EDF is looking for a consultant to analyse disability inclusion in the EU candidate countries’ accession process. The consultant will identify key gaps, provide strategic guidance to address these gaps and offer practical recommendations. 

Deadline for applications: 15 March 2024

Background and summary 

The EU and all its Member States, as well as all the EU accession countries, have all ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). EU candidate countries must accept the EU acquis before they can join the EU and make the EU law part of their own national legislation. Adoption and implementation of the EU acquis is the basis of the accession negotiations. 

To support organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in their advocacy towards implementation of the CRPD, this consultancy will provide a comprehensive overview (report) and a concise toolkit. These documents will highlight the steps EU accession countries must take in order to meet the requirements of the EU acquis in line with the CRPD. 

Main objective of the consultancy 

• Research and document the situation of persons with disabilities in EU accession countries, with a focus on Ukraine and Moldova. 
• Provide resources that support stakeholders to advance disability rights within the EU accession process.  
• Compare the EU Acquis with the UN CRPD to establish standards for disability inclusion that accession countries must meet.  
• Identify strategic entry points in each context/country, and necessary measures for EU accession criteria compliance, aligning with CRPD principles.  
• Develop final products primarily for OPDs, as well as for a diverse range of disability and human rights organisations. 

Specific deliverables  

Two fully accessible documents in Word and PDF format: 

• Full report – Disability-inclusive EU accession (maximum 30 pages). The report will include case studies and example of successes from other countries. 
• Toolkit – Clear guidance on advocacy entry points and recommended actions to ensure disability-inclusive EU accession (maximum 5 pages). 

Methodology – Approaches to include: 

• Desk research/analysis of relevant data, e.g. UN CRPD, EU Acquis, EU Disability Rights Strategy, EU Accession reports, 2023 Enlargement Package, etc. 
• Key informant interviews with stakeholders relevant to EU accession, for example: members of organisations of persons with disabilities, EU representatives working on accession, policymakers and implementors involved in EU accession and neighbouring policies. 
• Comparison with situation/practice in relevant EU accession countries, including Ukraine and Moldova. 

Support 

EDF, its members and partners already have links with individuals/organisations who can provide more details. We would support/collaborate with the consultant as required during the consultancy. 

Time plan 

Preferred completion date:1st May (deadline at the latest: 10th May 2024). 

Required profile  

• Official self-employed status (registered with VAT). 
• The consultant/s is independent from EDF, has not been employed by EDF in the past or been part of its governing bodies. 
• 5-10 years research experience. 
• 5 years’ experience in neighbouring policies, development, humanitarian, disability inclusion and/or related fields. 
• Demonstrated analytical and report-writing skills. 
• Ideally has a knowledge of the EU acquis and of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, accessibility, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. 
• Fluent in written and spoken English. 
• Experience in production of accessible documentation. 
• Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Application 

If you are interested to apply for this consultancy, please send your CV and letter of interest to Giulia Traversi (giulia.traversi@edf-feph.org) by 15th March 2024. 

In your letter of interest, please indicate: 

• Your experience and knowledge on this topic 
• The expected number of days and brief overview of strategy (including time plan) to complete the project 
• Your daily rate for consultancy and total expected cost  

About EDF

The European Disability Forum is an independent Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) that defends the interests of 100 million Europeans with disabilities. EDF is a unique platform which brings together representative organisation of persons with disabilities from across Europe. EDF is run by persons with disabilities and their families. EDF is a front runner for disability rights. We are a strong, united voice of persons with disabilities in Europe.