Global Witness is requesting proposals for the project: Recognising and Enabling Environmental Defenders to Halt Deforestation.
Background
Defenders and Indigenous Peoples are often our planet’s last line of defence, sounding the alarm about threats to vital ecosystems and incursions upon their communities from destructive companies. In return, they face land invasions, harassment and violence, with a worrying rise in criminalisation hitting environmental activists worldwide.
We work to expose the root causes behind these attacks to ensure defenders are protected, and that those responsible are held to account.
We are seeking an experienced consultant to undertake a short‑term assignment of up to 35 days, running from appointment until June 2026.
The consultant will lead a new project to design and deliver a baseline study, establishing the starting conditions prior to full project implementation. The project aims to strengthen the protection, recognition and effectiveness of land and environmental defenders (LEDs) working to safeguard forests and territories.
The baseline study will provide a robust foundation for effective implementation, support adaptive management, and establish clear reference points for project indicators to be assessed during the final evaluation.
The consultant will be responsible for:
- Establishing realistic baseline values for project indicators
- Identifying appropriate and reliable data sources
- Recommending practical, proportionate approaches to monitoring progress throughout the life of the project.
Further full details are in the Terms of Reference below.
Application proposals
Global Witness invites expressions of interest from qualified consultants to conduct the baseline study. Applicants should submit the following:
- A two-page overview outlining your proposed approach, considerations for ethics and indicative timeline.
- CV(s) of the lead consultant and key team members (where appropriate).
- An example of a previous baseline study similar.
- The cost, including the daily consultancy rate in GBP. We expect budgets to fall broadly within the range of £15,000 – £20,000 inclusive of VAT where appropriate.
Expressions of interest will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Methodological approach and technical competence: Preference will be given to approaches that demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in complex and sensitive contexts, leverage secondary and remote data collection methods, while ensuring practicality and responsiveness to contextual constraints.
- Inclusion, equity, and local knowledge systems: Proposals should demonstrate how inclusion and equity will be embedded throughout the assignment, including integration of local knowledge systems, ensuring balanced representation, and sensitivity to diverse perspectives and contexts.
- Experience and value for money: Proposals will be assessed based on track record, quality of previous work, and overall value for money, balancing cost-effectiveness with technical quality and deliverability.
Application process
Applications should be sent via email to: [email protected].
Deadline for applications is 1 April 2026. Any questions or requests for clarification may be directed to the same email address.
