RFPs: Youth CSO Partner for B+HR Communications Development Program (Malaysia)

Deadline: 4-Jun-25

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is requesting proposals for the Youth CSO Partner for B+HR Communications Development Program that will leverage the untapped potential of youth and media to act as mobilisers and agents of change pushing policymakers and businesses to address business-related human rights abuses and adverse environmental impacts, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and other global standards.

Objectives

• The objective of the project is to
  • ensure greater engagement with youth on B+HR and environment issues, creating the necessary political dynamics that boost implementation of the UNGPs;
  • strengthen the role and deepen the interest of media professionals to cover B+HR and environmental rights issues in a gender responsive manner, thus galvanising momentum in support to access to effective remedy for abuses of rights in the context of business operations; and
  • raise the scale of dialogue on B+HR issues among media professionals and youth through regional dialogues, enriching the enabling environment for the uptake of policy measures that lead to a level playing field for those businesses committed to responsible business practice.

Objectives of the Assignment

• The objectives of the implementing partner for the project are to:
  • Raise awareness among targeted communities about the impact of intersectional challenges related to Business, Human Rights and the Environment (BHR+E);
  • Develop gender-sensitive and culturally sensitive knowledge products and communication strategies that promote inclusive development;
  • Build community engagement and participation in human rights and environmental advocacy.

Outputs

• The key outputs of the project are:
  • Public knowledge (with a focus on youth) about corporate impact on human rights and the environment enhanced.
  • Reporting and communications on B+HR issues in Asian media, including inclusive and gender-responsive approaches enhanced.
  • Regional engagement among youth and media engagement on Business, Human Rights and Environmental priorities to advance policy action are increased.

Eligibility Criteria

• Experience
  • Organisation and Capacity Requirements:
    • At least 3 years’ experience in delivering advocacy and outreach campaigns related to human rights and environmental issues for young people, particularly women, girls, Indigenous groups, and other marginalised communities.
    • Proven experience in designing and producing culturally sensitive and gender-sensitive multimedia assets and creative content development, particularly for digital campaigns. Experience working with business, human rights and environmental issues/materials is desirable.
    • Demonstrated understanding of intersectionality and its application in development contexts. Preference will be given to proposals from women-led youth CSOs, particularly those from Indigenous communities.
    • The bidding organisation must be a youth-led civil society organisation, with at least 60% of its leadership and decision-making roles held by individuals aged 18–30.
• Competencies
  • Technical
    • Ability to apply behavioural science principles to design impactful awareness campaigns;
    • Facilitating participatory processes that engage indigenous youth and stakeholders in solution development;
    • Identifying grassroots solutions and understanding community perspectives to inform initiatives;
    • Expertise in creating culturally sensitive and gender-inclusive educational materials;
    • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, age sensitivity, and adaptability;
    • Demonstrates/safeguards ethics and integrity; and
    • Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
  • Core Behavioural
    • Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with colleagues, partners, and community members;
    • Demonstrated ability to structure and manage activities efficiently, ensuring commitment to the timely delivery of projects; and
    • Ability to maintain high-quality work in dynamic environments while meeting tight deadlines and short turn-around times.

For more information, visit UNDP.