1.1 Introduction

The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) is a non-governmental, non- partisan human rights organization registered under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of 2002 in Mainland and as society under the Societies Act of 1995 (Act No. 6) on part of Zanzibar. THRDC is a Human Rights Defenders umbrella organization with a total of 250 member organizations from both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Its membership and representation in terms of operations and thematic is spread through 11 designated zonal coordinating units and 14 members thematic areas all over the United Republic of Tanzania respectively. THRDC has two offices with its headquarters located in Mainland (Dar es Salaam) and its branch in Zanzibar (Unguja).

The long-term goal of the Coalition is to see a free and secured environment for human rights defenders in Tanzania, and to ensure HRDs in Tanzania carries out their essential work free from harm and repression, in accordance with the UN Declaration on Human rights defenders of 1998. The ultimate result of all these, as this coalition visualizes, is a contribution to the creation of safer working environment for the HRDs. HRDs are organizations or individual who work to protect and promote other rights including Journalists, Lawyers, Human Rights Institutions etc. Among the HRDs who work with the Coalitions are those with disabilities. Disability ranges from those with albinisms, deafness, blindness, and other with physical disabilities.

THRDC has been working/ engaging with HRDs with disability since its establishment at various levels and capacity. These includes empowerment programs (capacity building on risk assessment and management, digital security, resources mobilization etc), meetings with various authorities including the State House), protection services, engagement programs at local, regional, and international including UN mechanisms i.e., reporting to mention a few.

1.2 Background Information and the Current Situation

The situation of Human Rights Defenders in Tanzania in the 5past 7 years has continued to be hectic given the increased number of violations against HRDs who are working to defend human rights. The report about Human Rights Defenders and Civic Space in Tanzania shows that for the year 2017 at least 52 incidents of violations of HRDs rights were recorded while in 2018 there was an increase by 6 incidents and in 2019, 71 incidents were recorded making an increase of 13 incidents. Additionally, in 2020, 2021 and 2022 the number of supported HRDs increased from 87, 113 and 278 respectively. HRDs with disabilities were not spared from the challenges which faces the rest of the team.

HRDs with disabilities have more needs compared to others without disability since they are more vulnerable due to their disability situation. The needs range from security, accommodating infrastructures in social services and workplaces, accessible digital platforms, as well as policies, laws, and actions which are disability inclusive. HRDs with disability face challenges including; protection mechanisms not being disability friendly; weak financial and structural capacity for local NGOs, poor knowledge on impactful and result oriented advocacy; being left out in other movements of human rights thematic areas including gender movements; higher risk of violence especially in areas with rampant false beliefs towards persons with

disabilities (PWDs); poor access to reasonable accommodation addressing the barriers they encounter due to impairments; and lack/ low recognition of HRDs with disability contributions in forums of other HRDs.

Taking note of the critical needs of HRDs with disability, the study must be commissioned to assess their needs for the effective promotion and protection of human rights in their respective geographical localities and disability types. Therefore, THRDC is looking for a competent consultancy firm/ consultant to undertake the needs assessment survey for HRDs with disabilities in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

2.0 Assignment Objective and Deliverables.

2.1 Main Objective.

The main objective of the assignment is to conduct the needs assessment survey for the HRDs with disabilities to take stock of their operational context (Political, Economic, Social-Cultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental), identify the challenges associated with their work (as institutions, as individuals, policy and legal, practices, security, and the working facilities among others), and recommend for the best ways to improve the provision and accessibility of their needs.

Specific objectives.

1. To assess the operational context and the needs for HRDs with disabilities taking on board the Political, Economic, Social-Cultural, Technological, Legal and Environmental situation.

2. To identify the challenges/ threats associated with HRDs with disabilities and their organisations in the areas of intervention.

3. To assess the organizational structures and capacity of organizations of persons with disabilities in Mainland and Zanzibar.

4. To identify the existing national administrative structures that connect HRDs with Disability and government departments responsible for persons with disabilities..

5. To explore existing local, regional, and international mechanisms recognizing and protecting HRDs with disabilities

6. To recommend for the best options to improve the provision and accessibility of HRDs with disabilities needs.

2.2 Expected Deliverables

A comprehensive report detailing the HRDs with disabilities operational context and needs, challenges and threats, existing mechanisms recognizing and protecting them, and the recommendations for the best ways to improve the provision and accessibility of their needs.

3.0 Methodology

The survey shall involve various methodologies to ensure the reasonable representation of HRDs with disabilities. The consultant is expected to use different measures to meet (virtually/ physically) with the selected HRDs with disabilities organization/ individuals in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Selection of respondents will prioritize representation of HRDs from disability types existing in the country. The survey shall involve both primary and secondary data collection methodologies.

3.1 Survey Methods

The following methods shall be used.

i. One to one interview

ii. Online Questionnaires (for interviewees that cannot be reached physically)

iii. Focused Group Discussion

iv. Desk/Literature Review

3.2 Assignment Duration

The assignment shall take one month after signing the agreement. The timing for data collection needs to be settled by the evaluator in dialogue with the main HRDs to be interviewed during the inception phase.

4.0 Application Modality
4.1 Interested consultants/firm must submit the following documents:

a) Technical and Financial Proposal

i. Signed Cover letter.

ii.Technical proposal (maximum of 10 pages), which should include the following:

(a) Proposed program and methodology to be used in carrying out the evaluation.

(b) Understanding Assignment requirements

(c) Consultants experience in delivering a similar work.

iii. Financial proposal specifying the cost allocations (in TZS).

iv. Current CV, maximum of 5 pages (Relevant to the assignment)

The consultant shall specify the qualifications of each team member and attach their individual curriculum vitae (including name, address, education, professional experience). Reference persons (with telephone numbers and e-email addresses) should be stated.

b) Individual/ Firm Legal Operational Documents

i. Company/ Individual profile
ii. Copy of certified certificate of registration

iii. Certified copy of business license
iv. Certified copy of TIN certificate
v. Copy of the original tax clearance certificate

4.2 Submission/ Tendering

Soft copies of the documents should be submitted to info@thrdc.or.tz, with the subject line “Need Assessment Survey for HRDs with Disabilities” or delivered physically addressed to

The National Coordinator,
Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition,
P. O Box 105926, Dar es Salaam.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further processes. The deadline for applications is on 17th of June 2023 at 17:00hrs.

NB: Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition is a free and fair entity, and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply. Women and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for this opportunity.