Co-developer of the online game for human rights defenders (SSA)

Background:

The ODIHR project “Increasing effectiveness, strengthening enabling environment for human rights defenders” aims to support effective work of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in all OSCE participating States, in line with relevant OSCE human dimension commitments and corresponding human rights obligations of the participating States. 

Within this project, an online didactic game ‘Starlight Stadium’, for HRDs, activists and journalists has been developed for training purposes based on a core game narrative and drawing on real life human rights investigations. The narrative covers human rights violations related to freedom of movement and ill-treatment, and addresses the relevant international legal framework and human rights monitoring principles while taking into account gender and other diversity considerations. 

The gamified training curriculum strengthens the knowledge and skills of less experienced HRDs and those who would like to become active in defending human rights, in monitoring and responding to human rights violations and developing physical and digital security plans and protection mechanisms in their work. The game transforms ODIHR’s human rights monitoring, safety and security training into a learning tool, making the skills of the training accessible to wider audiences online for free. The tool allows its users to learn and apply selected aspects of human rights monitoring and safety and security, including digital security concepts, in a virtual simulation of a real-life potential scenario.

Approaching the final release of Episode 4 of Starlight Stadium, ODIHR requires the services of a game development expert to lead the development of Episode 3 of the game, as well as the update of previous episodes with newly developed legacy features. 
 

Duration of Special Service Agreement:

The Consultant is expected to work up to 70 working days during the period April- December 2023. 

Location: Home-based.

Objective of the assignment: 

ODIHR’s aforementioned project requires the services of a consultant to assist in the software development of Starlight Stadium, in particular for what concerns Episode 3 and the rework of Episode 2. The development of these episode will allow to complete the gamification of ODIHR’s human rights monitoring, safety and security training curriculum, with a view to provide the necessary adjustments and localize it before a final release. With all episodes developed, ODIHR will be able to use Starlight Stadium both as a complete remote interactive training curriculum, and a complementary tool for in-classroom HRMSS trainings, therefore increasing the capacity and effectiveness of HRDs in the OSCE area and beyond.

Tasks and responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Human Rights Adviser/Capacity Building Co-ordinator, the consultant shall be responsible for game coding, implementation of sound, and assisting in the overall software development services in co-ordination with another Developer. Given the amount of work to put into different aspects and phases of the development cycle, the consultant share some of the tasks with a Lead Developer. These will include:

1. Maintenance and localisation of Episode 4 (~ 1 month)
2. Episode 3: pre-production: (~ 2 months) 

• Assisting in creating a prototype for review;

1. Episode 3: production (~ 3 Months)

• Development of a playable alpha version of Episode 3 with early content and mechanics;
• Assisting in developing a beta version of Episode 3; 
• Testing and debugging;
• Implementation of audio;
• Co-ordinate with the Lead Developer for tasks related to the release of Episode 3;
• Assist the Lead Developer with other tasks related to the development of Starlight Stadium;

1. Revisions and updating of Episodes 1 and 2 (1 months)

• Assist the Lead Developer in reworking Episode 2 based on updated storyline and UIs and advise ODIHR on areas of improvement;
• Maintain Episode 1;

1. Discussing and implementing revisions on released episodes after external feedback (~ 1.5 months);
2. Regularly update ODIHR on the progresses and proactively advise on areas of improvement (throughout);
    

The consultant will work closely with another Developer, as well as with Consultants responsible for overall development co-ordination, art design, script writer and ODIHR Capacity Building Co-ordinator.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications:

• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in game design and development; 
• Background in human rights centred software engineering and hands-on practical experience in creating digital games for human rights;
• Record of developing games using Unity engine;
• Ability to maintain sensitive confidential data;
• Experience working for international human rights organisations on the protection of human rights defenders, new technology and data considered as a strong advantage
• Experience in developing a learning game for the benefit of the human rights community is highly desirable;
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English;
• Ability to work in a multicultural team, based in different time-zones.
   

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.
 
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
 
Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.
 
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 
 
Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
 
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.