Background

The Rule of Law and Security Programme (ROLS) programme began in 2002 and is currently in Phase III of its inception (2009-2011). The ROLS program has five interlinked components each with direct funding support and separate management arrangements. The components are programmatically and operationally linked and mutually reinforcing, while working closely with other UNDP programmes. The main objective of the Access to Justice Project is to strengthen access to basic structures for the administration of justice and respect of international human rights standards by all Somalis.

The Access to Justice Project has utilized a multi- pronged approach in its implementation of activities which has emphasized both strengthening the judiciary and the prison system in Somalia. This is part of a wider strategy to support all aspects of the ‘criminal justice chain’ from effective policing to efficient judicial processes and prisons. The re-establishment of an independent judiciary is therefore combined with the re-establishment of a competent police force and functioning prisons. Effective justice systems can only be developed based on the rule of law and the rule of law itself requires the protection of effective criminal justice measures.

Over the past several years, the Access to Justice component has strengthened institutions through training and infrastructure rehabilitation. These initiatives were complemented by an approach which included legal empowerment and confidence-building of the Somali public, including legal clinics, legal aid, translation and awareness-raising at community levels

Phase III of the project has and will continue to focus on ensuring that the Somali population have Access to Justice throughout the regions and in assisting with the establishment of a judicial system (both formal and non-formal) that is fair and transparent; complies with international human rights standards and is accountable to the people of Somalia. A priority of the project will be to increase Access to Justice for vulnerable populations, such as women, IDPs, those living with HIV/AIDS minorities and children. The project will support the expansion of legal aid services inside and outside regional capitals through agreements with legal aid providers and Bar Associations. There is also strong potential to integrate better the three sources of Somalia law: customary law, Shari’ a and secular law with support from ROLS. 

Under the direct supervision of the Access to Justice Project Manager (PM), the Judiciary Specialist is required to perform duties and responsibilities in accordance with the objectives and activities in the work-plan and other duties as requested by UNDP and as outlined in the project document and the chapter III here below.

Under the supervision of the Access to Justice Project Manager, the incumbent is responsible for providing high quality technical, administrative and financial support, monitoring agreements and provision of advice to counterparts. S/he also supports tasks related to advocacy, programming, monitoring and evaluation, and representation. S/he ensures continuity of work in the absence of the CTA. 

The incumbent works on a daily basis with colleagues in the UNDP CO and at the project level, necessitating that the incumbent be able to develop and maintain viable working relationships with colleagues across the organization and counterparts, and be able to work with them in a responsive client orientation and in a problem solving mode.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Technical and administrative support to Access to Justice Project Manager Establishing,
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Technical advice and draft concise, analytical and high-quality project proposals, budget, reports, research, strategy papers

1. Providing technical and administrative support and advice to Access to Justice Project Managers including monitoring of agreements, drafting internal and external reports, donor briefings, representing UNDP at meetings, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provide technical and advisory support to the development of relevant strategies and policy to assist with the harmonization of the three legal system in Somalia and legislative reform;
• Provide technical guidance for all key justice institutions;
• Develop and review specialized training programs for legal professionals;
• Provide advice and assistance for long term legal education to the Ministries and university law faculties;
• Support legal aid centers and legal institutes in prioritized regions of Somalia;
• Support regional lawyers’ associations and bar associations in prioritized regions of Somalia;
• Support projects aimed to increase Access to Justice particularly for vulnerable groups including women and children;
• Develop a human rights and gender strategy for UNDP;
• Represent UNDP at all human rights and gender meetings as requested;
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as requested by the Access to Justice Project Manager.

2. Establishing, in collaboration with UNDP Access to Justice Project Managers and counterparts, a reporting system and formats to assess, measure and report achievements, status of implementation, challenges, etc. of project activities in line with Terms of References of signed agreements, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Develop strategic direction to increase Access to Justice
• Review and analyze outcomes of the Access to Justice and strengthening of judiciary initiatives and provide inputs into the development of longer term Access to Justice programming;
• Develop indicators for measuring improvements in Access to Justice, case and court management at the output and outcome level;
• Develop reporting formats to assess, monitor and measure outcomes, outputs and impact of Access to Justice project activities implemented by the counterparts in line with signed agreements;
• Prepare reports, work plans, regular donor progress and impact reports for the project;
• Support and develop synergies with on-going ROLS projects and programmes being implemented by UNDP;
• Assisting to monitor project activities in line with the Access to Justice project approved work plan;
• Establish strong relationships with counterparts in the judiciary and partner organizations.

3. Providing technical advice and draft concise, analytical and high-quality Access to Justice project proposals, budgets, reports, research, strategy papers and presentations in English relevant to the functioning of the judicial system in Somalia, Access to Justice project activities and in line with work-plan 2009, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provide thoroughly researched information for formulation of Access to Justice project activities, preparation of draft project documents, work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements, etc;
• Analyze and identify Access to Justice programmatic, operational and financial problems, and develop and suggest solutions;
• Provide substantive and substantial legal inputs to the formulation of Access to Justice project proposals and strategy papers;
• Provide substantive and substantial inputs to the reporting, visibility and communications needs of Access to Justice project, including prepare clear and concise reports and power-point presentations, when necessary, for various donor reports, donor briefings, meetings, workshops, conferences, etc.;
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as requested by the Access to Justice Project Managers.

The key results have an impact on the success of specific areas of cooperation under the UNDP country programme. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, implementation and outcome of key Access to Justice project activities under the ROLS portfolio; as well as creation of strategic partnerships and reaching resource mobilization targets.

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the programme
• In-depth knowledge on legal and human rights issues
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines
• Mature judgment combined with a proactive, energetic approach to problem solving; and strong organizational and time management skills
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Ability to work with a wide cross-section of partners including Government, I/NGOs, community-based organizations and international donors
• Technical knowledge and exposure in one or more of UNDP's core thematic areas are desirable (democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, energy and environment, HIV/AIDs and/or cross-cutting themes of gender or information for development technologies)

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Assist managers effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in provision of criminal, civil, judiciary or other relevant legal area, including a minimum of 2 years work experience as a legal aid lawyer post master;
• Or first level university degree in law with 5 years of relevant experience in provision of criminal, civil, judicisary or other relevant legal areas , including 2 years of work experience as a legal aid worker.
• Experience in the design and implementation of training programmes for judiciary and/or law professionals, preferably in developing countries and/or countries emerging from crisis
• Experience with informal justice and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms is desirable;
• Experience working with a Prosecutors Office or Attorney General is desirable
• Experience or knowledge of developing legal aid centers/clinics and legal institutes is desirable.
• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, including, word processing, spreadsheets, internet, etc.