Rights & Security International (RSI) is seeking a
Latin America–based research consultant
to support our work on
climate justice
. The consultant will investigate the 'security'-focused treatment of climate justice protests and the criminalisation of environmental and Indigenous human rights defenders in the region.
We are looking for a candidate with strong
research and legal skills
, experience working with
Indigenous and/or environmental organisations
, and deep knowledge of the
human rights landscape in
Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala and/or Peru.
This consultancy involves research, stakeholder engagement, and drafting high-quality human rights analysis to inform advocacy at national, regional, and international levels.
Please send a CV and a covering letter (max. 2 pages) explaining how you meet the person specification to
Latin America Research Consultant – Climate Justice
Rights & Security International (RSI)
Rights & Security International (RSI) is seeking a research consultant based in Latin America to support our work on climate justice. Specifically, we are seeking someone based in and with deep knowledge of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia or Peru.
The consultant will contribute to RSI's research on the criminalisation of environmental and Indigenous human rights defenders (HRDs) in the region, and any government treatment of such HRDs as 'terrorists' or threats to 'security'.
This role requires strong research, legal and analytical skills, as well as the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including environmental grassroots organisations and regional networks. It requires fluent Spanish and English.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
* Degree in law, human rights, public policy, international development or another relevant field.
* In-depth knowledge of the challenges faced by environmental and Indigenous HRDs and activists advocating for climate justice in at least one of the Latin American countries listed above.
* Strong research skills, including interviewing techniques and participatory research methods.
* Demonstrated track record of successfully completing research consultancy assignments and producing high-quality human rights analysis.
* Fluent speaking and writing ability in Spanish and English.
* Responsibilities
The consultant will:
* Conduct research
on the criminalisation of environmental and Indigenous HRDs in these areas of Latin America and any misapplication of 'security' or 'counterterrorism' laws to such HRDs.
* Analyse relevant legal frameworks
, including national security-related legislation and regional human rights standards.
* Carry out interviews and consultations
with environmental HRDs and activists; environmental and Indigenous organisations, including grassroots organisations; lawyers; and other civil society organisations and coalitions working on climate justice and HRD protection.
* Map key trends, risks and actors
across the priority countries.
* Draft written output:
compile a 20–30-page report in English or Spanish summarising the research findings.
* Keep accurate records
of all contacts and notes of all interviews conducted and meetings held.
* Provide regular updates
to RSI and collaborate on project planning.
Deliverables
* A
research plan and methodology
(including interview structure and list of stakeholders).
* A
regional report
in English or Spanish
on the 'security'-focused treatment of climate justice protests in our priority regions of Latin America (see above) with
case studies
analysing risks faced by environmental and Indigenous HRDs.
* Stakeholder mapping
of key organisations and networks, and main advocacy strategies used.
* Recommendations for attendees to be invited to a convening on these issues in 2026 and issues to be discussed
.
Contract Details
* Location:
Remote, based in one of the priority countries mentioned above
* Duration:
3-month consultancy with possibility of extension to 4 months
* Start date:
TBC in October 2025
* Fee:
6,700 UDS