Job Title: Research AssistantType: Short-term consultancyLocation: RemoteBudget: A maximum budget of 30,000 Euro is available for this service, for a period of six (6) months.Expected start date: January 2026 / Expected end date: June 2026
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a skilled Research Assistant (Consultant) with expertise in labour law and a strong understanding of collective labour rights and international labour standards. The consultant will:
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Contribute to desk-based research across more than 150 countries, focusing on identifying, analysing, and documenting legal and practical violations of collective labour rights
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Contribute substantively to the drafting of a major publication, preparing sections, country profiles, and analytical summaries under the supervision of the project’s lead researcher
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Support the application of a standardized methodology to analyse and rank countries based on documented violations.
This temporary consultancy is an excellent opportunity for a legal researcher with excellent drafting skills and an interest in international labour rights.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Research and Data Collection
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Conduct comprehensive desk research on national legal frameworks, practices, and documented violations related to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the right to strike.
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Collect, review, and synthesize information on labour rights violations from trade unions and global union federations, complemented by relevant national legal materials, case law, and ILO supervisory body reports.
Writing and Publication Support
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Prepare clear, accurate, and high-quality written contributions—including country analyses, thematic chapters, and analytical briefs—for a forthcoming major publication, in line with established editorial and methodological guidelines.
Other tasks will include:
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Contribute to the systematic coding and analysis of documented violations of collective labour rights, ensuring the consistent application of the project’s methodology for evaluating countries.
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Assisting in maintaining and updating a comparative database tracking country-level developments and compliance with international labour standards.
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Participating in periodic coordination meetings with the project team to review progress and findings.
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Performing other research-related tasks as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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Bachelor’s degree in Law. Master’s degree, especially in Labour Law or Human Rights Law, is an asset.
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Familiarity with ILO conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining and the ILO supervisory mechanisms.
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Demonstrated experience conducting legal research on international labour law, in particular freedom of association.
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Excellent drafting and analytical skills in English, with proven ability to synthesize complex legal materials into clear and concise text.
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Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and methodological rigour.
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Ability to manage multiple research tasks and deliver high-quality written outputs under tight deadlines.
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Additional language skills (especially French or Spanish) are a strong asset.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
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Quality of the proposal
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Relevant experience, background and qualification
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Inclusivity
TENDER SUBMISSION
The ITUC welcomes responses to the invitation to tender by interested candidates, with a submission covering:
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A cover letter outlining the candidate’s ability to address the tender’s aim and budget
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CV including contact details for reference
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Two samples of recent work that the tenderer deems relevant to this assignment (e.g., examples of research, policy briefs, briefings etc. – preferably in English)
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A quote for the consultancy fee in EUR
Requests for information and submission of tenders should be sent to [email protected] by 30 November 2025.Based on the responses received, the final selection of the consultant may be subject to an interview to clarify aspects of candidate’s proposal.
