TRIAL International
Consultancy Services to Produce a Briefing Paper on the Law and Practice of Universal Jurisdiction in South Africa
Organization: TRIAL International
Opportunity Type: Consultancy
Location: South Africa
Posted: 27 October 2026
Closing Date: 15 November 2026
Reference Number: UE4T_OT_008
Maximum Financial Offer: EUR 10,000
Background and Objectives
TRIAL International is a non-governmental organization that fights impunity for international crimes and supports victims in their pursuit of justice.
To support its activities, the organization is seeking a consultant to collect information, analyse and draft, in English, a briefing paper on the law and practice of universal jurisdiction in South Africa.
The briefing paper will form part of the Universal Jurisdiction Law and Practice Briefing Papers series, comprising reports comparing the legal systems of Germany, England and Wales, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, the United States, Finland, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Senegal, Sweden and Switzerland.
Scope of Services
The consultant will be expected to:
- Collect information through desk research and interviews on the legal framework and practice relevant to extraterritorial and universal jurisdiction in South Africa.
- Analyse and compile the information collected.
- Draft a report titled “Universal Jurisdiction Law and Practice in South Africa”.
Eligibility
Participation in this call for tenders is open to all qualified candidates, whether natural or legal persons, regardless of nationality or place of residence.
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be able to provide the required services effectively, with knowledge of the legal framework and practice relevant to extraterritorial and universal jurisdiction in South Africa.
- Have at least five years of relevant legal and/or research experience, including at least two years in international criminal law.
- Have experience researching substantive and procedural aspects of international and South African criminal law, as well as report writing and prior publication experience.
- Have an established network of legal practitioners and relevant stakeholders in South Africa, with a demonstrated ability to engage and mobilize this network for research purposes.
- Be based close to the country under study, preferably through residence in South Africa, and/or have the ability and availability to travel to South Africa for in-person meetings and interviews during the research and drafting phases. If applicable, travel expenses must be included in the financial offer.
- Be proficient in English and able to work in English.
- Provide proof of registration as a legal entity or independent consultant.
- Submit a signed declaration confirming that they are not in any of the situations listed in Article 136(1) of the EU Financial Regulation, such as bankruptcy, grave professional misconduct, fraud or corruption.
Submission Requirements
A natural or legal person may submit only one tender. If a person or entity submits more than one tender, all tenders in which that person or entity has participated will be excluded.
Subcontracting is not permitted.
The submission must comprise a technical offer, a financial offer and the required administrative documents, sent as three separate files.
1. Technical Offer
Profile and Experience
- List of names and CVs of the proposed consultant(s).
- Description of the five most relevant projects related to this contract carried out over the past ten years.
- Supporting documents demonstrating technical and professional capacity, including two writing samples in English.
Methodology
- A brief description, maximum two pages, of the proposed work schedule and methodology for achieving the results set out in the Terms of Reference.
References
- Names of at least two referees.
2. Financial Offer
- A quotation detailing prices based on the expected results set out in the Terms of Reference.
- The financial offer must not exceed EUR 10,000.
3. Administrative Documents
- Company registration or proof of registration as an independent consultant under the applicable legislation in the country of residence.
- Signed Tender Declaration Form.
All correspondence and documents relating to the tender must be written in English. Supporting documents may be in another language.
Prices must be expressed in euros (€) and include all applicable taxes.
How to Apply
Proposals must be submitted electronically to:
Email: [email protected]
Email Subject Line:
“Call for Tenders No. UE4T_OT_008: Briefing Paper on the Law and Practice of Universal Jurisdiction in South Africa”
Tenderers may submit questions to [email protected] until 8 November 2026 at 00:00 CET.
Please use the following email subject for questions:
“Question – Call for Tenders No. UE4T_OT_008”
TRIAL International is under no obligation to provide clarifications for requests received after this deadline. Responses will generally be sent by email. However, if a question is considered relevant to all tenderers, the response will be published on the website.
Selection Criteria
TRIAL International is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair procurement procedure. All candidates will be treated equally, and the evaluation process will be conducted in accordance with European Union procurement principles.
The following criteria will apply:
Technical Offer – 80% of the Final Score
- Understanding of project requirements and suitability of proposed services – 25%.
- Relevant qualifications and experience – 20%.
- Proposed methodology and work schedule – 25%.
- Quality and relevance of supporting documents – 10%.
Financial Offer – 20% of the Final Score
- Cost-effectiveness and value for money – 15%.
- Clarity, detail and justification of costs – 5%.
A score of zero in either of the two financial offer criteria will result in the tender being rejected.
Important Information
- TRIAL International shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by candidates in preparing and submitting their tenders.
- Missing information or documentation may result in rejection of the tender.
- Tenders submitted by other means will not be considered.
- Late tenders will automatically be rejected.
Application Deadline: 15 November 2026