Council of Europe Opens International Consultancy Call for Human Rights and Global Citizenship Education

The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe has launched an international call for tenders seeking consultancy providers in human rights education, global citizenship education and intercultural dialogue. The initiative aims to establish a framework contract with up to 90 providers who can support the Centre’s youth and education programmes.

The framework is expected to begin on 2 November 2026 and will initially run until 31 December 2027, with the possibility of renewal through 31 December 2030. Selected providers will be commissioned according to the Centre’s needs through individual order forms, allowing expertise to be brought in for specific activities and projects.

Two Consultancy Areas Available

The call is divided into two lots covering different areas of youth education and intercultural learning. Lot 1: Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) will include up to 50 providers, such as trainers, facilitators, tutors, content developers and instructional designers. Professionals selected under this lot may be involved in designing and delivering online, residential and blended learning programmes, as well as developing educational resources and providing tutoring and editorial support.

The first lot may also involve research, monitoring and evaluation activities linked to human rights education initiatives. This creates opportunities for professionals with experience not only in training delivery but also in educational content development and programme support.

Lot 2: Youth Summer Universities will include up to 40 providers, particularly trainers, facilitators and animators with experience in intercultural learning. Their work may involve facilitating non-formal education activities, supporting group dynamics and peer learning, encouraging intercultural dialogue and networking, and organising creative and thematic workshops.

Professional and Language Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold relevant academic qualifications and have at least three years of professional experience in areas connected to the consultancy. Relevant fields include human rights education, global citizenship education, youth work, training and facilitation, intercultural dialogue and non-formal education, along with related areas of expertise.

Experience working in international, regional or multicultural environments is also required. Applicants must have C2-level proficiency in English or French, while knowledge of additional languages can be an advantage. The call specifically identifies Arabic among the additional languages that may be beneficial.

Professionals can submit applications for one or both lots, although the specific eligibility requirements differ depending on the area selected. Applicants are therefore expected to review the detailed requirements for each lot before submitting their tenders.

Council of Europe to Commission Services as Needed

The selected consultants will not necessarily be engaged for a fixed programme of work. Instead, services will be commissioned on an as-needed basis through individual order forms under the framework contract.

This approach will allow the North-South Centre to draw on a wider pool of specialists for different youth education and intercultural activities. The selected providers could contribute to programme design, facilitation, educational content, research, tutoring, networking and evaluation, depending on the requirements of individual assignments.

The initiative forms part of the Council of Europe’s wider work supporting human rights education, democratic participation, intercultural understanding and global citizenship among young people.

Tender Submission Deadline

The deadline for submitting tenders is 16 October 2026 at 16:00 Lisbon time. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Council of Europe’s e-procurement platform. Submissions made by email or post will not be accepted.

Applicants who have questions about the tender must submit them through the e-procurement platform by 9 October 2026. The Council of Europe also encourages interested providers to register on the platform and select the “interested” option as early as possible so they can receive notifications related to the procurement procedure.

The tender documents, detailed eligibility requirements and submission process are available through the Council of Europe’s e-procurement platform.

Editor’s Note

The consultancy call highlights the growing role of international education initiatives in developing young people’s understanding of human rights, global citizenship and intercultural cooperation. By bringing together trainers, educators, facilitators and content specialists from different professional and cultural backgrounds, the programme is designed to support learning environments that extend beyond traditional classroom education.

The framework also provides opportunities for professionals with experience in youth work, non-formal education and intercultural learning to contribute to international programmes. With contracts potentially extending through 2030, the initiative could provide a longer-term pool of expertise for the North-South Centre’s youth and education activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who has launched the international consultancy call?

The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe has launched the call for tenders.

2. What areas does the consultancy cover?

The call covers human rights education, global citizenship education and intercultural dialogue, with a particular focus on youth and education activities.

3. How many providers could be selected?

The framework contract may include up to 90 providers across two lots.

4. What are the two lots?

Lot 1 covers Human Rights Education for Youth and may include up to 50 providers. Lot 2 covers Youth Summer Universities and may include up to 40 providers.

5. What experience do applicants need?

Applicants should have relevant academic qualifications and at least three years of professional experience in areas such as human rights education, youth work, training, facilitation, intercultural dialogue or non-formal education.

6. What are the language requirements?

Applicants need C2-level English or French. Knowledge of additional languages, including Arabic, is considered an asset.

7. Can applicants apply for both lots?

Yes. Providers may apply for one or both lots, subject to meeting the specific eligibility requirements for each.

8. What is the deadline for applications?

Tenders must be submitted by 16 October 2026 at 16:00 Lisbon time.

9. How must tenders be submitted?

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Council of Europe’s e-procurement platform. Email and postal submissions will not be accepted.