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Consultancy - Advocacy on access to justice for children subjected to sexual exploitation and abuse in Uzbekistan

ECPAT International

Published

14 Oct 2026

Organization: ECPAT InternationalClosing date: 1 Nov 2026ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXTECPAT International is a global network of organisations working together for the elimination of the sexual exploitation of children in all its manifestations i.e., exploitation of children in prostitution, online child sexual exploitation, sale and trafficking of children for sexual purposes, sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism and some forms of child, early and forced marriage. The ECPAT Network currently consists of 143 members working at national and local levels in 115 countries.The ECPAT International Secretariat coordinates the global work of the organisation and is based in Bangkok, Thailand. The Secretariat designs and implements global and regional level programmes, and undertakes programming, advocacy and research and facilitates a range of network initiatives.THE PROJECTIn 2024-2025, ECPAT International conducted research on children's access to justice and legal remedies in cases of sexual exploitation in Uzbekistan. The resulting publication, Access to Justice and Legal Remedies for Children Subjected to Sexual Exploitation in Uzbekistan, assessed the extent to which children subjected to sexual exploitation can effectively access reporting mechanisms, child-centred justice procedures, recovery and reintegration services, and remedies, including compensation.The research identified several strengths within the Uzbek legal and institutional framework, as well as persistent challenges that may hinder children's ability to seek justice and obtain effective remedies. Based on these findings, an Advocacy Roadmap was agreed upon with stakeholders in the country outlining priority actions for strengthening access to justice and legal remedies for children subjected to sexual exploitation. The roadmap includes recommendations aimed at improving legal and policy frameworks, enhancing child-centred justice processes, strengthening multidisciplinary responses, and ensuring that children can access appropriate support and remedies throughout their recovery.Building on this work, ECPAT International is now entering a new phase focused on advancing the implementation of the Advocacy Roadmap and promoting uptake of the report's recommendations among relevant stakeholders in Uzbekistan. Through targeted advocacy and stakeholder engagement, the project seeks to contribute to policy and practice changes that strengthen children's access to justice and legal remedies and improve responses to child sexual exploitation.OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCYThe objective of this consultancy is to support the implementation of advocacy actions identified in the Advocacy Roadmap accompanying the 2025 report on access to justice and legal remedies in Uzbekistan.Based on an assessment of strategic relevance, feasibility and available resources, ECPAT International has identified a number of priority advocacy targets within the Advocacy Roadmap for implementation during 2026-2027. Applicants are expected to develop a proposed advocacy and stakeholder engagement plan that contributes to the advancement of one or more of the selected outcomes and targets outlined below, including proposed activities, target stakeholders, expected results and timelines.Objective 1: Promote fair and equitable treatment of survivors of child sexual exploitation and abuse in the justice system,Outcome 1.1: Justice and law enforcement professionals are trained in handling child sexual exploitation and abuse cases using gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory approaches.Target 1.1.3: Develop and integrate mandatory training modules on gender-sensitive, non-discriminatory approaches to working with survivors in both pre-service and in-service curricula for relevant law enforcement and justice professionals.Outcome 1.2: Improved public and professional recognition of the harm caused to survivors by gender-based bias, discrimination, and harmful stereotypes.Target 1.2.2: Collaborate with media councils and journalism associations to develop and institutionalise codes of conduct and practical guidance on using rights-based, non-stigmatising language when reporting on cases of child sexual exploitation and abuse.Objective 2: Strengthen access to free legal and psychological assistance for survivors of child sexual exploitation and abuse,Outcome 2.1: Referral mechanisms between state bodies and civil society are established to ensure survivors receive timely legal and psychological assistanceTarget 2.1.2: Streamline the referral protocols into the standard operating procedures of relevant frontline professionals, including police, prosecutors, social workers, and service providers, to ensure consistent survivor access to assistance.Applicants are encouraged to explain which of the above outcomes and targets they intend to prioritise and to justify their proposed approach. While ECPAT International has identified these targets as priority areas for advocacy in 2026-2027, applicants may also propose complementary actions from the Advocacy Roadmap where these are considered relevant to achieving sustainable policy and practice change.KEY TASKS AND DELIVERABLESThe exact scope of tasks and deliverables will be finalised with the selected consultant during the contracting and inception phase, based on the proposed methodology and selected advocacy priorities.CONSULTANT PROFILEThe consultant (or agency with a team of consultants) should demonstrate:Proven experience in designing and implementing advocacy initiatives, stakeholder engagement processes, or policy influencing strategies.Strong understanding of child rights, child protection, access to justice and legal remedies, and/or responses to child sexual exploitation and abuse.Demonstrated experience engaging with government institutions, justice sector professionals, education stakeholders, civil society organisations and other relevant groups.Knowledge of the Uzbek legal, policy and institutional context, particularly in relation to child protection, education, justice or human rights.Experience developing advocacy strategies, policy briefs, stakeholder engagement plans, consultation reports, or similar outputs.Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Uzbek.Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with ECPAT International and relevant national partners.TIMEFRAMEThe service agreement is expected to take place between November 2026 and July 2027.The exact duration, level of effort, timeline and milestones will be determined during the contracting phase and will depend on the advocacy approach and implementation plan proposed by the selected consultant. Applicants should therefore include a proposed timeline and indicative level of effort as part of their technical proposal.Specific deliverables and deadlines will be agreed with the selected consultant and reflected in the final contract and workplan.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThis is a home-based position using their own equipment. The consultant(s) should be available for online calls including with different time zones in particular with Thailand where ECPAT International Secretariat is based.The Consultant is expected to act at all times in a manner consistent with the values of ECPAT International and in compliance with the organisation’s policies and procedures including Safeguarding Policies and the Code of Conduct.Applications from an agency or group of consultants can be accepted.OUR COMMITMENTSAs ECPAT’s International Secretariat we recognise that our strength lies in the diversity of the people who make up our global network, staff, volunteers and consultants. We are committed to being an inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds and cultures can strive and be themselves. This means we will challenge ourselves to do better and to continue learning, to create and maintain a working environment steeped in respect, tolerance, safety, and where all parties are valued equally.As a child-focused organisation, ECPAT has a strong commitment to child safeguarding and rigorous procedures, and the successful candidate will be required to sign our 2 codes of conduct.How to applyPlease send a technical offer along with your financial offer in USD to vacancy@ecpat.org mentioning: Your name and “Advocacy Child-Centred Justice in Uzbekistan”in the subject header.The technical proposal must identify the objective(s), outcome(s) and target(s) the applicant proposes to focus on (as per list provided in the “Objectives of the Consultancy” section of this Request for Proposals), describe the proposed advocacy and stakeholder engagement activities, and indicate the proposed geographical scope of the assignment. An indicative timeline should also be included. Applicants should submit CV(s) demonstrating relevant experience of the team and a separate financial proposal.Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to respond to every application. If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks from the deadline, it means that your application has not been successful.Dependent upon the volume of applications received, ECPAT reserves the right to close the advertisement sooner than the suggested closing date.Deadline: 1 November 2026ECPAT International anticipates allocating approximately USD 9,000 to this service agreement, covering both personnel and activity-related costs.