Terms of Reference (ToR)

Lead Facilitator & Trainer – Law Enforcement Agencies-Media-CSOs Dialogue Forum

Quantity Required: 1

Background

The relationship between law Enforcement Agencies, Media, and CSOs in Ethiopia has long been marked by tension, mistrust, and at times open hostility. Misunderstandings about the role of the media in a democratic society, coupled with limited awareness among Law Enforcement Agencies of constitutional and international obligations, have contributed to violations of journalists’ rights and an erosion of public trust.

At the same time, journalists, human rights defenders, and media actors often lack clarity on the operational realities, limitations, and responsibilities of Law Enforcement Agencies. This gap has fueled mutual suspicion rather than collaboration. Bridging these divides requires deliberate platforms for constructive engagement and dialogue, supported by structured capacity-building and practical tools that help all the actors translate standards into practice.

The Law Enforcement Agencies–Media-CSOs Dialogue Forum responds to this need by bringing together all these key actors and stakeholders to strengthen knowledge of national media law frameworks, constitutional guarantees, and international standards on Freedom of Expression and Assembly (FoEA). Through applied learning methods such as case studies and simulations, the Forum will provide a space to engage on sensitive issues, reduce hostilities, and promote shared solutions. The process will also lay the groundwork for co-creating practical guidance, such as Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) or a Code of Conduct, to inform on-going Law Enforcement Agencies–Media-CSOs interactions.

Purpose and Objectives:

The overall purpose of the consultancy is to design and deliver a four-days Law Enforcement Agencies–Media-CSOs Dialogue Forum that enhances understanding, builds trust, and generates actionable commitments between these key actors.

Specific objectives are to:

1. Build the capacity of participants, including Law Enforcement Agencies, on national media laws, constitutional guarantees, due process, proportionality, and necessity in policing assemblies, digital rights, and journalist safety.

2. Facilitate the translation of these standards into practice through applied case studies, simulations among the actors.

3. Moderate a multi-stakeholder dialogue that reduces hostilities and supports the development of shared understanding and solutions.

4. Lead a co-creation process to draft elements of SoPs or Code of Conduct guiding Law Enforcement Agencies–Media-CSOs engagement dialogue and collaboration on FoEA.

5. Measure participant learning and capture commitments, producing a comprehensive report and training Manual for CEHRO and partners for future use.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will be responsible for preparing, delivering, and reporting on a four-day Law Enforcement Agencies–Media-CSOs Dialogue Forum. The scope includes developing a user-friendly training and facilitation manual that combine both legal knowledge and participatory methods, with a particular focus on enhancing understanding of Law Enforcement Agencies-Media-CSOs on issues of media related laws, joint advocacy for action, and the application of human rights–based approaches in law enforcement on media freedom practices.

During the preparatory phase, the consultant will liaise with CEHRO to refine objectives and agenda, prepare background materials, and design practical case studies and exercises tailored to the Ethiopian context.

The forum will cover key thematic areas, including:

• Media freedom, constitutional guarantees, and rule of law principles with the focus on the international and regional frameworks (including UDHR, ICCPR, ACHPR, and UN frameworks on journalist safety) to set the context.

• National legal frameworks governing media and freedom of expression, and their implications for law enforcement, media operation and CSOs advocacy practice.

• Digital rights, cyber-security, and the protection of media and CSOs actors in online spaces.

• Co-creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or a Code of Conduct to guide Law Enforcement Agencies–Media-CSOs engagement, during special events, particularly in the context of the upcoming election.

• The consultant will facilitate discussions, group work, and role-play exercises to encourage dialogue, identify friction points, and propose practical solutions.

• Following the forum, the consultant is expected to prepare a concise report summarizing key outcomes, recommendations, and agreed next steps, as well as a draft SOP/Code of Conduct reflecting the contributions of participants.

Deliverables & Schedule:

1. Inception Note (agenda, methodology, materials list, risk plan) Training Pack (Training Manual, Slides, Handouts, Exercises, Pre/Post training Assessments, SoPs outline, Pre-Reads in Amharic (if possible) & English for reference and future use.

2. Facilitate the Forum for 4-Days – on agreed dates.

3. Forum Report + Refined SpPs/Code Draft + Learning & Evaluation Summary

Methodology & Principles:

• Adult learning (interactive, practical, scenario-based).

• HRBA & do-no-harm, conflict-sensitive, survivor-centered (when discussing attacks/harassment).

• Inclusion & accessibility: ensure balanced participation (gender, regions, roles); manage power dynamics; use plain language.

• Evidence-informed and practice-oriented; focus on operational translation of standards.

Job Requirements:

• Education: Advanced degree in Law, Human Rights, Media Law, Governance, or related fields.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering trainings for similar stakeholders in similar area; strong record in dialogue facilitation.

• Demonstrable expertise in media freedom, journalist safety, digital rights, policing of assemblies, and HRBA.

• Deep familiarity with Ethiopian legal and regulatory context and relevant engagement in the international/ regional standards (ICCPR, ACHPR, other mechanisms).

• Proven experience leading multi-stakeholder co-creation (SoPs/ Codes of Conduct/ protocols).

• Strong documentation and report-writing skills.

How to Apply:

• Qualified and interested applicants are invited to submit their applications via the following link within five (5) consecutive days from the date of this announcement.

• Apply by using THIS LINK

• Please note that only applications submitted through the provided link will be considered.

• NB: CEHRO is an equal opportunity organization. Women and Persons with Disability applicants are encouraged to apply.