union’s internal and external policy agenda. We work together toward an EU which effectively protects human rights at home, and is a force for positive change in the world. Recognised by the EU institutions, HRDN is routinely invited to brief and advise policymakers and officials in our areas of expertise. HRDN is also the EU’s official partner in the organisation of the annual EU NGO Forum on Human Rights.
The Funding for Human Rights and Democracy Working Group follows the programming and implementation of the EU funds supporting actions on human rights and democracy, in particular the Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme under the current Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) , with a view to increasing the effectiveness of the EU financial support to human rights and civil society organisations in the EU’s partner countries.
II. Introduction
The European Commission has proposed a new "Global Europe" regulation as part of the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This new instrument aims to consolidate and simplify the European Union's external action financing, succeeding previous regulations such as the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI-Global Europe), among others
The European Commission's proposal explicitly states that the instrument will continue to promote human rights, gender equality, and EU multilateral engagement. Specifically, the document states that the support to Human Rights and Democracy and to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) remains a priority under the new Global Europe instrument, channelled through both the new geographic and global pillars. The new proposal also notes that assistance "could be suspended in the event of degradation in democracy, human rights or the rule of law in third countries", indicating the continued use of conditionalities.
In reaction to the proposed new Global Europe regulation, the HRDN issued a short statement urging the European Commission, the Member States and the European Parliament to integrate a stand-alone and well-resourced allocation to human rights, democracy and CSOs, to maintain and expand the prioritisation of these thematic areas in suit of NDICI-Global Europe.
As a follow-up to this initial statement, the Funding for Human Rights and Democracy Working Group is looking for the support of consultant(s) to undertake a more in depth comparative analysis of the new Global Europe regulation that can be used to better understand the possible positive/negative impacts that the new proposal will entail for the future programming and implementation of the EU funds supporting actions on human rights and democracy. This analysis should serve as a basis for the development of a more detailed statement, clearer advocacy messages and an advocacy strategy to be implemented by HRDN in the month of October 2025.
III. Objectives and deliverables
Analyse the proposed Global Europe regulation with a gender sensitive approach and a focus on the possible implications (positive or negative) on the European Union’s political support, investment and clear predictable funding allocation for the support of Human Rights and Democracy work.
Support’s HRDN’s collective advocacy through well-grounded analysis and strategic recommendations for the development of a second more in-depth reaction and statement to be published in September -October 2025 as follow-up to the reaction published already in the month of August that will serve as a basis of a follow up advocacy strategy to be implemented by the network.
IV. Scope of the analysis
The analysis is expected to cover at least the following areas:
Assess the main differences proposed in the new "Global Europe" regulation compared to NDICI in terms of Human Rights and Democracy.
Analyse how these differences could lead to positive or negative impacts for programming and implementation of the EU funds supporting actions on human rights and democracy, as well for the sustainability of human rights organisations, specifically considering the mainstreaming of thematic programs into geographic and global pillars and what seems to be a lack of clear, pre-allocated, and predictable funding for human rights and democracy.
Examine against other relevant particularities present in the new regulation that could have an impact in the support for human rights; such as -but not only- the following:
Shift towards EU self-interest guiding external action and international cooperation.
Predictability and allocation of funds for human rights and democracy.
Eligibility criteria and access mechanisms for the human rights allocation under the geographic/global pillars.
The decision-making structures within EU delegations and at headquarters.
Inclusion of a gender sensitive approach throughout the programming
The use of conditionalities related to human rights compliance.
The role of the private sector in external action.
This list is not exhaustive and the HRDN expects the consultant to be able to better identify what other areas are more relevant and include those in the analysis.
V. Inputs
Your work will be informed by analyzing the "Global Europe" regulation itself, reviewing analysis and existing statements from like-minded organizations (from EPD, EPLO, CONCORD, etc), and building upon the network's previous declarations. If necessary, you should conduct meetings and interviews with key actors from civil society organisation, EU officials and policy experts.
VI. Deliverables
Internal analytic briefing detailing the findings of the word conducted and the analysis emerging from work conducted (see sections III, IV and V), including suggested advocacy messages/actions for HRDN
A draft statement document to be reviewed and validated first by the funding working group and at a second stage by the broader network.
A final statement incorporating all observations and recommendations collected via the two processes of required validation.
VII. Required Profile
The consultant or team must have:
Proven expertise in EU external action funding instruments and development cooperation.
Detailed understanding of the current NDICI regulation, including its budget allocations for thematic programmes and its operational rules (eligibility, distribution, decision-making within global and delegations).
In-depth knowledge of civil society and human rights frameworks.
Strong analytical and writing skills, with experience producing advocacy or policy documents.
Fluency in English (working language of the network).
VIII. Duration and timeline
The consultancy is estimated to take a maximum of 8 days starting between the 15th October and 15th November 2025. A proposed timeline:
Week 1-3:
Desk research and preliminary analysis
Stakeholder consultations and drafting
Week 4: Submission of draft advocacy statement
Week 5: Final statement
IX. Management and Coordination
The consultant will work closely with the funding working group with regular check-ins. All deliverables will be reviewed and approved by the group.
X. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
A short proposal outlining the understanding of the task, proposed methodology, and timeline.
A CV or organisational profile.
A financial offer.
Relevant writing samples or examples of similar work.
Deadline for applications: September 24th, 2025.
Please send applications to: humanrightsdemocracynetwork@gmail.com
Please note only preselected candidates will be contacted by Oct. 3 and interviews should take place the week of Oct. 6.
