Consultant: Just Transitions Synthesis Report

Institute for Human Rights & Business

  • United Kingdom
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 4 hours ago
About IHRB & JUST StoriesThroughout 2024–25, the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) has been documenting real-world experiences of diverse decarbonisation projects codesigned with those most affected. These "just transitions" have been spotlighted by IHRB's project through compelling, long-form, multi-media narratives. Each feature so far has shown the uniqueness of transition processes spanning different geographies and sectors and involving a diversity of affected groups.We are now preparing a Synthesis output that will distill lessons from the first phase of the project (2024-2025) into a compelling and accessible tool with the aim of inspiring learning and action by business leaders and industry practitioners in particular. This Synthesis will launch in January 2026, building on the outcomes of COP30, and is intended to help businesses and policymakers, and secondarily wider civil society groups and communities, learn from the first four JUST Stories and how to replicate, amplify, and connect these learnings into their local contexts.Scope of Work: The DeliverableThe consultant will deliver a high-impact synthesis that:
  • Distills cross-cutting lessons from the first four JUST Stories features, highlighting universal themes and actionable insights, specifically for businesses and policymakers
  • Analyses the replicable models and enabling conditions for just transitions drawn from the stories we have collected — especially in contexts that are lagging or stalling (inspiring those involved in local transitions to deploy the key learnings and creative leverage points spotlighted in each story)
  • Is informed by select interviews with a sample of business practitioners to ensure it reflects their needs, pain points, and progress at this stage of the global transition to net zero
  • Highlights the business case and lessons: identifying what different sectors can learn, how to best package these learnings, and which amplification channels best reach business audiences (e.g. business media, industry associations, leadership groups, etc)
  • Frames the report as a call to action over the next five years
Length & Structure:The contractor will work closely with the IHRB team to agree and test the best structure (see Process below), but it is envisioned that the format will contain the following:
  • 25–30 pages max (including visuals, case highlights, and recommendations — i.e. long enough to show rigour; short enough for a senior reader to actually get through)
  • 4-6 page Executive Summary at the front (or as a standalone brief) — e.g. sharp headlines, 1–2 page “top lessons,” 3–5 key recommendations framed as “what businesses need to do now".
  • Annexes / Multimedia: Detailed methodology, M&E reflections, or extra data should be contained to annexes or linked microsite pages. Annexes could also include short embedded QR codes or links to videos, story highlights, or toolkits for those who want more.
  • This should be drafted in a way that can be cohesively integrated into the JUST Stories microsite as an engaging digital experience. IHRB works with a design agency partner who will handle the design and build of the content; the contractor is not expected to provide design services as part of their proposal.
Format & Tone:
  • Visually engaging: Infographics, charts, pull quotes, short story capsules
  • Action-oriented: Each section is focused on implications for business and policymakers to apply the lessons practically in their own unique contexts
  • Modular: Structured so someone can read the Executive Summary only, or dip into the 2–3 sections most relevant to them
  • Media-ready: Ensures 2–3 key insights can double as op-ed headlines, press hooks, or social media graphics
Scope of Work: The Process
  • Review the full JUST Stories body of work, including the first four long-form features, photography collection, their corresponding media strategies and analytics, as well as the wider JUST Stories Database
  • Conduct targeted interviews with 5-8 business practitioners to probe for lessons on replication, leadership, and movement-building
  • Work closely with IHRB's Head of Just Transitions, Head of Communications, and the wider JUST Stories team through 2–3 workshops to refine framing, structure, and audience priorities in order to synthesis the insights most relevant to businesses and business-facing audiences (eg government)
  • Draft the Synthesis content, iterating through two full review rounds (see timeline below)
  • Incorporate visuals, case highlights, and policy/business takeaways (see Format & Tone above)
Qualifications & Capabilities
  • Demonstrable expertise on the just transitions agenda, ideally spanning multiple sectors (i.e. energy, land use, built environment, and informal economies)
  • Seasoned understanding of how to engage business audiences, including familiarity with business media, board-level conversations, and industry associations
  • Strong analytical and writing skills; ability to translate complex, place-based insights into authoritative and actionable recommendaations for senior-level business and policy audiences
  • Flair for accessible, story-driven communication without sacrificing rigour
  • Experience analysing media influence and narrative uptake, including identifying which strategies drive traction in reporting on climate and net-zero activities also desirable
TimelineSubmission deadline: Submissions will be reviewed and interviews held on a rolling basis throughout September 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, with a working deadline for submissions of Sunday 21st September 2025. IHRB reserves the right to close this RFP prior to the listed deadline if we identify a successful delivery provider.Consultancy period: 1 Oct 2025 - 31 December 2025.Schedule of deliverables:
  • Early October 2025: Inception meeting; detailed review of JUST Stories assets
  • Mid October 2025: Initial draft structure developed for testing; testing with 5-8 business leaders through targeted interviews commenced (list to be co-developed and contacts agreed with the JUST Stories team)
  • End October 2025: First full draft submitted; Round 1 feedback
  • Mid November 2025: Revised draft submitted; all business testing interviews completed; Round 2 feedback
  • Mid December 2025: Final draft submitted
Budget & Particulars
  • Applicants are invited to submit a clear and detailed financial proposal with pricing structure for the services offered, including any potential additional costs or fees (see under the Apply Now heading for instructions and guidance). As a reminder, the contractor is not expected to provide design services as part of their proposal.
  • Payments will be linked to the timeline and deliverables as follows:
  • 33% upon first draft submitted (reflecting inception meeting, detailed review of JUST Stories assets, agreement of draft structure, and commencement of interviews with business leaders)
  • 33% upon second draft submitted reflecting 1st round feedback and completion of business interviews
  • 33% upon submission of final synthesis, reflecting second round feedback
  • Open to all: This consultancy is open to individuals and agencies
  • Contracting: This contract will have a consultancy agreement subject to UK law
  • References: The consultancy will be subject to the receipt of at least two satisfactory references
Founded in 2009, IHRB is the leading international think tank on business and human rights. IHRB’s mission is to shape policy, advance practice, and strengthen accountability in order to make respect for human rights part of everyday business. IHRB’s focus areas are diverse and reflect some of the most important and emerging human rights issues facing business.IHRB serves as an independent voice on human rights and business issues around the world, including holding special consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC). We produce in depth reports, practical briefings, and regular commentaries. We provide trusted and impartial advice to governments, businesses, and international organisations. We bring together leading experts with diverse stakeholders to discuss timely subjects on the business and human rights agenda.Collaboration and innovation are core to IHRB’s mission. Our partnerships range from one-off topical convenings to multi-year programmes. We work directly with business leaders, government officials, international organisations, civil society, and others to evaluate the effectiveness of policies, practices, and responses. We also catalyse new initiatives dedicated to filling gaps in key areas or regions requiring leadership, partnership, and targeted intervention.

Institute for Human Rights & Business