Consultancy to investigate DIGNITY’s possibilities to build up a programme in Ethiopia.

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 world’s 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.

DIGNITY’s 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.

DIGNITY’s 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.

DIGNITY’s potential to contribute to positive change in Ethiopia:

In addition to DIGNITY’s 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 People’s 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, Ethiopia’s 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 DIGNITY’s 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 operating models are available to DIGNITY? What risks or restrictions are likely to apply to a foreign-funded programme focusing on human rights, justice, advocacy or documentation, including requirements concerning registration and reporting. Are certain types of activities considered unlawful?

Political sensitivity

What risks may DIGNITY face as an international human rights organisation working on politically sensitive issues such as torture, detention, human rights documentation, redress and accountability? And what are the possible mitigating measures?

Restrictions on civic space

Given the pressure on Ethiopian civil society, what are the principal legal, regulatory and practical restrictions affecting civil society organisations? What implications would these likely have for a DIGNITY programme?

Risks to local partners

What risks would local organisations working on human rights, documentation and accountability likely face, including surveillance, administrative pressure, suspension of operations, restrictions on receiving foreign funding, and fines or prosecution? What are possible solutions?

Access constraints

Conflict-affected areas may be difficult to access due to insecurity, permit requirements or restrictions on movement. How could these constraints affect programme implementation, partner monitoring, cost-effectiveness and outreach to survivors?

The assessment should conclude with a clear stop/go recommendation, setting out whether a safe and legally viable entry point exists and identifying any conditions and risk-mitigation measures required for DIGNITY to proceed.

Phase 2

If the stop/go assessment supports proceeding the second phase of the assignment will include the following:

• A context and needs analysis covering the relevant legal and policy frameworks, national strategies, programme documents and human rights instruments. The analysis should also include the principal needs and challenges related to torture and violence prevention, rehabilitation, MHPSS, human rights documentation, accountability and survivor support.
• A stakeholder analysis of relevant structures and actors at local, national, and regional. This should include existing services/programmes, referral pathways and coordination mechanisms related to torture and violence prevention, rehabilitation, MHPSS, documentation, accountability and survivor support.
• A capacity-gap analysis examining the ability of existing structures and actors to address the drivers of torture and violence, to document torture and other human rights violations in accordance with international standards, support justice and accountability efforts, and provide trauma-informed MHPSS, legal aid and other services to survivors.
• A mapping of potential partners, including civil society organisations, public authorities and research institutions that could contribute to a future DIGNITY programme in Ethiopia. The mapping should include a preliminary assessment of their mandates, reputation, track record in their fields of engagement, financial and technical capacities, strategic relevance and potential roles.

Based on these analyses, the consultant must prepare a consolidated report containing:

• A concise description of the context and the principal findings and learning points.
• An assessment of the areas in which DIGNITY can provide clear added value and complement existing initiatives.
• Recommendations regarding the thematic and geographical focus of a potential programme.
• Identification and recommendations of potential local partners, including an assessment of their mandates, reputation, track record, capacities and strategic fit with DIGNITY.
• Specific recommendations on how DIGNITY could develop a programme in Ethiopia, building on DIGNITY’s added value.

Methodology and organisation of the assignment:

The assignment may be undertaken by an international consultant, a local consultant or a team combining international and Ethiopian expertise. The consultancy assignment will combine a desk review with interviews and consultations involving relevant stakeholders and potential partners. It will also include an in-country mission to Ethiopia. If the consultant or consultancy team is already based in Ethiopia, the fieldwork may be conducted from within the country.

The assignment will be carried out in close collaboration with relevant staff from DIGNITY. DIGNITY staff will provide technical input into the development of the methodology, assessment tools and analytical framework and will support quality assurance throughout the consultancy. Relevant documents and background information will be shared during an inception meeting, followed by regular coordination meetings.

The study must include consultations with relevant national and international stakeholders and potential partners, including Ethiopian civil society organisations and State authorities, the Danish Embassy in Ethiopia, relevant donors, human rights organisations in Ethiopia, UN agencies, and international and Danish NGOs working in the country.

Key deliverables and timeframe:

Phase 1: Stop/go assessment – October 2026

The first phase of the consultancy is expected to be completed in October 2026. Its principal deliverable will be a legal and civic-space assessment containing:

• An analysis of the principal legal, regulatory and operational and security risks.
• Identification of any legally viable entry points and required risk-mitigation measures.
• A clear stop/go recommendation.

A final decision on whether to proceed with the second phase will be taken by DIGNITY in the beginning of November 2026.

Phase 2: Context and added-value analysis – November/December 2026

Subject to a decision to proceed, the second phase will be conducted between November and December 2026. The following deliverables will be submitted to DIGNITY for review and discussion before final approval:

November 2026

• A desk review of relevant legal and policy frameworks, national strategies, programmes and human rights instruments, as well as key lessons from existing initiatives concerning torture and violence prevention, accountability, rehabilitation and MHPSS for survivors.
• An inception note setting out the proposed methodology, work plan and assessment tools.
• A mapping of key stakeholders, potential partners and relevant donors, together with a proposed interview and consultation plan.

November-December 2026

• Interviews and consultations with relevant Ethiopian and international stakeholders, potential partners and other organisations working in Ethiopia, including an in-country mission where relevant.
• Analysis of the information and data collected.
• A draft consolidated report containing specific recommendations on how DIGNITY could develop a programme in Ethiopia.
• Presentation and discussion of the preliminary findings with DIGNITY.
• A final consolidated report incorporating DIGNITY’s feedback and setting out recommendations for the development of a potential programme in Ethiopia.

Skills and qualifications of the consultancy team:

The consultant or consultancy team must have extensive experience conducting similar assignments within the fields of international development and human rights in sub-Saharan Africa. The team must collectively demonstrate the following qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in a relevant discipline, such as social sciences, anthropology, law, psychology or public health.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in international development and human rights.
• Demonstrated expertise in legal and regulatory analysis, civic-space assessments or programme feasibility studies.
• Strong contextual knowledge of Ethiopia and, preferably, established networks within the country.
• Relevant thematic expertise in areas such as CIDTP and violence prevention, rehabilitation, MHPSS, human rights documentation, accountability and survivor support.
• Strong qualitative research and analytical skills, including experience with stakeholder mapping, interviews and capacity assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to apply conflict-sensitive, survivor-centred and do-no-harm approaches.
• A proven ability to produce clear, analytical and high-quality reports, supported by examples of previous work.

Professional proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Budget:

The maximum budget for the consultancy is DKK 300.000, inclusive of professional fees, travel, accommodation and all other expenses.

The consultant or consultancy team will be responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their own insurance, vaccinations and any necessary medication related to travel.

1. ^

   UN Committee against Torture publishes findings on Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg and Slovakia | OHCHR, See also the UN Committee against Torture’s Concluding Observations on the second periodic report of Ethiopia, 7 June 2023, U.N. Doc. CAT/C/ETH/CO/2

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 world’s 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.

DIGNITY’s 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.

DIGNITY’s 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.

DIGNITY’s potential to contribute to positive change in Ethiopia:

In addition to DIGNITY’s 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 People’s 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, Ethiopia’s 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 DIGNITY’s 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 operating models are available to DIGNITY? What risks or restrictions are likely to apply to a foreign-funded programme focusing on human rights, justice, advocacy or documentation, including requirements concerning registration and reporting. Are certain types of activities considered unlawful?

Political sensitivity

What risks may DIGNITY face as an international human rights organisation working on politically sensitive issues such as torture, detention, human rights documentation, redress and accountability? And what are the possible mitigating measures?

Restrictions on civic space

Given the pressure on Ethiopian civil society, what are the principal legal, regulatory and practical restrictions affecting civil society organisations? What implications would these likely have for a DIGNITY programme?

Risks to local partners

What risks would local organisations working on human rights, documentation and accountability likely face, including surveillance, administrative pressure, suspension of operations, restrictions on receiving foreign funding, and fines or prosecution? What are possible solutions?

Access constraints

Conflict-affected areas may be difficult to access due to insecurity, permit requirements or restrictions on movement. How could these constraints affect programme implementation, partner monitoring, cost-effectiveness and outreach to survivors?

The assessment should conclude with a clear stop/go recommendation, setting out whether a safe and legally viable entry point exists and identifying any conditions and risk-mitigation measures required for DIGNITY to proceed.

Phase 2

If the stop/go assessment supports proceeding the second phase of the assignment will include the following:

• A context and needs analysis covering the relevant legal and policy frameworks, national strategies, programme documents and human rights instruments. The analysis should also include the principal needs and challenges related to torture and violence prevention, rehabilitation, MHPSS, human rights documentation, accountability and survivor support.
• A stakeholder analysis of relevant structures and actors at local, national, and regional. This should include existing services/programmes, referral pathways and coordination mechanisms related to torture and violence prevention, rehabilitation, MHPSS, documentation, accountability and survivor support.
• A capacity-gap analysis examining the ability of existing structures and actors to address the drivers of torture and violence, to document torture and other human rights violations in accordance with international standards, support justice and accountability efforts, and provide trauma-informed MHPSS, legal aid and other services to survivors.
• A mapping of potential partners, including civil society organisations, public authorities and research institutions that could contribute to a future DIGNITY programme in Ethiopia. The mapping should include a preliminary assessment of their mandates, reputation, track record in their fields of engagement, financial and technical capacities, strategic relevance and potential roles.

Based on these analyses, the consultant must prepare a consolidated report containing:

• A concise description of the context and the principal findings and learning points.
• An assessment of the areas in which DIGNITY can provide clear added value and complement existing initiatives.
• Recommendations regarding the thematic and geographical focus of a potential programme.
• Identification and recommendations of potential local partners, including an assessment of their mandates, reputation, track record, capacities and strategic fit with DIGNITY.
• Specific recommendations on how DIGNITY could develop a programme in Ethiopia, building on DIGNITY’s added value.

Methodology and organisation of the assignment:

The assignment may be undertaken by an international consultant, a local consultant or a team combining international and Ethiopian expertise. The consultancy assignment will combine a desk review with interviews and consultations involving relevant stakeholders and potential partners. It will also include an in-country mission to Ethiopia. If the consultant or consultancy team is already based in Ethiopia, the fieldwork may be conducted from within the country.

The assignment will be carried out in close collaboration with relevant staff from DIGNITY. DIGNITY staff will provide technical input into the development of the methodology, assessment tools and analytical framework and will support quality assurance throughout the consultancy. Relevant documents and background information will be shared during an inception meeting, followed by regular coordination meetings.

The study must include consultations with relevant national and international stakeholders and potential partners, including Ethiopian civil society organisations and State authorities, the Danish Embassy in Ethiopia, relevant donors, human rights organisations in Ethiopia, UN agencies, and international and Danish NGOs working in the country.

Key deliverables and timeframe:

Phase 1: Stop/go assessment – October 2026

The first phase of the consultancy is expected to be completed in October 2026. Its principal deliverable will be a legal and civic-space assessment containing:

• An analysis of the principal legal, regulatory and operational and security risks.
• Identification of any legally viable entry points and required risk-mitigation measures.
• A clear stop/go recommendation.

A final decision on whether to proceed with the second phase will be taken by DIGNITY in the beginning of November 2026.

Phase 2: Context and added-value analysis – November/December 2026

Subject to a decision to proceed, the second phase will be conducted between November and December 2026. The following deliverables will be submitted to DIGNITY for review and discussion before final approval:

November 2026

• A desk review of relevant legal and policy frameworks, national strategies, programmes and human rights instruments, as well as key lessons from existing initiatives concerning torture and violence prevention, accountability, rehabilitation and MHPSS for survivors.
• An inception note setting out the proposed methodology, work plan and assessment tools.
• A mapping of key stakeholders, potential partners and relevant donors, together with a proposed interview and consultation plan.

November-December 2026

• Interviews and consultations with relevant Ethiopian and international stakeholders, potential partners and other organisations working in Ethiopia, including an in-country mission where relevant.
• Analysis of the information and data collected.
• A draft consolidated report containing specific recommendations on how DIGNITY could develop a programme in Ethiopia.
• Presentation and discussion of the preliminary findings with DIGNITY.
• A final consolidated report incorporating DIGNITY’s feedback and setting out recommendations for the development of a potential programme in Ethiopia.

Skills and qualifications of the consultancy team:

The consultant or consultancy team must have extensive experience conducting similar assignments within the fields of international development and human rights in sub-Saharan Africa. The team must collectively demonstrate the following qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in a relevant discipline, such as social sciences, anthropology, law, psychology or public health.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in international development and human rights.
• Demonstrated expertise in legal and regulatory analysis, civic-space assessments or programme feasibility studies.
• Strong contextual knowledge of Ethiopia and, preferably, established networks within the country.
• Relevant thematic expertise in areas such as CIDTP and violence prevention, rehabilitation, MHPSS, human rights documentation, accountability and survivor support.
• Strong qualitative research and analytical skills, including experience with stakeholder mapping, interviews and capacity assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to apply conflict-sensitive, survivor-centred and do-no-harm approaches.
• A proven ability to produce clear, analytical and high-quality reports, supported by examples of previous work.

Professional proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Budget:

The maximum budget for the consultancy is DKK 300.000, inclusive of professional fees, travel, accommodation and all other expenses.

The consultant or consultancy team will be responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their own insurance, vaccinations and any necessary medication related to travel.

1. ^

   UN Committee against Torture publishes findings on Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg and Slovakia | OHCHR, See also the UN Committee against Torture’s Concluding Observations on the second periodic report of Ethiopia, 7 June 2023, U.N. Doc. CAT/C/ETH/CO/2