JOB VACANCY: SENIOR EXPERT CONSULTANT – COLOMBIA-BASED

31/03/2026
Update

Open Call for Senior Expert Consultant (Colombia-based)

Reporting line: Head of Programmes

 

The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association (“ICoCA”), founded in September 2013, is a multi-stakeholder initiative created to promote, govern, and oversee the implementation of a Code of Conduct (the Code) for private security companies operating in complex environments. The Code seeks to strengthen respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, while raising operational standards across the private security industry. ICoCA’s membership comprises states, private security companies, and civil society organisations. These three pillars together form the Association’s General Assembly, with each pillar equally represented on ICoCA’s Board of Directors.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Secretariat supports the implementation of the Association’s core functions. We are seeking a Senior Expert Consultant (Colombia-based).

 

1. Background and Context

Background

Corporate actors, particularly those operating in the extractive, agricultural, forestry, and financial sectors, often carry out activities in fragile or conflict-affected settings where domestic legal frameworks are weak or poorly enforced. In such environments, they rely heavily on Private Security Providers (PSPs) to safeguard their operations. However, the use of PSPs has been repeatedly linked to serious abuses, including forced displacement, land grabbing, environmental crimes, arbitrary detention, torture, and killings. These violations frequently go undocumented or unpunished, and often affect indigenous communities, women, children, and environmental and human rights defenders.

Despite the existence of international standards, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, corporate actors often fail to implement robust due diligence practices. This results in accountability gaps and cycles of impunity. To mitigate risks and address violations, especially in fragile contexts and conflict- affected areas, a strong local civil society, accessible legal avenues for victims and a clear regulatory framework are required.

The Corporate Accountability Initiative

The Corporate Accountability Initiative (CAI), “Addressing the Accountability Gap: Supporting Civil Society in Seeking Remedy Across High-Risk Value Chains” is a strategic multi-regional project co-led by TRIAL International, the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA), and the Observatoire d’Etudes et d’Appui à la Responsabilité Sociale et Environnementale (OEARSE), in partnership with African Law Foundation, Centro Para Democracia e Direitos Humanos, Fundacion Instituto De Estudios Para El Desarrollo Y La Paz, Instituto de Enseñanza para el Desarrollo Sostenible, Iraqi Human Rights Defenders and Activists Consortium and with the support of the European Union.

The CAI works towards strengthening accountability for serious human rights and environmental violations committed in the provision of private security services to corporate actors in high-risk sectors.

 

2. Objectives of the Assignment

Global Objective

To strengthen corporate accountability frameworks (particularly private security providers) and practices in Colombia, particularly in high-risk sectors.

Specific Objectives

  • To provide high-level expertise on corporate accountability, due diligence, and governance in complex environments.
  • To support evidence-based analysis of risks related to security and supply chains.

 

3. Scope of Work

The Senior Expert will carry out the following tasks:

Analytical and Research Activities

  • Supervision of qualitative and quantitative research on corporate accountability, private security regulation, working conditions, among others.
  • Analyse and assess supply chains, with particular attention to high-risk sectors such as mining and natural resources.
  • Identify risks, vulnerabilities, and entry points for policy and operational interventions.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Map and engage relevant stakeholders, including public institutions, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and international partners.
  • Facilitate consultations, workshops, and expert meetings.

Technical Support and Advisory

  • Provide strategic advice to the project team on corporate accountability frameworks and methodologies.
  • Support the development of monitoring systems and analytical tools
  • Contribute to policy dialogue and the formulation of recommendations.

Knowledge Production and Dissemination

  • Draft high-quality analytical reports, policy briefs, and technical notes.
  • Present findings to national and international audiences.
  • Contribute to knowledge-sharing and visibility activities.

 

4. Location and Duration

  • Location: Colombia (with possible travel).
  • Duration: 24 months.
  • Level of Effort: Maximum of 8 working days per month (up to 192 working days in total).

 

5. Management and Reporting

Close coordination will be required with:

  • Project implementation team.
  • Representatives of the EU Delegation.
  • Partner organisations and stakeholders.

 

6. Required Qualifications and Experience

  • Advanced university degree (minimum Master, PhD preferred) in Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field.
  • At least 15 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Proven experience in security, peacebuilding, or governance in fragile contexts.
  • Demonstrated experience working in Latin America, preferably Colombia.
  • Proven track record in research and consultancy assignments for international organisations (e.g., EU, OECD, World Bank).
  • Work authorization to work in Colombia.

Specific Expertise

  • Strong knowledge of corporate accountability, due diligence, and responsible supply chains.
  • Expertise in security and natural resource governance.
  • Experience in stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue.

Language Skills

  • Excellent command of English and Spanish (written and spoken).
  • Other languages considered an asset.

 

7. Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Technical expertise and relevant experience
  • Quality of previous work and publications
  • Understanding of the Colombian and Latin American context

 

8. Contractual Arrangements

  • Type of contract: Individual consultancy (service contract).
  • Remuneration: Based on a daily fee.
  • Payments: Linked to deliverables and approved timesheets.

 

9. Application Procedure

Candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the application link below by 30 April 2026.

  • Curriculum Vitae (EU format preferred).
  • Cover letter outlining their suitability for the assignment.
  • Financial proposal (daily rate in EUR).

 

The selected candidate will join a dynamic, mission-driven environment guided by ICoCA’s core values of integrity, accountability, cooperation, inclusiveness, and meaningful change.

For further information about ICoCA, please visit www.icoca.ch.

 

Apply