UNDP Jobs - 59167- National Justice Specialist, Capacity Building and

National Justice Specialist, Capacity Building and Judiciary Support - (Open to Somali Nationals Only)

Location :

Mogadishu, SOMALIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

28-Aug-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-10

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year (with possibility of extension)

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

Organizational Context

The Somali Compact lays out five Peacebuilding and State-Building Goals (PSGs) which focus on inclusive political processes, security, justice, economic foundations and revenue and services. These thematic goals provide guidance to UNDP’s Country Programme and as a result, UNDP Somalia projects are aligned to the Somali Compact’s five PSGs. The UNDP Rule of Law Project (Police and Justice) is part of the Somalia Joint Rule of Law Programme which is designed to support the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in achieving the Somali Compact Peace-building and State-building Goals 2 (Security) and 3 (Justice). Under PSG 3 (Justice) of the Somali Compact, the overarching strategic objective is to establish independent and accountable justice institutions capable of addressing justice needs for the people of Somalia by delivering justice for all. The Somali Compact addresses the need to establish, maintain and enhance justice institutions based on a sound legal framework compliant with human rights, ensuring access to justice for the people of Somalia and increasing people’s confidence in the justice system over a three year period.

The three key priorities identified under PSG 3 are as follows:

Priority 1: Key priority laws in the legal framework, including on the reorganization of the judiciary, are aligned with the Constitution and international standards;
Priority 2: Justice Institutions start to address the key grievances and injustices of Somalis;
Priority 3: More Somalis have access to fair and affordable justice.

The Somalia Joint Rule of Law programme represents a joint approach by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the UN Country Team to strengthen collaboration, focus and coherence in the implementation of the Somalia Rule of Law Programme Priorities. The Programme builds on the positive gains, experience, expertise and added value of relevant UN partners under the Global Focal Point Arrangement to advance rule of law and constitutes a key landmark to maximize impact of UN interventions, minimize overlapping activities and maximize UN MPTF resources and know-how of the UN to “deliver as one” to enhance justice and security for all Somalis. The Programme framework ensures that collective UN action to enhance rule of law retains capacity building, gender equality and human rights principles as cross-cutting issues of this approach as outlined in the Somali Compact.

Working closely with the implementing UN agencies of the Somalia Joint Rule of Law Programme, the UNDP Rule of Law Project (Justice) supports the Somali people in creating an enabling environment for stability, rule of law and good governance. This includes strengthening of legal institutions in order to increase competency, efficiency and accountability. The Project has focused on improving the functioning of the judiciary, fostering judicial reform and empowering Somali communities to secure their rights. In this regard, technical, advisory and operational support is provided to the Judiciary, Attorney General Office and Ministry of Justice to deliver on their mandates and provide fair and equitable justice services to the Somali people. The project works closely with the Judiciary to improve the quality of rulings and judgments and establish professional standards as well as oversight mechanisms. With the aim of bringing justice closer to the people especially those living in rural and remote areas, the project works with justice institutions and stakeholders to establish Mobile Courts and deliver justice to those communities. Additionally, with the aim of ensuring that all Somalis have increased access to affordable or free legal services, the project partners with justice stakeholders and civil society organizations to provide free legal aid and representation to vulnerable and economically deprived groups, including IDPs, survivors of Sexual Gender-based Violence as well as individuals on remand status and in pre-trial detention. Also, in partnership with local universities and justice institutions, the project provides scholarships to aspiring future legal professionals coming from poor and low income families, and internships to facilitate linkages for graduates to join justice institutions and provide badly needed capacity.

Under the direct supervision of the Justice Technical Specialist and overall guidance of the Rule of Law Project Manager, the incumbent will work closely with Rule of Law Project Staff, UN agencies, UN Mission staff and Programme and Operations staff of UNDP country office to deliver UNDP’s part in the Somalia Joint Rule of Law Programme Work-plan.

He/she will also support national planning processes, national capacity building and project formulation. The Incumbent will be expected to work with UNDP Partners to ensure issues relating to gender, juveniles, IDPs and vulnerable groups are mainstreamed into all programmes and support.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Provide technical support to the planning and implementation of project activities related to PSG 3 priorities 1 and 2;
Provide technical support to the capacity building of justice institutions and stakeholders;
Work with the Justice Institutions to develop effective M&E systems and implement result-based management;
Provide technical support to and build partnerships with governmental and non-governmental counterparts of the project;
Effectively contribute to project’s knowledge building and management.

Provide technical support to the planning and implementation of project activities related to PSG 3 priorities 1 and 2 by focusing on the achievement of the following;

Guide the Ministry of Justice, Judicial Services Commission, Supreme Court and Attorney General’s Office in long-term sustainable reform of their respective offices including through technical advice, advocacy and support to their respective offices;
Advise in the implementation of Court Reform Initiatives including the supervision of Case Management System and Mobile Court Activities together with roll out of court and legal reform activities in South Central Somalia including technical advice, capacity building as well as administrative, financial and logistical support;
Provide technical advice and facilitation to initiatives UNDP is undertaking with respect to sensitizing customary/traditional mechanisms to basic human rights and gender;
Provide technical advice as well as local expertise to the project in the planning and execution of project activities;
Under the guidance of Justice Technical Specialist and Project Manager, develop and draft implementation agreements for the execution of project activities in south-central Somalia including preparation, drafting and proof reading of agreements with national counter-parts;
Manage implementation agreements with relevant implementing partners including providing guidance in developing strategies, outputs, timeframes and budgets for implementing project agreements;
Manage the implementation of project activities in the regions outside Mogadishu including supporting the justice institutions of federal member states.

Provide technical support to and build partnerships with governmental and non-governmental counterparts of the project by focusing on the achievement of the following;

Create and sustain good working relationship with the project’s key national counterparts including Ministry of Justice, Judiciary, Attorney General Office, and Custodial Corps, identify and recommend possible synergies;
Provide guidance to national counterparts on routine implementation of activities and tracking use of financial resources especially advising on UNDP administrative and reporting rules and procedures;
Assess the capacity of partner organizations and institutions, develop capacity building plans and implement through mentoring, trainings and workshops;
Provide quality technical support to national counterparts to enhance their implementation capacity including planning and reporting by critically reviewing their reports, discussing improvements on a regular basis and providing tailored technical support to address identified gaps.

Work with the Justice Institutions to develop effective M&E systems and implement result-based management by focusing on the achievement of the following;

Provide technical support to justice institutions in developing M&E systems/procedures/mechanisms to assess effectiveness of their capacity building programmes;
Contribute to the development and implementation of result-based management approach within justice institutions to ensure that provided support achieve desired results;
Provide mentoring and training to key staff within justice institutions to enhance their capacity to implement developed M&E systems;
Undertake regular monitoring and data collection on the development of justice institutions, and produce assessment reports;
Effectively contribute to project’s knowledge building and management by focusing on the achievement of the following;
Prepare research and working papers on given thematic areas as requested by the project;
Draft and compile progress and impact reports, project and programme documents and proposals;
Contribute to project’s quarterly reports, and produce quarterly updates of progress, issues and constraints against work plan;
Represent the project at coordination forums and meetings on justice and related issues;
Promote knowledge management within the project through leadership and personal example;
Provide mentoring and training to new and junior project staff;
Ensure project knowledge and information are properly managed and used;
Synthesize lessons learned and best practices into current and future project interventions;
Contribute to the knowledge networks and communities of practice;
Actively work towards continuing personal learning and development, act on learning plan and apply newly acquired skills.

Competencies

Corporate Responsibility and Teamwork:

Serves and promotes the vision, mission, values, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Plans, prioritizes, and delivers tasks on time.

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda:

Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses.

Results-Orientation and Development Effectiveness:

Plans and produces quality results to meet established goals.

Management and Leadership:

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Results-Based Programme Development and Management:

Monitors specific stages of projects/programme implementation.
Analyzes country situation to identify opportunities for project development.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners;

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:

Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
Is motivated and demonstrates a capacity to pursue personal development and learn.

Client Orientation:

Anticipates client needs;
Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;
Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective;
Solicits feedback on service provision and quality.

Core Competencies:

Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
Self-development, initiative-taking;
Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others;
Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
IT competencies in Word, Excel, Power Point, and internet.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in law or related field with 2 years of experience;
A first level university degree in law or related field with 4 years’ experience will be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years of experience with an advanced degree in law or a first level university degree in law or related field with 4 years’ experience will be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
Proven work experience with the Ministry of Justice, Judiciary and Attorney General’s Office, coupled with knowledge of the Somalia Justice System is a requirement;
Experience working in Mobile Courts, informal justice and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms is an asset but not a requirement;
Previous work experience with the UN or an International NGO working in the justice sector is an asset but not a requirement;
Strong IT skills and full proficiency in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications is an advantage.

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English and Somali languages;
Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.