Project Context and Scope
To develop a high-quality, three-part academic series providing critical analysis of global BHR standards, the current Saudi Arabian business and human rights landscape, and the future prospects for integrating human rights into business practices across the Kingdom. The papers will serve as a foundation for further stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and strategy development. ย Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
June 2011, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), clarifying states' duties and businesses' responsibilities to prevent and address business-related human rights abuses. Saudi Arabiaโs Vision 2030 outlines a commitment to economic diversification, sustainability, productivity, and ethical business practices, particularly the prevention of forced labor and human trafficking. The Kingdomโs participation in global events like the 2030 World Expo and the 2034 FIFA World Cup presents a significant opportunity to advance the Business and Human Rights (BHR) agenda.
Saudi Arabia is a party to key international human rights treaties and fundamental ILO conventions, a G20 member supporting the UNGPs, and a signatory to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. Significant legal reforms in labor rights and corporate governance create an enabling environment for embedding human rights into the business sector.
Building on prior diagnostic assessments and ongoing collaboration with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the Global Compact local network, and UN agencies, this assignment aims to produce a comprehensive, evidence-based academic series analyzing BHRโs global standards and Saudi Arabiaโs evolving context to guide future action, including the development of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (BHRย NAP). The consultant will independently research and draft one paper on prospects for Advancing Business and Human Rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Key thematic areas:
Explore global BHR trends (mandatory HRDD laws, climate and human rights intersections, responsible investment). Analyze Saudi Arabiaโs new initiatives (labor reforms, ESG strategies). Propose a roadmap for companies and policymakers to embed BHR principles. Suggest key elements for the development of a future private sector-led BHR strategy and National Action Plan. Methodology: Desk-based research and literature review (national laws, Vision 2030 documents, global BHR frameworks, company reports). Comparative and gap analysis between Saudi practices and international standards. Structured, referenced academic writing using recognized citation standards (Chicago Author-Date). Optional visual aids (timelines, flowcharts) to clarify complex frameworks. ย Tasks to be performed under this contract Draft an initial paper, covering the key thematic areas and using the outlined methodology, within weeks 1-4 of the consultancy Review and integrate comments from UN team, within 1 โ 2 weeks Participate in a peer review with the other consultants and agree on finalized papers with the UN team by week 6 of the consultancy. Education Advanced university degree (Masterโs or PhD) in Law, Human Rights, Political Science, Business, International Relations, or related fields. Experience Demonstrated expertise in Business and Human Rights, Corporate Governance, or ESG. Familiarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabiaโs legal, labor, and economic context is highly desirable. Skills: Proven ability to produce high-quality academic or policy research publications. Strong analytical and communication skills. Languages English is required and Arabic is desirable. IOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. ย ย Required Competencies ย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. ย Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values: Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work. Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Notes Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment. IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies