Current Opening
Request for Proposal
Consultancy Service for Drafting and Compiling Report – Business & Human Rights: A Business Perspective on Sustainability ReportsĀ (Volume II)
Location | New Delhi |
Application Deadline | 21-08-2023 |
Post Level | Consultant |
Language Required | English |
Duration of the Contract | 25-08-2023 |
Start Date | 25-11-2023 |
- Background
Business and Human Rights (BHR), is fast evolving as an area of focus with respect to business continuity, resilience and competitiveness. A growing number of businesses today are recognizing BHR as a competitive advantage and a necessary condition from a future proofing perspective. However, given the complexity and the magnitude of the topic, businesses are in want of support and guidance on understanding and more importantly the implementing BHR principles. In addition to this there is a growing expectation from stakeholder groups such as regulatory bodies, investors, civil society from businesses to perform on ESG parameters.Ā
Ā The BHR framework ā Protect, Respect and Remedy – was crystallised in 2011, when the United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). As per the Guidelines, it is the duty of State to protect human rights, responsibility of businesses to respect human rights and responsibility of both State and businesses to provide effective remedial mechanisms in case of human rights violations occurring out of business operations. The UNGP are recognised as the global standard of practice and expectation from States and businesses.
Since 2011, BHR has been discoursed and endorsed. The European Union (EU) and member States (Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium) have/are tabling laws pertaining mandatory human rights and environment due diligence. Australia, Japan and the United States are reviewing regulations pertaining business transparency on human rights and accountability. In the developing world, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kenya, Colombia are introducing guidelines around human rights and environment due diligence.Ā
The institutional investors are also endorsing the BHR agenda. The investors have moved from the traditional style of investing to investing in businesses demonstrating principles of human rights, environment and good governance across operations. In 2021, the Environment Social Governance (ESG) inflow stood at a voluminous estimate of at least USD 330 Billion.Ā As per the 2021 EY Global Investor Survey, 74 percent of institutional investors were likely to ādivestā based on poor Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) performance indicators.
To profile companies, investors are relying on sustainability reports, comprising disclosures ESG indicators. In the recent years multiple reporting frameworks have emerged to enable profiling of companies. In India, the Business Responsibility & Sustainability Report (BRSR) was launched in 2020, requiring top 1000 listed companies (by market capitalization) to report on 9 Principles that rest on Indiaās ESG framework, the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC). Principle 5 of the Report, specifically focuses on BHR initiatives.Ā
In line with the Business & Human Rights Journal: Volume I, this sequel (Volume II) aims to break down BHR principles for businesses and support with pragmatic uptake. While the first Volume compiled good BHR practices/initiatives by 5 businesses, this Volume specifically focuses on BHR practices vis-Ć -vis sustainability reporting. The purpose is to assess information filed by top 100 companies (by market capitalisation) under Principle 5 (BHR) of the BRSR, and thereby create pointers/guidelines for improved data filing. Further, the Report will map the linkage between BRSRs and key global sustainability reports by identifying overlaps in scope, applicability and key disclosures. Such clear linkage will enable companies understand the relation between key sustainability reports vis-Ć -vis BRSR, thereby make case for effective reporting.
- Objective
TheĀ objective of this Report is to analyse information filed by top 100 companies (by market capitalization), specifically under Principle 5 (BHR) under the BRSR, and subsequently draft empirical guidelines on how companies can draft concise, clear and complete reports. It is envisaged, reference to such guidelines will enable companies demonstrate their sustainability initiatives in a comprehensive yet sharp manner. Further, the Report will throw light on the linkage/overlaps
between BRSR and global sustainability reports. The linkage will enable companies understand how the sustainability reports relate to one another and thereby the importance of filing accurate reports. The objectives may be understood as:
- Analyse top 100 BRSRs (FY 2021-2022):Ā Ā
- Draft Guidelines for companies on how to draft comprehensive and accurate BHR Disclosures
- Map the linkage between BRSR and key sustainability reports
- Duties and Responsibilities
- Scope & Methodology
The scope of the assignment is limited to top 100 BRSRs (filed in FY 2021-2022), Principle 5. This will be a desk research. The writing should to be simple, clear and analytical. The Report is to be structured as:
- Chapter I: Executive Summary ā A compilation of purpose and key findings that emerged from the Study. . The Executive Summary should also elucidate why sustainability reports are important for businesses (for eg: improved access to markets, investors, visibility). The Chapter should be no more than 1000 words.
- Chapter II: Principle 5: BRSR Analysis ā Brief explanation on what the Principle 5 expects from businesses, followed by detailed expense on what is being reported. This information being reported by companies should be analysed on the following ( but not limited to) parameters: (i) Objectivity in information provided (ii) Completeness of information (iii) Conciseness (iv) Accuracy (v) SourcesĀ
- Chapter III: Guidelines for Comprehensive P.5: Bases the analysis, provide clear guidelines (in bullets) on how businesses can effectively and efficiently file information under P.5 of the BRSR. Link the guidelines with examples that emerge from the analysis (eg: good practices).Ā
- Chapter IV: BRSR and Sustainability Reports: An analysis of how BRSR aligns and/or overlaps with key sustainability reports, namely ā OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct (2023), Global Reporting Initiative, EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The purpose of this Chapter will be make clear linkage between BRSR and global frameworks, to demonstrate that companies reporting on BRSR are also covering global frameworks, which ultimately enhances their visibility and increases market access. The linkage should include (but not be limited) to the following indicators ā (i) Coverage (value chain) (ii) Scope (governance, environment, social), (iii) Grievance Redressal Mechanisms (iv) Penalties (v) Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence
- Chapter V: Conclusion: Brief summary (in bullets) on key takeaways and recommendations that emerge from the synthesis.Ā
The assignment will entail the following methodology:
- Preparatory Phase ā Create clear frameworks and approach. The activities will include (but not limit to):
- Create Terms of Reference for the Essays and Analysis Chapter
- Identification of the top 100 BRSRs
- Research Plan with clear scope and timeline
- Research & Analysis Phase ā Undertake detailed research and analysis
- Desk research
- Analysis of information disclosed in Principle 5 of top 100 listed companies
- Analysis of good practicesĀ
- Mapping of Principle 5 BRSR with key global sustainability frameworks
- Drafting
- Report writing
- Expected Outputs & Deliverables
S.No | Deliverable/Output | Due Date | Review & Approvals Required |
| Research Plan | 04-09-2023 | Business & Human Rights Unit, CRB |
| Draft Report (Chapter II & III) | 09-10-2023 | |
| Draft Report (Chapter IV & V) | 27-10-2023 | |
| Draft Complete Report | 15-11-2023 | |
| Final Report | 25-11-2023 |
- Institutional Arrangement
- The Consultant/Organisation shall work under the overall guidance of the Business and Human Rights Unit, CRB
- Fortnightly reporting will be required, and each deliverable shall be presented to the Business and Human Rights Unit for review and approval
- CRB will not provide any facilities or support, the Business and Human Rights Unit may provide guidance.
- Duration
The timeline for the assignment is 3 months. The work will commence in August 2023 and conclude in November 2023.Ā
- Duty Station
- It is not required for the Consultant/Organisation to physically visit the CRB office in New Delhi. The Consultant/Organisation may set-up a schedule to engage with the project team through video conference or other remote communication tools.Ā
- Travels, if needed, to be undertaken by the Consultant/Organisation at their expense.Ā Ā
- Competencies
- Demonstrate overall understanding of Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) trends, globally.
- Demonstrate overall understanding of BHR, the global legislations, trends, practices and sustainability reporting frameworks.
- Proven track record in systematically obtaining data (primary and secondary), analysing data, drafting succinct reports.
- Proven track record in engaging with businesses for multi-discipline, cross sector and cross country research and incidental activities.
- Fluency in written and oral English is essential. Working knowledge of a South Asian language is an advantage
- Required Documents
- Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability commenting on the ability to start the assignment by October 2022.Ā
- Curriculum Vitae (of lead and 2 team members, if applicable) indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details.Ā
- Technical Proposal, including a suitability statement for the assignment and overall methodology for the assignment, including work samples.Ā
- Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs. The term āall-inclusiveā implies that all costs (professional fees, communications, consumables, etc.) that could be incurred by the consultant in completing the assignment, are already factored into the fee submitted in the proposal.Ā
- Payment Schedule
Payments shall be done upon verification of completion of deliverables and approval by Finance Manager, CRB. The payment schedule will be as follows:Ā
- First Tranche (30%): Upon submission and approval of Deliverable 1
- Second Tranche (40%): Upon submission and approval of Deliverable 3 & 3
- Ā Third Tranche (30%): Upon submission and approval of Deliverable 5
- Evaluation Model and Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following methodology:Ā
- Cumulative Analysis:
- The award of the contract shall be made to the consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70%) and financial criteria (30%).Ā
- The technical criteria consists of qualification review (relevant experience, work samples, language etc.)Ā
- Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by CRB for the assignment.Ā
Ā
- Technical Criteria for Evaluation (Maximum 70 points)Ā
- Criteria 1: Relevant experience in BHR (max 30 points)Ā
- Criteria 2: Relevant experience in sustainability reports (max 20 points)Ā
- Criteria 4: Reporting and Project drafting experience (max 20 points)Ā
Ā
Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation. For those passing technical evaluation above, offers will be evaluated per the Combined Scoring method: a) Technical evaluation (70%) b) Financial evaluation (30%). The proposals receiving the Highest Combined Score will be awarded the contract. Incomplete proposals will not be considered.Ā
Ā
The short-listed candidates may be contacted, and the successful candidate will be notified. Duly filled proposals may only be emailed in PDF format to: nandini@c4rb.in, neha@c4rb.in, shubham@c4rb.inĀ
ABOUT CRBĀ
Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) was established in 2011 as a think-tank to pursue its vision, ābusinesses integrate sustainability into their core business practicesā. Given that sustainability is a multi-dimensional problem especially in the context of India and other emerging economies, CRB has adopted a model of engaging multiple stakeholders to develop action plans for promoting sustainable/responsible business, across various sectors in India. The work of CRB spans over four operational verticals namely, a) action and policy work; b) training and capacity building c) customized advisory services d) multi-stakeholder knowledge fora.Ā
The organization works across a diverse set of thematic areas which include (i) business and human rights; (ii) Private Sector & SDGs; (iii) MSMEs & sustainability; (iv) Circular economy and(v) Voluntary sustainability standards. With an experience of having worked for over a decade in the abovementioned fields, CRB has developed expertise and insights that positions it well among leading think tanks on sustainable development/sustainable business. More information can be found at www.c4rb.org.
Job Title : | Programme Officer | Job Category: | Full ā time (2 years contract) |
---|---|---|---|
Department or Group : | Environment and Climate Change | Location : | Mumbai |
Required Qualifications: | Bachelors or Masters (pursuing or completed) in Design (with an understanding of systems thinking) | Date Posted | 10 September 2022 |
Reporting : | Rijit Sengupta, CEO | Position Type | Contractual |
Male/Female (Preference/Mandatory): | None | Last Date of Application : | 19 September 2022 |
Mode of Application | To apply please send your CVs and a letter explaining why you want to apply for the position to hr@c4rb.in | ||
External Posting URL | LinkedIn and job portal | ||
Internal Posting URL | Company website |
OBJECTIVES:
The job requires primarily working creating awareness and promoting uptake of sustainable palm oil amongst various supply chain actors specially FMCGs, retails, financial institutions etc. The Programme Officer will also contribute to other aspects of CRBās work on Climate Change and Environment, as deemed necessary specially with engaging with private sector and industry stakeholders. The candidate should demonstrate experience to show working knowledge on the concept of value chains in general and from a climate change and environment lenses in particular.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:Ā
ResearchĀ
- Ascertain research context and requirements based on the project objectives
- Conduct primary & secondary research and analysis of palm oil value chain international multilateral institutional guidelines on uptake of sustainable palm oil
- Undertake knowledge management by collecting and collating information, data and statistics on topics and carry out analysis for informing decisions, develop ideas and proposalsĀ
Industry EngagementĀ
- Understand business priorities on environment, climate change and sustainability/ESG to devise methods to raise awarenessĀ
- Identify and engage with relevant actors from retail, e-commerce, financial institutions and FMCGs on topic related to edible oil with special focus on sustainable palm oilĀ
- Develop effective stakeholder communication strategies to cultivate partnerships and foster relationships with industry stakeholders, suppliers to with special emphasis on financial institutions actors
Convening eventsĀ
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholdersā actors (FMCGs, industries, retailers, financial institutions) to organize national and regional level workshops, consultationsĀ
- Support the team in activities as part of run up to the events
OthersĀ
- Support manager on devising an action plan, design strategy, developing work plans, summary reports and agendas.
- Undertake all other responsibilities and functions, as assigned by the manager
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEĀ
- Minimum five to seven years of experience
- Candidate with corporate background would be preferred specially with experience related to ESG, corporate communication, CSR, sustainability and procurementĀ
COMPETENCIES/SKILLS SETĀ
- Strong knowledge on sustainability, ESG, climate change and environmentĀ
- Ability to interact independently with businesses and other stakeholders especially from the industry
- Critical ThinkingĀ
- Analytical bent of mindĀ
- Ability to take initiative and complete assigned tasks in high standardsĀ
- Strong relationship management skills and interpersonal skills
- Strong in person and online communication (oral and written) skills
- High level proficiency for MS Office
- Ability to deliver under tight timelines
EDUCATION QUALIFICATION:
A masterās level degree or equivalent in business management or corporate communication particular exposure and training on environment, climate and sustainability issues would be preferred.
NOTE:Ā
Appointment shall be on contractual basis for two year and will be extendable based on performance and availability of opportunities in this or other CRB projects.Ā Ā
Ā
Job Title : | Internship | Tenure: | October ā March 2022 |
---|---|---|---|
Requested By: | Rijit Sengupta/ Bhavya Sharma | Location : | Delhi |
Required Qualifications: | Bachelors or Masters (pursuing or completed) in Environment/Climate Change/Sustainability or itās equivalent | Required Exp. (in years): | 0 to 2 years |
Reporting : | Bhavya Sharma | No. of positions required: | 1 |
Male/Female (Preference/Mandatory): | None | Last Date of Application : | 15 July 2022 |
Department: | Programs | Contact | bhavya@c4rb.in |
Key Responsibilities
- Ascertain research context and requirements based on projectĀ
- Support the team members in completing the activities/deliverables under the projectĀ
- Coordinate with stakeholders when requiredĀ
- Prepare essential documents that will protect the interests of research participants
- Good at organizing meetings, follow ups, engaging with potential participants if needed
- Assist with the process of writing summary of meetings, conducting research and analysisĀ
Required Skills:
- Understanding of environment, climate change, sustainability and other relevant topic
- Ability to work remotely, if needed (access to a laptop and internet will be necessary)
- Familiar with both qualitative and quantitative methods of researchĀ
- Familiarity with Miro & MS office is desirable
- Ease with making quick graphics, illustrations & doodles for analysis & summary reports
- Ability to deliver on planned timelines
Interested candidates can apply by sending their resumes at hr@c4rb.in before 25 September 2022.Ā
Job Title : | Digital Communications and Social Media Officer | Tenure: | Permanent |
---|---|---|---|
Job Location & Region | Delhi | Male / Female (Preference/Mandatory): | No Preference |
Department: | Marketing and Outreach | Reporting to: | Manager- Marketing and outreach |
Required Qualifications: | Graduate in Marketing/ Communications with a specialization in Digital Marketing | Required Exp. (in years): | 1 years+ |
Last Date of Application | 9-Mar-22 | Contact email id | hr@c4rb.in |
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
1. Social Media
- Manage CRBās social media presence on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube
- Drive and enhance the existing digital marketing strategy to create stronger relationships with our audience
- Assist in developing and executing communications strategies to drive engagement across campaigns and work programmes
- Develop and maintain ongoing content for our social media channels, utilising a social media calendar to ensure success of the channels
2. Web Asset Management
- Maintain the CRBās website including:
- Reviewing, editing, uploading and updating content on a timely basis ā liaising internally with key members of staff in each department.
- Content collation/ development from reports/ project backgrounds
- Support with other microsites managed by the organization
- Website Vendor management
- Provide design inputs (new website page or existing page) based on new trends
- Develop a quarterly analysis report to be presented to RM
3. Comms Support
- Develop, write and edit marketing and communications materials, including press releases, blog posts and social media content
- Promote communications and marketing materials through appropriate social channels
- Track analytics and create reports detailing successes and failures of communications campaigns
- Ensure that all communications and marketing material aligns with brand standards
- Work with communications team members to conceptualize and implement communications strategies and campaign
4. Events and Webinars
- Support the CEO and the Conference Manager for marketing and outreach for CRBās Annual Conference (sustainabilitystandards.in)
- Develop Social media plan including pre-event promotion & planning and live promotion through social handles
- Develop content including post-event posts with key takeaways
- Coordinate Website updates for related content
- Coordinate creation of creative for event, speaker promotion
5. Support project teams with their project specific communications plan
6. Participate in and contribute to departmental brainstorming and ideation sessions
7. Support the Marketing & Communications team in all aspects of the teamās work as required.
Required Skills:
- A minimum of 2-3 yearsā experience in relevant digital, marketing, or communications role
- Proven ability to manage social media assets and run social media campaigns
- Experience writing for websites and online channels
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing digital content marketing campaigns
- Familiarity with MS Office Suite
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign is a plus
- Experience working with Content Management Systems
- Experience working with Google Analytics
- Sustainability communications is a plus
Job Title : | Internship | Tenure: | July - January 2022 |
---|---|---|---|
Job Location & Region: | Jaipur, Rajasthan and Delhi | Male / Female (Preference/Mandatory): | No Preference |
Requested by: | Nandini Sharma/ Bhavya Sharma | No. of positions required: | 1 |
Department: | Programs | Reporting to: | Nandini Sharma and Natasha Salgia |
Required Qualifications: | Bachelors or Masters (pursuing or completed) in Design (with an understanding of systems thinking) | Required Exp. (in years): | 0 to 3 years |
Last Date of Application: | 15 July 2022 | Contact email id: | bhavya@c4rb.in |
- Key Responsibilities
- Ascertain research context and requirements based on research objectives.
- Collect research data on consumers, competitors and market conditions using both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Conduct ethnographic research based on design research study objectives.
- Deduce conclusions from analysis performed.
- Determine logistics and scheduling needs of design research studies.
- Liaise with stakeholders for design research output development.
- Prepare essential documents that will protect the interests of research participants.
- Uncover design trends and patterns based on information gathered.
Ā
- Required Skills:
- Understanding of the system thinking.The applicant must be familiar with design research techniques, and show a portfolio or documentation of at least one such project done
- Ability to work remotely (access to a laptop and internet will be important)
- The researcher is required to conduct an independent field study as per the project brief, under the mentorship of CRBās Consultant.Ā
- Assist with the process of hosting, organising and facilitating the mini challengeĀ
- Familiarity with Miro & MS office is desirable
- Ease with making quick graphics, illustrations & doodles for analysis & summary reports
- Ability to deliver on planned timelines
Interested candidates can apply by sending their resumes at hr@c4rb.in before 15 July 2022.Ā
BACKGROUND
Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) was established in 2011 as think-tank to pursue its vision, ābusinesses integrate sustainability into their core business practicesā. Given that sustainability is a multi-dimensional problem especially in the context of India and other emerging economies, CRB has adopted a model of engaging multiple stakeholders to develop action plans for promoting sustainable/responsible business, across various sectors in India. The work of CRB spans over four operational verticals namely, a) action and policy work; b) training and capacity building c) customized advisory services d) multi-stakeholder knowledge fora.Ā
The organization works across a diverse set of thematic areas which include (i) business and human rights; (ii) Private Sector & SDGs; (iii) MSMEs & sustainability; (iv) Circular economy and(v) Voluntary sustainability standards. With an experience of having worked for over a decade in the abovementioned fields, CRB has developed expertise and insights that positions it well among leading think tanks on sustainable development/sustainable business. More information can be found at www.c4rb.org.
Job Title:Ā | Events and Outreach OfficerĀ | Job Category:Ā | Full-Time Consultant |
Department/Group : | Marketing and Outreach | Location:Ā | New Delhi |
Reporting:Ā | Marketing Manager atĀ Ā CRB | Position Type:Ā | Ā |
Date Posted:Ā | 12th July 2022 | Last Date of Ā Application: | 20th July 2022 |
Mode of Ā Application | Interested candidates need to apply within the last date to siya@c4rb.in and hr@c4rb.in , with an updated CV and a Covering letter explaining the suitability of the candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed for an interview. CRB is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women candidates to apply. | ||
External Posting URL: | LinkedIn or Job Board link | ||
Internal Posting URL: | CRB Website |
OBJECTIVES:
To help support the marketing and communications team with the planning and outreach for CRBās annual conference India and Sustainability Standards as well as other Organizational events, CRB seeks a Full Time Consultant ā Events and Outreach Officer. The consultancy is envisaged to provide support beginning July 30th, 2022. The duration of this engagement will be for a period of 1 year with an option of renewal based on a performance review.
POSITION OVERVIEWĀ
The position is based in New Delhi and the consultant will report to the Marketing and Outreach Manager at CRB. The Events and Outreach Officer will be responsible for supporting with the planning and coordination of all organizational events, especially CRBās annual Sustainability conference India and Sustainability Standards. The selected candidate will be required to co-ordinate with other team members and multi-task. It is expected that the candidate will help ensure the timely implementation, quality delivery and communication on the tasks assigned.Ā
INDIA AND SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDSĀ
- Support with the outreach plan specific to each session and plan the execution with the support of the Marketing and Outreach ManagerĀ
- Support with ongoing activities on a daily basis – this may include but is not exclusive to: – managing new partners; conducting site visits and recording and managing booking details as required.
- Support with regular updates to the ISS website and the appropriate social media channels with due regard to the organizations brand guidelines and strategic direction.Ā
- Coordinate the development and production of promotional materials, including copywriting and liaising with the design vendor.Ā
- Maintain relationships with vendors, contractors, relevant publications, partners etc.Ā
- Event coordination, inclusive of all administrative aspects such as customer communication, scheduling events, organising venue run sheets, CRM/database management, email management and taking payments.
- Liaising with all vendors for event preparation details when necessary.
- Devising strategies to drive online traffic to the website.
- Track and report on all social media and website metrics
- Provide detailed reports of marketing activities
OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL EVENTS :
- Support in the organization of trainings and eventsĀ Ā
- Prepare Post event reports and maintain record of meetingsĀ Ā on the websiteĀ
- Design and execution of online advertisements, certificates, and invitations
- Develop an outreach plan specific to each event and plan the execution with the support of the Marketing and Outreach ManagerĀ
- Brainstorming and implementing event plans and concepts.
- Support with ongoing events on a daily basis – this may include but is not exclusive to: – managing new partners; conducting site visits and recording and managing booking details as required.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEĀ
- Experience of 1 -2 years in a similar role
- The candidate is required to have a good knowledge and experience working on events and outreach related to events
COMPETENCIES/SKILLS SETĀ
- Strong relationship management skills and interpersonal skills
- Strong in person and online communication (oral and written) skills
- High level proficiency for MS Office
- Experience in the management of professional social media platforms such as but not limited to LinkedIn
- Proficiency in English and HindiĀ
- Ability to deliver under tight timelinesĀ
NOTES:Ā
Appointment shall be on contractual basis for one year and will be extendable based on performance.Ā Ā