Call for Experts – Human Rights and Botanical Supply Chains (Roster)

UEBT (Union for Ethical BioTrade) is seeking to establish a roster of qualified, freelance experts with in-depth knowledge of local human rights and social issues in botanical supply chains – that is supply chains dealing with plant parts and other natural raw materials used as herbs and spices or ingredients in fragrance, flavours, cosmetics, food and beverages and natural medicines. We distinguish botanicals from commodities, which also derive from nature but are grown and traded in large scale, often interchangeably.

We aim to gather a pool of country specific freelance experts, covering a wide range of countries, to provide short-term advisory services to support field assessments and audits, including providing information and assessment on local circumstances, stakeholders and human rights-related issues and reviewing findings. We invite specialists with expertise and experience in country-specific field-level realities, legislation, labour rights, and key stakeholders to apply.

About UEBT

UEBT is a non-profit association promoting ethical sourcing of natural ingredients, with a focus on botanical supply chains. Our work centres around advancing sourcing practices that respect for biodiversity, human rights, and workers’ rights in cultivation and wild collection areas. UEBT’s mission is to regenerate nature and secure a better future for people through ethical sourcing of ingredients from biodiversity.

Scope of Expertise Required

We are seeking freelance local experts with country-specific specialized knowledge of human rights issues in botanical supply chains, particularly regarding labor rights and social issues.

We are looking for freelance country-specific experts rather than generalists. You do not need to have expertise across multiple countries or regions. The focus is on deep, localized knowledge and experience within individual countries. That includes experience working in a specific country and/or region, with local knowledge of field-level realities for vulnerable populations in agricultural and wild collection sectors. Additionally, it includes the ability to engage with grassroots organizations and community stakeholders in the country.

Areas of expertise should include:

1. Human Rights in Agricultural or wild collection Supply Chains

  • Labor rights of both formal and informal workers in botanical supply chains including farm level practices

  • Forced labor, child labor, and exploitation within botanical supply chains.

  • Health and safety conditions for workers, and farmers involved in the cultivation and collection of botanical resources.

  • Indigenous rights and land tenure, particularly in regions where botanical resources are sourced.

2. Labor and Social Issues in Vulnerable Communities

  • Rights of seasonal and migrant workers in botanical sectors

  • Gender and social inclusion in botanical supply chains

  • Fair wages, decent working conditions, and working hours in both formal and informal sectors.

  • Advocacy and protection for marginalized and/or indigenous communities involved in botanical harvesting and processing.

3. Legislation and Stakeholder Expertise

  • Comprehensive understanding of local legislation related to labor rights and human rights in botanical supply chains.

  • Familiarity with international standards (ILO, UNGPs) and how they are applied in the context of botanical sourcing.

  • Knowledge of national and local stakeholders, including unions, NGOs, and government bodies, focused on human rights and social issues in botanical supply chains.

Role of Local Experts

The roster of freelance local experts will be used to hire freelance experts, as required in specific projects and field assessments. Inclusion in the roster doesn’t imply or guarantee any consultancy or other type of engagement, nor directly result in any kind of remuneration.

If hired in the context of specific projects and field assessments, freelance experts will be engaged as short-term advisors to provide guidance in human rights and social issues in botanical supply chains, in preparing, undertaking, and reviewing UEBT field assessments and audits. Specific responsibilities may include:

  • Conducting rapid assessments of human rights and social risks in botanical supply chains

  • Supporting the lead auditor in their assessments of human rights and social issues in local context

  • Providing strategic advice on improving labor and social standards in the sector

  • Assisting in the identification of gaps in practices ahead of human rights audits

  • Offering country-specific insights on local legislation, field realities, and stakeholder engagement

Eligibility Criteria for Roster of Local Experts

  • Specific country-level experience, with working experience in the forestry, agricultural sectors on social topics.

  • Advanced degree in human rights, labor law, agriculture, or related fields

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in human rights or social issues in agricultural or wild collection supply chains

  • Demonstrated expertise in specific country contexts, with a focus on vulnerable communities, labor rights, and indigenous rights.

  • Proven ability to navigate both formal and informal labor markets in botanical supply chains.

  • Experience with human rights audits or compliance work is highly desirable.

  • Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Chinese) is an asset.

Geographical Focus

We encourage experts with knowledge from a broad range of countries and regions to apply, specifically countries in Africa, in South America, and in Asia. Experts from all other regions with significant experience on human rights and agricultural supply chains are also welcome to apply.

How to join the roster

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  1. Cover Letter outlining your specific expertise in human rights, botanical supply chains, country-level experience, and expected fee per day for desk and field activities.

  2. Sample of Work (e.g., research report, policy paper, or advisory project)

  3. References from recent employers or clients in relevant fields

  4. Your daily rate

Please send your application to humanrights@uebt.org with the subject line: “Application for UEBT Expert Roster – [Your Name]”.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by UEBT’s selection committee. Successful applicants will be added to our expert roster and contacted if short-term advisory opportunities arise. Inclusion in the roster does not imply or guarantee engagement but offers priority consideration for future opportunities.

Contact Information

For any questions or additional information, please contact: humanrights@uebt.org

We look forward to receiving your application and working together to ensure human rights and ethical practices in botanical supply chains.