The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has announced a comprehensive learning review aimed at strengthening humanitarian diplomacy—an increasingly vital approach in today’s complex global landscape.
With conflict, displacement, and geopolitical tensions continuing to rise, NRC seeks to understand how diplomatic efforts can better support principled humanitarian access and protection of civilians.
Why Humanitarian Diplomacy Matters
Humanitarian needs are growing while funding and access are shrinking. At the same time, global politics have become more polarized, making humanitarian action more vulnerable to instrumentalisation and political pressure.
Humanitarian diplomacy—state-to-state engagement that advances humanitarian goals—has therefore become more central across NGOs, the UN, governments, and the Red Cross–Red Crescent Movement.
However, practical knowledge remains fragmented. Definitions vary, much of the work happens behind closed doors, and organisations seldom document or share their experiences. NRC’s learning review aims to bridge these gaps by gathering actionable lessons from real-world examples.
Objectives of the Learning Review
The review is designed to generate practical insights that will support future diplomatic efforts by humanitarian organisations and States. NRC seeks an experienced consultant to deliver the following:
Learning from Past Diplomatic Efforts
- Analyse successful and unsuccessful humanitarian diplomacy initiatives.
- Identify what works, what does not, and why.
Actionable Recommendations
- Provide clear, practical guidance for NGOs, States, and multilateral organisations.
- Offer tools such as checklists, risk considerations, and “menus of options” for diplomatic engagement.
Risk Identification and Mitigation
- Examine both short- and long-term risks related to humanitarian diplomacy.
- Highlight threats to humanitarian principles, reputational risks, and potential unintended consequences.
NRC understands humanitarian diplomacy as the pursuit of humanitarian outcomes through diplomatic engagement with key State and non-State actors. This review focuses particularly on state-to-state diplomacy and the role humanitarian agencies play in influencing those processes.
Scope of Work and Key Questions
The consultant will explore approximately six case studies combined with broader literature. Key questions include:
- Which diplomatic approaches—public or private—best support principled humanitarian access?
- How can lessons from past initiatives guide future strategies?
- How have States effectively supported humanitarian organisations, and how can agencies better engage diverse States?
- What risks emerge from diplomacy-driven approaches, and how can they be mitigated?
- What practical recommendations can be made for States, humanitarian NGOs, the UN, international organisations, and the Red Cross–Red Crescent Movement?
Methodology and Expected Outputs
Inception Phase
- Finalise scope, methods, timeline, and key questions with NRC.
- Agree on around six case studies reflecting diverse regions and contexts.
Research and Analysis
- Desk Review: Examine existing public and confidential literature, including broader learning on access and diplomacy.
- Key Informant Interviews: Engage stakeholders from NGOs, UN agencies, government bodies, diplomats, and experts at global, regional, and national levels.
- Synthesis: Consolidate findings into cross-cutting lessons and recommendations.
Validation Workshop
- Present draft findings to NRC stakeholders.
- Facilitate a virtual workshop to refine conclusions and recommendations.
Final Deliverables
- Case Studies: 1–2-page summaries of each selected initiative.
- Internal Learning Review: A consolidated report outlining lessons, risks, and best practices.
- Recommendations: Clear guidance for NRC and other stakeholders at global, regional, and national levels.
- External Brief: A concise version for wider humanitarian audiences.
- Policy Presentation: A briefing session to share insights internally and externally.
Timeline and Management
The consultancy will run from November 2025 to January 2026, requiring no more than 25 working days. The consultant will report to NRC’s Head of Policy & Advocacy (Principled Humanitarian Action), based in Geneva. The work will be conducted remotely.
Consultant Profile
NRC seeks a consultant with:
- 7+ years of experience in humanitarian response, diplomacy, or crisis management
- Strong knowledge of humanitarian access and diplomacy in complex crises
- Proven experience conducting learning reviews or evaluations
- Understanding of the international humanitarian system and its actors
- Excellent qualitative research skills and ability to deliver practical recommendations
- Strong communication skills and fluency in English
- Ability to manage sensitive information responsibly
How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following by 23:59 (Geneva time), 8 December 2025 to ch.gvatenders@nrc.no, using the subject line “Humanitarian Diplomacy Learning”:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter / Expression of Interest
- Daily consultancy rate in CHF or EUR (inclusive of VAT and charges)
- Contactable references
- Proof of registration as a consultant or business entity
NRC emphasises strong ethical standards and will conduct due-diligence screening in line with anti-corruption, anti-money-laundering, and counter-terrorism regulations.
NRC looks forward to receiving applications for this important learning initiative.
