Terms of Reference: Research on Human Rights Due Diligence Laws and Access to Remedy Mechanisms in Key Mineral-Consuming Jurisdictions and Business Associations
Legal Jobs
Job Description
Title : Research on Human Rights Due Diligence Laws and Access to Remedy Mechanisms in Key Mineral-Consuming Jurisdictions and Business Associations
1.0 Background and introduction
A public interest environmental law organisation dedicated to promoting environmental justice, sustainable natural resource governance, and equitable benefit-sharing in Zimbabwe seeks to commission a research study on mandatory human rights due diligence (HRDD) laws and access to remedy mechanisms in key mineral-consuming jurisdictions. Over the last decade, mineral-consuming countries such as Norway, Germany, France, Canada and the European Union (EU) have adopted or are adopting laws and regulations that require companies to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for adverse human rights and environmental impacts along their supply chains. In parallel, business associations and industry platforms (e.g. the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) and others) have developed voluntary guidelines that increasingly shape expectations of responsible sourcing, traceability, and access to remedy for affected communities. Zimbabwe is rapidly emerging as a key producer of strategic minerals, including lithium and gold, which feed into these global supply chains. However, there is limited consolidated analysis of how HRDD laws and access to remedy mechanisms in consumer jurisdictions create obligations, leverage, risks and opportunities for Zimbabwean mining operations, regulators, communities and civil society. This study will generate actionable evidence and recommendations to inform advocacy, legal reform, strategic litigation, and engagement with companies and regulators around responsible mineral supply chains.
Duties and Responsibilities
2.0 Objective of the Consultancy
Main Objective
The main objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive analysis of mandatory human rights due diligence (HRDD) laws and access to remedy mechanisms in selected mineral consuming jurisdictions and business associations, and to propose context-specific strategies for their adaptation and use in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, with emphasis on lithium and gold supply chains.
Specific Objectives
a. To systematically map and summarise key mandatory HRDD and related supply-chain laws, regulations and policies in selected jurisdictions such as Norway, Germany, Canada,the European Unionand/or any other relevant jurisdictions, including their scope, duty-bearers, enforcement mechanisms, and relevance to minerals and critical raw materials.
b. To identify and analyse judicial and non-judicial access to remedy mechanisms associated with these HRDD frameworks and how they have been used or could be used by affected communities in resource-producing countries.
c. To examine voluntary standards and guidelines developed by industry and business associations and assess their convergence or divergence with mandatory HRDD requirements.
d. To analyse the implications of these laws and mechanisms for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, with a focus on lithium and gold, including risks, opportunities and leverage points for regulators, companies, communities and CSOs.
e. To develop tailored adaptation and advocacy options for Zimbabwe, including potential legal and policy reforms, corporate practice improvements, strategic litigation opportunities, and community/CSO strategies to better access remedy through foreign and domestic mechanisms.
3.0 Methodology
The study will be primarily qualitative and desk-based, using a comparative legal research and policy analysis design, complemented by targeted key informant interviews and case study analysis. It should be explicitly utilisation-focused, producing tools and recommendations that the organisation can directly use in advocacy, litigation and engagement.
3.0 Key Deliverables and timelines
Working closely with the Organization’s team; the consultant is to deliver the following deliverables within 15 days of engagement:
a. Draft Comparative Research Report
b. Validation Presentation / Workshop Materials - PowerPoint slides and handouts summarising key findings and options.
c. Final Research Report (1 main product)
o Incorporating feedback from the organisation and stakeholders
o Executive Summary and key messages
o Clear, actionable recommendations for law reform, advocacy, corporate practice and community strategies.
d. Policy/Advocacy Brief: summary of key findings and asks for policymakers and external partners.
Qualifications and Experience
5.0 Qualifications, Skills and Experience
• Advanced degree in Law, preferably with specialisation in environmental law, human rights law, business and human rights, or international economic law.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in legal and policy research, with demonstrable work on HRDD, ESG, BHR, or responsible mining/supply chains.
• Proven experience in comparative legal analysis and high-quality report writing.
• Familiarity with global mineral supply chains, particularly in lithium and gold, and the African/Global South context.
• Experience working with civil society, communities, and public interest litigation is an added advantage.
How to Apply
To apply
Interested candidates must submit their CV, Expression of Interest together with clearly laid out methodology, proposed timelines and the proposed budget and links to previous similar work to procurementzw@gmail.com by 12 June 2026 at 1630hrs The subject on the email must be “Call for Consultancy: Environmental human rights due diligence laws and access to remedy mechanisms.” No documents shall be received or considered after the due date.
