Background

The overall goal of the project is to facilitate the operationalisation of the joint SADC- UNODC Regional Programme “Making the SADC Region Safer from Drugs and Crime”. As part of the operationalisation process, UNODC, in cooperation with the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), has initiated the development of a targeted assistance package to address Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the region as one of the key priorities identified by SADC and UNODC for immediate support. The focus is on Namibia, on the implementation of Pillar II: Criminal Justice and Integrity and its outcome 1: Countries of the Southern African region reform criminal justice systems in accordance with UN standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice and recognised good practices. 

Prevalence of Gender based violence: The Namibian Context

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a human rights issue of endemic proportions in Namibia. Namibia has been noted for its high prevalence of GBV rooted in inequality and patriarchy. Interpersonal violence is a daily occurrence for many women and children in this country, as 1/3 women suffers physical assault at the hands of their spouse/partner; 6/10 victims in abusive relationships do not seek help; 1/5 victims tells no one about the abuse (Legal Assistance Centre, 2012). The most pervasive form of GBV is domestic violence perpetrated by an intimate partner.

Legal and policy context

As a signatory to various international and regional legal instruments, such as the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, Namibia has committed itself to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence. This is reflected in the National Gender Policy (2010–2020), which identifies GBV as a major challenge to achieving gender equality. It stipulates the reduction of GBV and protection of women and girls as one of thirteen major policy objectives. To guide the implementation of this policy objective, the National Plan of Action on Gender-based Violence (2012–2016) was developed, with its follow up due to be published soon. The two key goals of this Plan of Action are to 1) reduce the incidence of GBV and 2) improve responses to GBV. In addition, there are two important pieces of legislation that specify that gender-based violence is a crime: the Combating of Rape Act no. 8 of 2000 and the Combating of Domestic Violence Act No. 4 of 2003.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Consultant will be responsible for developing a curriculum for learners and facilitators and provide training on the court support programme to lay counsellors. The Prosecutor General (OPG) has requested for the training of lay counsellors on a court support programme in order to adequately prepare victims of gender-based violence at court settings. UNODC is thus seeking to appoint a technical expert (consultant) to facilitate this programme.

Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant:

The incumbent will work under the supervision of UNODC ROSAF. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing the following tasks:

  • Review existing curriculum on court support programmes as well as relevant Namibia legislation
  • Liaise with the relevant UNODC and OPG staff to ensure the process is fit for purpose, contextually relevant and meets the needs of both parties
  • Prepare an agenda for a five-day workshop to be held in Namibia, in conjunction with UNODC and OPG
  • Lead and deliver the five-day workshop in Namibia
  • Prepare an activity report on the workshop, including recommendations and next steps

 Proposed training for witness support assistance in cases of gender-based violence

Aim of training.

 To develop the competencies (Knowledge, skills and attitudes) of chosen individuals to deliver a quality pre and post- trial service to witness/victims of crime and their families subjected to gender-based violence. This would include the provision of information, education, emotional support and referral.

Approach to training.

A competency based experiential training approach would be delivered, within a participatory, inclusive framework which is gender sensitive and models’ positive attitudes and empathy to victims of gender- based violence.  It is suggested that a co-facilitator support the primary facilitator at basic rates for a minimum of 3 days.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training all trainees will be able to:

  • Understand the criminal justice system in Namibia and the role of the witness in the system.
  •  Appreciate the challenges that witness subjected to gender-based violence faces in the court process.
  • Appreciate trauma associated with sexual abuse and gender- based violence and secondary traumas brought about in a court room.  
  • Recognise the extent of sexual abuse and gender- based violence in Namibia.
  • Empathise with a witness who has been subjected to gender- based violence
  • Communicate effectively with a witness and their families
  • Provide information to the witness and their families on the court process
  • Use a variety of techniques to provide an individualised court preparation programme
  • Liaise with other service providers to develop an intersectoral response for the witness. 
  • Offer emotional support to the witness and provide them with techniques for relaxation.  

Competencies

Technical competence, quality and relevance of the deliverables according to the specifications outlined under “Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant” and “expected tangible and measurable tasks(s)” i.e. sections 3 and 4 of the Terms of Reference.

Frequent and clear communication with UNODC focal points and regular reporting. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, law, social sciences, public administration, education and curriculum design or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in national and/or international project management, social sciences, and/or education and curriculum design and development, in the fields of gender-based violence.

Direct experience in gender-based violence is an asset. Familiarity with education methodologies, programme design, curriculum development, project formulation, delivery and monitoring, and exposure to international development cooperation is desirable.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required.

Interested individuals must submit the following as proposals in order to demonstrate their qualifications, Especialy National  candidates are  welcome to apply. 

Note: Please note that UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document, so please make sure that you merge all your documents into one single file.

Enquiries:- linda.naidoo@un.org; obakeng.mashaba@un.org and for further information on this Vacancy visit, http://www.unodc.org/southernafrica/en/consultancies-and-opportunities.html