The British Embassy in Lima is seeking bids for a practical action research project that will build insights on how to push forward mining and human rights in Peru. Results from the project should inform partner interventions and policymaking and strengthen the UK’s reputation as an ally to sustainable growth in Peru.
1. Background
The UK is a global promoter of responsible business practices: it aims to ensure that companies abide by human rights standards in all their activities, as it benefits business and communities, and contributes to the goal of building democratic societies and sustainable development. The UK was the first country to produce a National Action Plan based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and is a member of a cross-government Working Group on Business and Human Rights. As such, the FCDO supports countries in adhering to the UNGPs and other voluntary commitments.
Globally, the past years have seen an explosion of mandatory and voluntary regulation regarding responsible business practices, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, the ILO’s Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy. Similarly, the OECD has adopted Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct and a Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct.
These regulations play a role in Peru’s business ecosystem. During a 2017 visit by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the government committed to creating a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The final 2021-2025 Plan was published in June 2021 -the second in the region- after multistakeholder consultations. While it is currently in its implementation phase, the Mesa Multiactor has had limited activity. In 2020, the OECD recommended that Peru effectively implement existing laws and policies regarding responsible business practices. Further, CSOs have proposed a bill that would regulate human rights due diligence.
In this context, a critical area of impact for business and human rights is Peru’s mining sector. Mining activity concentrates significant, long-term foreign investment, and is increasingly affected by human rights standards. Despite continued efforts from mining companies, in an environment that is still adapting to responsible mining practices it remains difficult to mitigate the negative externalities of business operations and reduce barriers. These difficulties are compounded by the growth of illegal and informal mining, which represents a significant portion of resource extraction.
Across the region, valuable efforts have been made to map existing National Action Plans, policies, legislation, and best practices (see, for example, Danish Institute of Human Rights, 2019; KAS, 2023; UNHCHR, 2022; Global NAPS; SNMPE, 2023). However, there is space to move research into action to ensure the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, UN Guiding Principles and similar voluntary documents become a reality. As such, the British Embassy would like to support an action research project that would push forward mining and human rights in Peru. This falls in line with Priority Theme 3 (Business and Human Rights) of our country Human Rights and Gender Equality Strategy 2023-2025.
2. Objective and scope of work
The objective of the work is to support the UK’s commitment to sustainable growth and human rights in Peru. Projects should adopt a practical action research approach, with clear research and programmatic components. Successful bidders will demonstrate a creative, impactful approach to ensure that voluntary standards in business and human rights are clear for Peruvian stakeholders and move the field forward towards effective implementation.
Bids should look to demonstrate their ability to deliver a project that includes:
a) Research and analysis.
- A comprehensive assessment of the current state of formal and informal mining and human rights in Peru, referencing existing national and international voluntary. commitments, with emphasis on OECD guidelines.
- Map the existing mining and human rights ecosystem in Peru, with emphasis on barriers and facilitators action. Proposals that include informal mining in their mapping will be especially welcome.
b) Technical assistance
- Provide technical assistance to relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to government agencies, mining companies and civil society organizations, to support the implementation of voluntary commitments on business and human rights.
- Monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of technical assistance.
3. Project Budget
Project proposals of up to £60,000 = S/274,800 / $72,000. We are looking for projects that can begin in October 2024 and be completed by March 2025. Implementers should spend 100% of their allocation by March 2025.
4. Assessment
Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:
- strategic fit – alignment with stated objectives and scope of work expected.
- project viability – including a realistic description of methodology and activities to deliver the outcome and deliverables (outputs) within the project duration and sustainability after the project ends.
- stakeholder management – including the capacity of the implementing organisation to engage with key stakeholders, including diverse business, government and civil society stakeholders present in Peru, and involve local/international expertise to deliver expected outcomes.
- project design – including clear achievable objectives and outputs
- value for money
- risk management
- experience and understanding of the current mining and human rights context in Peru.
5. How to Bid
Please complete the attached “Project Proposal Form” and “Activity Based Budget” using the guidance provided.
Completed forms should be sent in standard document and spreadsheet formats in English to BEProjectsPeru@fcdo.gov.uk by 11:59pm September 26, with “Call for bids Mining and Human Rights” in the subject line of your email.
Bids submitted after this date will not be considered. Bids can be submitted at any time up to the indicated deadline.
Bidders will be notified via email of the outcome of assessments in early October. Due to the volume of bids expected, we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful bids.
Organisations can submit up to a maximum of 2 proposals; bids for projects that include engagement with stakeholders outside of Lima are particularly welcome.
Please also familiarise yourself at an early stage with the standard ‘Grant Agreement Template’ attached.
What to Include in the Bid Form?
- Overview of project or activity.
- How it fits with the UK’s approach to the relevant priority; and why the UK should fund the project or activity.
- How the project or activity will create an impact and lead to change.
- Rationale– including why the project or activity should take place now.
- Where relevant, evidence of support from Peruvian government actors for the project or activity and that it complements their own strategy.
- Information about how the impact will be sustained after the project or activity has been completed.
Proposals must be submitted on the authorised forms and include an activity-based budget (ABB) in soles/US dollars. Value for money is an important selection criterion and if you do not submit a detailed ABB then your proposal will not be considered.
6. Key documents
7. Contacts
Please contact BEProjectsPeru@fcdo.gov.uk. with any questions or queries.
