Open Call for Five Regional Experts for the Global Torture Index
World Organisation Against Torture (Omct)
EUR 3k-8k / month
Posted on Jan 14, 2026
ABOUT THE OMCT
The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 75 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.
ABOUT THE GLOBAL TORTURE INDEX
The objective of the Global Torture Index is to provide a tool measuring and assessing the risk of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in any given country on an annual basis. The Index evaluates States’ compliance with international standards aimed at preventing and protecting against torture and other ill-treatment in both laws and public policies, as well as in practice.
The Global Torture Index, launched in June 2025, is updated annually. Each edition incorporates new analysis based on data from the preceding year and progressively expands its country's coverage. The Index primarily relies on information provided by local actors, most of them being OMCT’s network members, partners and experts, as they have first-hand experience on the front line of the fight against torture across different contexts and regions worldwide. As a result, the Global Torture Index is a member-driven initiative in which information is collected and analysed at the local level, ensuring ownership, meaningful involvement and recognition of implementing partners. Data collection is carried out through a detailed, research-driven and standardised questionnaire based on international and regional human rights standards.
ABOUT THE REGIONS
The OMCT operates through dedicated regional desks that coordinate activities and partnerships across Africa, Europe and Central Asia (ECA), the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Asia, and the Americas. These regional teams play a key role in strengthening collaboration with local civil society partners, supporting the program implementation, and ensuring that regional perspectives are reflected in the organisation’s global work. In the context of the Global Torture Index, the regional desks work closely with the Index team to coordinate partner participation, oversee the data collection process, and contribute to country analysis and dissemination.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
The regional consultants will support the effective implementation of the Global Torture Index at the country and regional levels by coordinating with national partners and stakeholders, facilitating data collection, and ensuring timely and accurate integration of country-specific information. They will act as the main liaison between the Index team, regional desks and partners in their assigned region.
This open call aims to recruit 5 regional consultants, one per region:
- Africa
- Asia
- Americas
- Europe & Central Asia
- MENA
Applicants may apply for one region in which they have relevant expertise.
Key responsibilities
- Regional Coordination and Partner’s Engagement
- Serve as a primary point of contact with OMCT members and national partners (Index country focal points) in the assigned region.
- Coordinate meetings and onboarding for partners in the 2026 Index cycle.
- Maintain communication with partners from the respective region that participated in the 2025 cycle to update country data and Index webpage information.
- Data Collection and Validation
- Support partners in collecting country-level data, including recommendations, good practices, risk assessment, as well as consent forms.
- Collaborate with the Index team and regional desks to review and validate country assessments.
- Ensure that country-level data and contextual information are accurate, complete, and ready to be included in the Global Torture Index webpage and for public dissemination, in different languages.
- Communication and Dissemination Support
- Assist in planning and coordination of country-level events.
- Contribute to communication materials such as videos, reports, transparency scale included in webpage, and country factsheets (and translation), to enhance the Index’ visibility.
- Additional Tasks
- Support any other activity requested by the regional desk or Index team to ensure support effective implementation of the Index cycle in the region
For the 2026 Index cycle, assessments for 27 countries will be updated, and additional countries will be included. The distribution of participating countries by region is expected as follows:
- Africa: 5 countries to be updated, 2 new countries.
- Asia: 5 countries to be updated and 2 new countries.
- Americas: 5 countries to be updated and 3 new countries.
- Europe & Central Asia: 8 countries to be updated and 3 new countries.
- MENA: 4 countries to be updated, 1 new country.
TIMEFRAME, METHODOLOGY AND DELIVERABLES
Duration: The consultancy will run from February 2026 to July 2026 with the most intensive work expected March-June 2026, leading up to the Index annual event on the 26 June 2026.
Methodology and Deliverables:
- Develop a work plan and timeline for coordinating the 2026 Index cycle in the assigned region.
- Participate in training on the Index methodology delivered by OMCT staff.
- Propose a strategy for effective engagement and communication with OMCT members and partners implementing the Index.
- Facilitate workshops, meetings, and/or country-level events as required to support onboarding and engagement to the Index deliverables, within planned timeline.
- Collaborate with the Index team to review submissions for completeness, consistency, and quality.
- Provide regularly updates to the Index team on regional progress, challenges, and developments.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE EXPECTED
The consultancy requires a proven expertise in country and regional coordination, human rights and torture research, and data collection, capable of supporting the implementation of the Global Torture Index.
The consultant should demonstrate:
- University degree in social sciences, human rights, international relations, political science, development studies, or a related field; a postgraduate degree is an asset.
- At least three or four years of professional experience in regional coordination, project management, or human rights/torture research, ideally involving multi-country projects.
- Strong understanding of regional dynamics, cultural contexts, and political sensitivities relevant to the assigned region.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, including working with civil society organisations, international networks and government institutions.
- Demonstrated understanding of torture prevention, human rights protection mechanisms, or related international frameworks (e.g. CAT, OPCAT, UN Treaty Bodies, UPR, SDGs).
- Knowledge of risk assessment, human rights defenders’ preventive measures and protection mechanisms.
- Familiarity with data collection methodologies, indicators, or monitoring and evaluation frameworks in human rights or social research is an asset.
- Excellent oral and written English; proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region of expertise (see below).
- Capacity to work independently, proactively, manage competing priorities, and deliver outputs within deadlines.
- Awareness of ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and responsible handling of sensitive human rights data.
Regions and Language Requirements:
Applicants are invited to apply for one region of their expertise. Please note that the consultancy position should be based in the applicable region or in a similar time zone for ease of work. Specific qualifications and language requirements per region include:
- Europe & Central Asia (ECA): proficiency in English required; Russian or other regional languages highly desirable.
- Africa: proficiency in English required, proficiency in French is highly desirable.
- MENA: proficiency in English required, proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.
- Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC): proficiency in English and Spanish required; Portuguese an asset.
- Asia: proficiency in English required; regional languages an asset.
COMPETENCIES EXPECTED
- High ethical standards and a proven commitment to human rights principles, data integrity, and research transparency.
- Strong organisational and project management skills to coordinate multiple stakeholders and tasks across countries.
- Initiative and self-motivation: ability to work independently, anticipate challenges, and take ownership of tasks.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex information and provide practical recommendations.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences, including partners, policymakers, and the general public.
- Commitment to evidence-based decision-making and ensuring that regional engagement contributes to the quality and credibility of the Global Torture Index.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
OMCT is an equal opportunity employer.
Duration of consultancy: February 2026 – July 2026.
Starting date: 9 February 2025
Place of work: Remote
Fee: Depending on the profile and the workload of each region, the proposal must include an overall fee ranging between 3’000 and 8'000 EUR (per consultant) for the entire duration of the consultancy and all deliverables.
ELIGIBILITY, APPLICATIONS, AND CONSIDERATION
Interested consultants are invited to submit their proposals via email to applications@omct.org with the subject line:
“Regional Consultant – Global Torture Index – [Region]”
(for example: “Regional Consultant – Global Torture Index – Africa”)
The submission should include the following attachments in PDF format:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the consultant, highlighting relevant experience.
- Letter of Interest (maximum 1 page) summarising your qualifications, motivation, and region of expertise, as well as how your experience aligns with the objectives of the Global Torture Index.
Application Deadline: All proposals must be submitted by 27 January 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.