UNDP Jobs - 49164- International Consultant to Support Finalization o

International Consultant to Support Finalization of the Judicial-Legal Reform Programme in Tajikistan

Location :

Dushanbe, TAJIKISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

04-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

50 days (end of September-November 2014, 20 days home based work)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

50 days

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Over the past fifteen years, the Government of Tajikistan has undertaken a number of legislative and policy reforms to create the framework for an effective justice system. These legislative reforms are of relatively good quality; however, full implementation of laws is of a poorer standard, and judicial and legal institutions remain constrained by the low level of resources budgeted for this sector.

In parallel with ongoing rule of law reforms of the Government of Tajikistan, the international community has worked with Tajikistan’s authorities to put in place stronger governance and regulatory frameworks. Efforts have focused on the establishment of an independent, effective and accessible judicial system and the adoption of national laws in conformity with international standards. Lawyers, judges and prosecutors have received trainings with the purpose of increasing legal knowledge and judicial competence.

UNDP Tajikistan through its Rule of Law and Access to Justice Programme has initiated the establishment a Policy Dialogue platform on Rule of Law with participation of State Justice Institutions and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Currently the Legal Aid and Development of Judicial Reform are the main topics for Policy Dialogue meetings. For instance, the second joint meeting of Policy Group discussed the achievements of the second phase of the Judicial and Legal Reform Programme for 2011-2013 (JLRP), key findings of the assessment of implementation of the JLRP, and proposals of CSOs and State institutions’ recommendations towards the development of the next phase of the Judicial Reform Programme. Participants of the dialogue emphasized to focus on institutional (systematic) challenges, to bring in compliance with international standards relevant domestic laws, and to ensure transparent process in the course of development of the new Judicial Programme and participation of CSOs.

In this regard, UNDP indents to hire a short-term international consultant to assist State working group on development of the Judicial-Legal Reform Programme for 2015-2017.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Assistant Resident Representative/Programme, in close coordination with the Programme Analyst and under direct supervision of Rule of Law and Access to Justice Programme Manager, the International Consultant will be responsible to assist in review of the draft of JLRP developed by the working group and provide detailed recommendations concerning legal and judicial reform.

The results of his/her assignment must be presented to state working group and non-state actors to achieve all set targets that specifically include the following:

Develop a detailed work plan and agree with UNDP RoL team the methodology for finalization of a Judicial-Legal Reform Programme;
Conduct a desk review of international principles and standards of judiciary independence and present them to the State working group responsible for the development of Judicial-Legal Reform Programme;
Review of the draft of the Programme prepared by the WG and provide substantive input to the quality of the document including recommendations with clear and detail objectives and activities to be implemented within the Judicial-Legal Reform Programme phase;
Develop a logical framework of the Programme, including indicators and expected results, and estimated costing;
Provide necessary expert support to the State working group on Judicial and Legal Reform Programme including mentoring the WG on the methods and approaches in development of Policy Documents;
In consultation with UNDP and the Government, identify relevant country with a similar context to conduct a study tour and organize a visit to the country to obtain practice of development judicial policy, its implementation experience and lesson learned;
In cooperation with the State working group organize a one day workshop to present to public final draft of Judicial-Legal Reform Program along with detail logical framework and key recommendations to relevant stakeholders.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Ensures that programmes and projects are consistent with UN/UNDP values;
Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility;
Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Shares knowledge and experience;
Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities;
Promotes a supportive environment to enhance partnerships, leverages resources and build support for UNDP’s strategic initiatives;
Collaborates with regional, national and local partners to create and apply knowledge and concepts that will help partners achieve UNDP’s development objectives within the country and regional context;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) preferably in Public Administration, law, management or other relevant discipline.

Experience:

Extensive experience in providing consultation to governments of transition countries related to judiciary policy and legal reform and/or rule of law (at least 15 years);
Successful practical experience in writing and conducting analysis/review of policy/strategic documents in Justice Sector including experience in planning and conducting surveys, studies, etc.;
Good knowledge of post-Soviet context is required;
Tajikistan specific development experience would be a strong advantage.
Excellent analytical and drafting skills;
Demonstrated facilitation, training and presentation skills.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English is required;
Knowledge of Russian or Tajik would be a strong advantage.