Terms of Reference:
Consultant to work on guidelines for NGOs on engaging
with security service providers
1. Background
During the past decade, many humanitarian agencies have
increased their outsourcing of security capacities to external
providers. Published reports have attributed this to a perceived
growth in insecurity within some operating contexts, leading to
concern for both the safety of staff and the sustainability of
programmes, as well as heightened sensitivity to legal dimensions
of the organisational duty of care.
Although this issue is well-recognised by policy-makers, the deficit
of information at the operational level is demonstrated by a lack of
technical guidelines for NGOs on engaging with security service
providers. The outsourcing of security functions to private
contractors, particularly where this involves armed protection,
poses serious risks to NGOs which include reputational damage,
limited access to beneficiaries and loss of stakeholder acceptance,
in addition to basic legal concerns. The distinct lack of
organisational guidance on the issue is therefore a cause for
concern, particularly in light of the reluctance by some
organisations to acknowledge their outsourcing of security.
2. Rationale
The proposed guidelines for NGOs on engaging with security
service providers would fill a gap in the existing literature, and
provide vital technical guidance at the operational level. In
producing these guidelines EISF aims to improve practices
amongst NGO staff in the field who are responsible for engaging
with security service providers. The guidelines would also support
the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service
Providers, promoting it as an international standard and an
important reference point for practitioners.
In 2010 EISF produced an authoritative document on NGO
engagement with security service providers. This was written by
a consultant and peer-reviewed by specialists from NGOs and the
UN, but has not yet been published. Considering the changed
environment following the verification of the International Code of
Conduct, the document requires substantial modification and
broader input. In particular, increased end-user participation
would enhance the credibility and uptake of the document.
Therefore, EISF plans to hold a one day workshop during which
five key figures will review the document and make
recommendations for improvement. This will result in an
authoritative document that is truly reflective of the use of private
security services.
3. Objectives
The main objectives of this project are:
To enhance risk analysis, decision-making and good practice by
NGOs engaging with security service providers.
To clarify and advise on technical issues such as evaluation,
hiring and management, including how to disengage from
service providers. The document will include templates for
service, monitoring schedules and reporting frameworks, which
practitioners can adapt according to organisational and
contextual realities.
To promote awareness of the International Code of Conduct for
Private Security Service Providers as a reference point and a
guidance document for practitioners in the field and mangers at
headquarters, as well as an international standard for
procurement and evaluation of private security contractors.
4. Activities and Deliverables
Working closely with the EISF Secretariat, who will retain
responsibility for the overall project management, the Consultant
will be responsible for the following activities and deliverables.
1. Review and edit the existing draft documents (including
annexes), and re-write the international framework section
taking into account the International Code of Conduct
2. Include feedback from the EISF Secretariat
3. Prepare a one day workshop, including identifying
participants, location and invitation
4. Lead the workshop with key figures to provide feedback on
gaps in the literature and knowledge base, capturing
knowledge and case studies
5. Following the workshop, the consultant will modify and
rewrite the existing document as appropriate (including
annexes)
6. Organise and conduct the peer review process with a
maximum of 3 contributors
7. Submit the final draft of the document to EISF
Associated deliverables
1. First draft of the document in accordance with the
requirements laid out in the terms of reference
2. Second draft of the document
3. Workshop outline/plan; invitations to at least 5 participants
and confirmation of participation
4. Minutes of the workshop; case study and other notes
5. Third draft of the document
6. Peer review input
7. Final draft of the document
5. Timeframe
The time table below is indicative, and assumes a start date of
June 2011 and an end date of 30th of September and support for
each step by the EISF Secretariat.
June / July 2011:
Initial review, editing and rewriting of the document (6 days)
Incorporating feedback from the EISF Secretariat (1 day)
July 2011
Preparing and conducting the workshop and document he results
(5 days)
August 2011:
Modifying/rewriting the document (5 days)
Organising and conducting the peer review process (2 days)
September 2011
Producing the final draft of the document (3 days)
Submit the final draft of the document by 30 September 2011
6. Project Management
EISF will be responsible for the overall management of the project,
including the following tasks:
Providing ongoing support to the Consultant during the
employment period, including supplying all relevant documents
and contacts
Sourcing and overseeing an editor to complete the editing
process
Overseeing progress and publication of the document
Overseeing the distribution of the document following
publication
Validating the final product
The Consultant will be home-based. The consultant will be paid on
monthly basis for the working days actually performed. These will
include home-based days and travel days. The consultant will
invoice EISF with detailed overview of tasks performed and
outputs produced on a monthly basis.
7. Experience required
The Consultant will be a competent professional with relevant
operational experience in complex humanitarian environments
where (national and international) private security providers are
present. In addition to this, the Consultant will have a track record
of facilitating workshops/similar events, and producing high
quality analysis and/or policy documents.
Knowledge of the private security sector, including international
frameworks for regulating private security companies, will be an
asset but is not essential.
Qualifications / skills
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to deal with a range of
complex issues ranging from humanitarian principles and their
application in practice, security management strategies and their
impact to be able to deliver aid in insecure environments.
Excellent skills in workshop facilitation and managing the
development of guidelines / policies
Proven writing and editing skills
Fluency in written and spoken English
Competencies
Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of humanitarian issues
and substantial professional experience within the sector; proven
conceptual and analytical skills that lead to the formulation of
policies, programmes, strategies and recommendations.
Communication: ability to draft and write in a clear and concise
manner and to communicate effectively orally; strong inter-
personal skills demonstrated by the ability to gain the assistance
and cooperation of others for collaborative efforts
Accountability: Reliability and commitment to timely delivery of
high quality outputs
Selection of the Consultant will be based on:
How well the tender meets the requirements laid out in the
terms of reference
Value for money
8. How to apply
Closing date for the application is the 16th of June. Please send you
application toeisf-admin@eisf.eu
Please ensure that you submit full tendering information,
including:
A cover letter (of not more than 2 pages)
Your CV
Sample written work on a relevant topic
2 references
Anticipated fees, per diems and other financial information
Availability to fulfil the consultancy as per the timeframes
indicated in the Terms of Reference
Consultant to work on guidelines for NGOs on engaging
with security service providers
1. Background
During the past decade, many humanitarian agencies have
increased their outsourcing of security capacities to external
providers. Published reports have attributed this to a perceived
growth in insecurity within some operating contexts, leading to
concern for both the safety of staff and the sustainability of
programmes, as well as heightened sensitivity to legal dimensions
of the organisational duty of care.
Although this issue is well-recognised by policy-makers, the deficit
of information at the operational level is demonstrated by a lack of
technical guidelines for NGOs on engaging with security service
providers. The outsourcing of security functions to private
contractors, particularly where this involves armed protection,
poses serious risks to NGOs which include reputational damage,
limited access to beneficiaries and loss of stakeholder acceptance,
in addition to basic legal concerns. The distinct lack of
organisational guidance on the issue is therefore a cause for
concern, particularly in light of the reluctance by some
organisations to acknowledge their outsourcing of security.
2. Rationale
The proposed guidelines for NGOs on engaging with security
service providers would fill a gap in the existing literature, and
provide vital technical guidance at the operational level. In
producing these guidelines EISF aims to improve practices
amongst NGO staff in the field who are responsible for engaging
with security service providers. The guidelines would also support
the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service
Providers, promoting it as an international standard and an
important reference point for practitioners.
In 2010 EISF produced an authoritative document on NGO
engagement with security service providers. This was written by
a consultant and peer-reviewed by specialists from NGOs and the
UN, but has not yet been published. Considering the changed
environment following the verification of the International Code of
Conduct, the document requires substantial modification and
broader input. In particular, increased end-user participation
would enhance the credibility and uptake of the document.
Therefore, EISF plans to hold a one day workshop during which
five key figures will review the document and make
recommendations for improvement. This will result in an
authoritative document that is truly reflective of the use of private
security services.
3. Objectives
The main objectives of this project are:
To enhance risk analysis, decision-making and good practice by
NGOs engaging with security service providers.
To clarify and advise on technical issues such as evaluation,
hiring and management, including how to disengage from
service providers. The document will include templates for
service, monitoring schedules and reporting frameworks, which
practitioners can adapt according to organisational and
contextual realities.
To promote awareness of the International Code of Conduct for
Private Security Service Providers as a reference point and a
guidance document for practitioners in the field and mangers at
headquarters, as well as an international standard for
procurement and evaluation of private security contractors.
4. Activities and Deliverables
Working closely with the EISF Secretariat, who will retain
responsibility for the overall project management, the Consultant
will be responsible for the following activities and deliverables.
1. Review and edit the existing draft documents (including
annexes), and re-write the international framework section
taking into account the International Code of Conduct
2. Include feedback from the EISF Secretariat
3. Prepare a one day workshop, including identifying
participants, location and invitation
4. Lead the workshop with key figures to provide feedback on
gaps in the literature and knowledge base, capturing
knowledge and case studies
5. Following the workshop, the consultant will modify and
rewrite the existing document as appropriate (including
annexes)
6. Organise and conduct the peer review process with a
maximum of 3 contributors
7. Submit the final draft of the document to EISF
Associated deliverables
1. First draft of the document in accordance with the
requirements laid out in the terms of reference
2. Second draft of the document
3. Workshop outline/plan; invitations to at least 5 participants
and confirmation of participation
4. Minutes of the workshop; case study and other notes
5. Third draft of the document
6. Peer review input
7. Final draft of the document
5. Timeframe
The time table below is indicative, and assumes a start date of
June 2011 and an end date of 30th of September and support for
each step by the EISF Secretariat.
June / July 2011:
Initial review, editing and rewriting of the document (6 days)
Incorporating feedback from the EISF Secretariat (1 day)
July 2011
Preparing and conducting the workshop and document he results
(5 days)
August 2011:
Modifying/rewriting the document (5 days)
Organising and conducting the peer review process (2 days)
September 2011
Producing the final draft of the document (3 days)
Submit the final draft of the document by 30 September 2011
6. Project Management
EISF will be responsible for the overall management of the project,
including the following tasks:
Providing ongoing support to the Consultant during the
employment period, including supplying all relevant documents
and contacts
Sourcing and overseeing an editor to complete the editing
process
Overseeing progress and publication of the document
Overseeing the distribution of the document following
publication
Validating the final product
The Consultant will be home-based. The consultant will be paid on
monthly basis for the working days actually performed. These will
include home-based days and travel days. The consultant will
invoice EISF with detailed overview of tasks performed and
outputs produced on a monthly basis.
7. Experience required
The Consultant will be a competent professional with relevant
operational experience in complex humanitarian environments
where (national and international) private security providers are
present. In addition to this, the Consultant will have a track record
of facilitating workshops/similar events, and producing high
quality analysis and/or policy documents.
Knowledge of the private security sector, including international
frameworks for regulating private security companies, will be an
asset but is not essential.
Qualifications / skills
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to deal with a range of
complex issues ranging from humanitarian principles and their
application in practice, security management strategies and their
impact to be able to deliver aid in insecure environments.
Excellent skills in workshop facilitation and managing the
development of guidelines / policies
Proven writing and editing skills
Fluency in written and spoken English
Competencies
Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of humanitarian issues
and substantial professional experience within the sector; proven
conceptual and analytical skills that lead to the formulation of
policies, programmes, strategies and recommendations.
Communication: ability to draft and write in a clear and concise
manner and to communicate effectively orally; strong inter-
personal skills demonstrated by the ability to gain the assistance
and cooperation of others for collaborative efforts
Accountability: Reliability and commitment to timely delivery of
high quality outputs
Selection of the Consultant will be based on:
How well the tender meets the requirements laid out in the
terms of reference
Value for money
8. How to apply
Closing date for the application is the 16th of June. Please send you
application toeisf-admin@eisf.eu
Please ensure that you submit full tendering information,
including:
A cover letter (of not more than 2 pages)
Your CV
Sample written work on a relevant topic
2 references
Anticipated fees, per diems and other financial information
Availability to fulfil the consultancy as per the timeframes
indicated in the Terms of Reference