Background
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the need to promote gender equality (SDG-5), to reduce inequalities (SDG-10) and also to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels (SDG-16). The Government of Tajikistan (GoT) has adopted the National Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 and the Mid-Term Development Programme till 2020 which pave the way for country’s sustainable development agenda in the long- and mid-term development perspective.
Over the past fifteen years, the GoT 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, implementation of laws are generally slow, and judicial and legal institutions remain constrained by the low level of resources budgeted for this sector.
In parallel to support the ongoing legal reforms of the GoT, 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. Legal aid providers, the so called legal aid centres (LACs), have received donor support to provide consultations to the marginalized rural population, especially women and people with disabilities.
The Rule of Law and Access to Justice Programme (Rol/A2J) consists of the following Projects:
- Access to Justice in Tajikistan;
- Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights to Empower People in Tajikistan;
- Access to Judicial Information;
- Translating the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Tajikistan into Reality Projects.
These projects share staff and offices and are mutually supporting within the Programme.
The RoL/A2J Programme will be recruiting an International Consultant to serve as Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) to provide strategic and technical support to the programme, including through reporting, resource mobilization, acting as donor liaison, providing technical and legal advice on a wide range of rule of law and access to justice related topics, and conducting scheduled research.
Duties and Responsibilities
PURPOSE
Under the overall guidance of Assistant Resident Representative/Programme, and direct supervision of UNDP Team Leader on Governance and in cooperation with Rule of Law Programme Manager, the Chief Technical Advisor will ensure the provision of services and products (commensurate with the scope of the Programme) outlined in the present ToR meeting the set quality and time standards.
THE SCOPE OF WORK
Programme Support, Communication and Reporting:
- Provide substantive technical support to RoL and A2J Programmne in line with SDGs in general and SDG 16 in particular;
- Prepare progress reports (Annual, Semi-Annual, Final Reports) as per the agreed donor schedule, and submit to UNDP for review and endorsement;
- Develop other documents for the donors (SDC, MFAF) as requested;
- Prepare draft concept notes and funding proposals to mobilize resources for strengthening Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights portfolio of UNDP in Tajikistan;
- Regularly review Rule of Law Programme activities and provide recommendations to strengthen their linkages to SDGs.
Design and Conduct Justice Related Studies/Research:
- Conduct a desk review of justice institutions and key informant interviews through establishing contacts with the state and non-state actors in the justice system;
- Stocktaking, evaluation of available statistics and preparation of focus groups interviews;
- Primary data/information collection from interviews with justice sector service providers (including, police, courts, legal aid, prisons, NGOs etc);
- Prepare the study methodology and questionnaires to be used during the research;
- Assist in conducting field research, if needed;
- Conduct interviews for service providers (duty bearers) and vulnerable groups (rights holders) in conjunction with local team;
- Produce analytical reports reflecting survey results and detailing the major findings, recommendations and way forward;
- Prepare final study report;
- Present findings of the qualitative and quantitative survey through one national workshop with key government, public institutions and civil society representatives.
For detailed information, please refer to annex 1- Terms of Reference of the below link.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
- Professionalism;
- Communication;
- Teamwork;
- Accountability.
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
- Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
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 countries in transition in legal aid and/or rule of law areas (at least 10 years).
- Successful practical experience in writing and conducting analysis/review of policy/strategic documents on rule of law including experience in planning and conducting surveys, studies on justice needs, legal aid.
- Experience in 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.
Language:
- Excellent knowledge of English is required; knowledge of Russian or Tajik would be a strong advantage.
Application Procedure:
Please follow the link to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice:
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.