At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expertise in labour rights and support multi-stakeholder engagement for a collaborative network.
- Company: Join the Ethical Trading Initiative, a leader in promoting fair labour practices.
- Benefits: Competitive consultancy rate, flexible remote work, and impactful project involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in workers' rights and contribute to meaningful change in the garment industry.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in labour rights, with strong analytical and report-writing skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence systemic change and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
The global ready-made garment (RMG) sector has generated significant economic growth and formal employment across key production regions. However, despite these gains, workers, particularly women, continue to face systemic barriers to realising fundamental labour rights, including Freedom of Association (FoA) and Collective Bargaining (CB). These enabling rights are essential for addressing a wide range of human rights challenges, yet are routinely restricted due to legal, political, commercial, and structural pressures within industry.
As new mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (mHREDD) legislation emerges, brands and suppliers will face increasing obligations to identify, prevent, and mitigate FoA risks—including those linked to their own practices. This creates both a need and an opportunity for coordinated multi-stakeholder approaches that address root causes at systemic and sectoral levels.
To meet this need, the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is establishing a social dialogue action network, a collaborative platform that enables brands, manufacturers, worker representatives, and local partners to work together using a systems-thinking approach grounded in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development approach to Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) and Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement (MSE) principles. The first stage of the project running from November 2025 to April 2026 is financed by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultant will provide technical expertise in FoA, labour rights, HRDD, and multi-stakeholder engagement to support the first stage of the network, working closely with the ETI Programme Manager and in-country leads.
Key Objectives & Tasks:
- Develop stakeholder and opportunity maps for the three countries.
- Identify and synthesise country-level FoA risks and root causes.
- Support design of governance and accountability structures.
- Produce technical materials: briefing reports, assessment tools, action-plan templates.
- Support preparation for the network launch and Brand Engagement Series.
Deliverables:
- Workplan refinement – Week 1
- Stakeholder mapping and technical input – Month 1
- Country-specific risk synthesis & reports – Month 2
- Governance framework inputs – Month 3
- Tools & templates (risk assessment, action plans) – Month 4
- Support to continuation plans & communications – Month 4
- Final technical summary – End of contract
Reporting & Management:
Reports to ETI Programme Manager; close coordination with country leads.
Qualifications & Experience:
- 10+ years in labour rights and HRDD, with expertise in FoA and Collective Bargaining.
- Experience with multi-stakeholder initiatives and social dialogue platforms.
- Strong analytical and report-writing skills; knowledge of OECD HRDD, ILO Conventions, MSE principles.
Desirable: experience in South Asia and/or Türkiye; gendered labour rights expertise.
Budget: The total budget available for this service/consultancy from January to 30 April 2026 is £14,500. This amount is inclusive of all applicable VAT and reverse-charge taxes or any other comparable charges, including those that may arise for consultants based outside the United Kingdom. The consultant is expected to provide a minimum of 6.5 days per month at a maximum daily rate of £550.
Application Process:
Please submit the following by 8 AM (UK time) on 15 December 2025 to hr@eti.org.uk, using “Consultant – FoA & Labour Rights” as the subject line:
- CV with two references
- Short technical proposal outlining approach and any key assumptions or questions for ETI
- Daily rate and availability
Please note that interviews for this position will take place on 18 and 19 December, so kindly save these dates. More in-depth information about the requirements of this position can be found in the Terms of Reference on our website.
Consultant – Freedom of Association (FoA) & Labour Rights in Hemel Hempstead employer: Ethical Trading initiative
Contact Detail:
Ethical Trading initiative Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant – Freedom of Association (FoA) & Labour Rights in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of labour rights and FoA. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people who are already working in this space, and don’t hesitate to ask for informational interviews. We can learn so much from their experiences!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the company and its initiatives. Understand their approach to human rights and how they engage with stakeholders. This will not only show your interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their values. We want to impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in multi-stakeholder initiatives and your understanding of HRDD principles. We need to be confident and clear about our expertise when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on the deadlines and prepare your materials well in advance. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Consultant – Freedom of Association (FoA) & Labour Rights in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in labour rights and FoA. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Clear Proposal: Your technical proposal should outline your approach clearly. We’re looking for insight into how you plan to tackle the tasks, so keep it concise but informative. Don’t forget to mention any assumptions or questions you might have!
Be Mindful of Deadlines: Remember, the application deadline is 15 December 2025 at 8 AM UK time. We recommend submitting your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute hiccups. Trust us, it’s better to be early than late!
Apply Through Our Website: While you can send your application via email, we encourage you to check out our website for more details. It’s a great way to get familiar with us and what we stand for before you apply!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ethical Trading initiative
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Freedom of Association (FoA) and labour rights. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends, legislation, and challenges in the sector. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your expertise in multi-stakeholder initiatives and social dialogue platforms. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving HRDD or gendered labour rights, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the role, the team, and the project goals. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations and values.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics. Think through potential challenges you might encounter in the role and how you would address them, using your analytical skills and experience.