Overview of the WHRD-IC The Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRD-IC) is a transnational, intersectional feminist alliance composed of women human rights defenders, feminists, trans and non-binary activists, human rights organisations and allied movements. Founded in 2005, the Coalition brings together more than 30 member organisations across the global South and North. Members work at local, national, regional and transnational levels on a diverse range of human rights and justice issues. The Coalition’s overarching mission is to strengthen and sustain the collective power, resistance and organising of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) across movements, identities and geographies. Purpose of the Consultancy The WHRD-IC seeks an experienced researcher, research team, or research organisation to develop a new Global Report on the Situation of Women Human Rights Defenders. This publication will build upon the Coalition’s previous global report and will expand the conceptualisation of WHRDs to include women, trans and non-binary defenders engaged in human rights work of any form, as well as people of all genders advocating on gender and sexuality issues. The research will combine external expertise with structured collaboration involving WHRD-IC members, partners and allies. Objectives of the Research The consultant will produce a comprehensive global report that: Offers an analysis of trends, threats and violations affecting WHRDs across regions, movements and identities. Examines the political contexts shaping WHRDs’ work, including rising backlash, repression and polycrisis conditions. Identifies emerging patterns, gaps and evolving risks, building on earlier WHRD-IC publications and collective knowledge. Documents stories of resistance, resilience and feminist organising, focusing on effective tactics, strategies and the outcomes generated. Provides clear, evidence-based recommendations to international, regional and local stakeholders on improving protection, support and resourcing for WHRDs. Scope of Work and Research Methodology The consultant will prepare an Inception Report outlining objectives, scope, methodology and timeline. The methodology should be realistic, context-appropriate and rooted in feminist, intersectional and participatory approaches. It may include literature review, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, case study documentation and remote data collection. The research must ensure broad representation across regions, themes, identities and movements, including outreach to underrepresented and grassroots groups. Data Collection and Intersectional Approach The consultant will conduct interviews and/or focus groups with WHRD-IC members and a wider representative sample. Gaps in representation should be identified and addressed through expanded outreach. Story and case study collection will be carried out in collaboration with members whenever possible. All processes must adhere to ethical, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive and secure research practices. Systems such as matrices or tracking grids should be established to ensure balanced inclusion across contexts and identity groups. Analysis and Development of the Report The consultant will analyse patterns of threats, risks and violations, identify emerging trends, and document positive stories and feminist strategies used by WHRDs. The analysis should be grounded in intersectional and decolonial feminist frameworks. The resulting global report must be accessible, coherent and advocacy-oriented, integrating case studies in line with ethical storytelling standards. Narrative and analytical elements should be clearly balanced. Coalition Engagement Throughout the consultancy, the researcher will engage with the WHRD-IC Executive Coordinator and the Knowledge Co-Creation Working Group. Responsibilities include participating in coordination meetings, facilitating virtual workshops to refine methodology and findings, co-creating content with members, and presenting preliminary findings for validation. The consultant must also be available to support the public launch of the report. Expected Deliverables Inception Report detailing objectives, scope, methodology and workplan Data collection tools Interim findings report First full draft of the Global Report Revised draft incorporating member feedback Final Global Report (approximately 40–60 pages) Executive summary (5–8 pages) Timeline Inception Report: March 2026 Interim Findings: July 2026 First Draft: September 2026 Second Draft: October 2026 Final Report and Executive Summary: November 2026 Required Qualifications Candidates must demonstrate experience conducting research on human rights, gender justice or WHRD-related issues, and the ability to use feminist, participatory and intersectional methodologies. Strong qualitative research skills, experience with grassroots actors, familiarity with WHRD contexts, excellent writing skills and remote coordination experience are required. Ethical awareness and secure documentation practices are essential. Ethical Standards and Reporting The consultant must uphold intersectional feminist, human rights and anti-oppression principles, employ secure communication, use trauma-informed approaches, ensure confidentiality and obtain informed consent. The researcher will report to the Executive Coordinator and the Knowledge Co-Creation Working Group. Application Process Applicants should submit a CV, a publication portfolio, and a technical proposal outlining suitability, methodology, timeline, budget and a brief security plan, along with contact details for two to three referees. Applications should be sent to whrdic@whrdic.org with the subject line “Researcher – [Your Name]” by 10 January 2026. Applications are encouraged from women, trans, non-binary and intersex persons, persons with disabilities, individuals from the global South and historically marginalised groups, as well as research collectives and organisations. 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