CEHRO is currently implementing a project aimed at promoting constructive engagement between human rights-focused CSOs and relevant government institutions.

የኢትዮጵያ የሰብዓዊ መብቶች ድርጅቶች ህብረት

(ኢሰመድህ)

Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations

(CEHRO) 

Consultancy for National-Level Empirical Research on the State of the Civic Space Ecosystem and Patterns of Collaborative Engagement in Ethiopia

June 2026

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

1. About CEHRO

The Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) is a Consortium of 27 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on Human Rights, Democracy, and Sustainable Peace in Ethiopia. Over the past eight (8) years, CEHRO has been actively engaged in the advancement of human rights protection and promotion, democratic and sustainable peace values in Ethiopia by creating a common platform for human rights CSOs to articulate their voices and launch well-articulated and evidence-based advocacy for an enabling environment for the operation of civil society in Ethiopia. CEHRO’s strategic priorities focus on capacity building of members and key stakeholders, policy advocacy, and broadening of civic space in Ethiopia. For further information about CEHRO, click here https://cehro.org/.

2. Context

Ethiopia’s civic space continues to evolve within a dynamic operational and governance context. While the reform period created opportunities for increased collaboration among CSOs and with government institutions, a sustained and constructive engagement is still far less achieved. Ongoing political trajectories, security concerns, and operational contexts have affected the environment in which CSOs operate and engage with public institutions and among themselves. These dynamics have highlighted the importance of strengthening dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation among key stakeholders.

In this context, CEHRO is currently implementing a project aimed at promoting constructive engagement between human rights-focused CSOs and relevant government institutions. The project seeks to strengthen trust, enhance communication, and support collaborative approaches to policy and governance issues that contribute to an enabling environment for civil society. As a foundational activity in the project, CEHRO plans to undertake empirical research on the state of the civic space ecosystem and patterns of collaborative engagement in Ethiopia. The goal of the research is to generate evidence on the current state of the civic space, collaborative engagement among CSOs and with government institutions, identify opportunities and challenges, and inform strategies for strengthening collaborative dialogue and partnership.

3. Objectives of the Assignment

• General Objective: To conduct national-level empirical research that identifies the current dynamics, challenges, and patterns of civic space and collaborative engagement between civic actors and state institutions in Ethiopia.
• Specific Objectives:
  • To map the current ecosystem of civic space in Ethiopia, including legal and operational challenges.
  • To analyze existing patterns of engagement between CSOs and government stakeholders to identify areas for improved collaboration.
  • To provide evidence-based recommendations for policy reform and the creation of an enabling environment for CSOs.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Conducting and leading a national-level empirical research study on the civic space ecosystem, including the design of the research framework, development of data collection tools, execution of fieldwork, and analysis of findings.
• Facilitating a validation workshop organized by CEHRO to present and discuss the research findings with representatives of state institutions, development partners, media actors, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, and incorporating feedback received during the process.
• Producing a high-quality final research report that presents evidence-based findings and practical recommendations to inform subsequent project activities, including policy dialogues and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

5. Methodology

The consultant should propose a technically sound methodology that includes:

• The use of a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, including surveys and key informant interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders relevant to the civic space ecosystem.
• A thematic analysis of the collected data, with particular attention to policy and legal reforms, civic space monitoring practices, patterns of stakeholder engagement, and contextual factors affecting civic participation and collaboration.

6. Expected Deliverables

• An inception report outlining the proposed methodology, data collection tools, work plan, and timeline for the assignment.
• A draft assessment report presenting the preliminary findings, analysis, and recommendations for CEHRO’s review and feedback.
• A validation workshop conducted with key stakeholders to review, discuss, and validate the research findings and recommendations.
• A comprehensive final empirical research report incorporating feedback from CEHRO and participants of the validation workshop and presenting the finalized findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

7. Timeline

The consultancy assignment is anticipated to require a maximum of 23 working days, to be completed within a timeframe agreed upon between CEHRO and the selected consultant. The proposed work plan should clearly indicate the allocation of working days across the different phases of the assignment, including inception, data collection, analysis, reporting, and validation.

8. Qualifications and Experience

• An advanced degree (Master’s degree or higher) in Law, Human Rights, Political Science, Governance, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least seven years of demonstrated experience in conducting research, assessments, or analytical studies related to human rights, governance, civic space, public policy, or civil society development in Ethiopia.
• Strong knowledge of Ethiopia’s legal, policy, and institutional framework relating to civil society organizations, human rights, and civic engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including stakeholder consultations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, and policy analysis.
• A strong track record of producing high-quality research reports, assessments, policy briefs, or similar analytical outputs for national or international organizations.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, including fluency in both English and Amharic.

11. Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following documents with seven consecutive days from the date of the advertisement of this call.

• A maximum 3-page Technical Proposal outlining the proposed research design.
• A Financial Proposal in ETB (including taxes).
• A CV and examples of previous civic space or human rights research reports.

Applications should be sent to humanresources@cehro.org  with the subject line: “Consultancy: National-Level Empirical Research on the State of the Civic Space Ecosystem and Patterns of Collaborative Engagement in Ethiopia.”

Note: CEHRO is an equal opportunity organization. Female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.