Historique

The United Nations is represented by the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), as well as 16 specialized agencies, funds, programs, and the World Bank. All UN programs in Liberia are aligned with the Agenda for Transformation. Initiatives are underway in each of the Government’s four pillars: enhancing national security; revitalizing the economy; strengthening governance and rule of law; and rehabilitating infrastructure and basic social services. It is anticipated that the consultancy will be completed by 31 August, 2013.

After decades of military rule, political instability, and civil war, Liberians have entered a new era of peace and democracy and are ready to come together and agree on a new revised charter that will define who they are as a nation and how they want to be governed.

The social, political, and economic landscape of Liberia has evolved significantly since the 1986 Constitution was adopted. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2003 adjusted parts of the 1986 Constitution to enable the holding of the first post-conflict democratic elections. Having successfully conducted a second set of peaceful and democratic elections in 2011, Liberia is now ready to review the 1986 Constitution and consider amending the Constitution to reflect current post-conflict democratic realities and aspirations.

The President of Liberia appointed the CRC in August 2012 to lead the review process, and, for that purpose, to engage with the public and key stakeholders. The CRC intends to conduct an extensive civic education campaign, and broad and inclusive public consultations on provisions of the Constitution in order to propose consensus-based recommendations for constitutional reform. The process is expected to be completed in 2015.

The United Nations in Liberia will support the constitutional review process through its “Support to Constitutional Reform Project” (the “UN project”), to be administrated by UNDP Liberia and expected to be initiated in the coming months. In the meantime, UNMIL is helping to expedite the process by supporting the CRC in the design and implementation of this review, in line with the objectives and planned activities of the UN project.

Devoirs et responsabilités

The objective of this consultancy is to provide short term advice and support to the CRC as it launches its civic education campaign and undertakes other efforts relating to design and implementation of the constitutional review.

At the end of this assignment, the responsibilities are expected to be handed over to the Chief Technical Advisor to be hired under the UN project.

Working closely with the Senior Management of UNMIL, and reporting to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Rule of Law (DSRSG RoL), the Consultant will be responsible for the following activities:

In accordance with prevailing best practices and UN policies and procedures, provide technical support and advice to the mission and the CRC and its secretariat in the review of the 1986 constitution;  

• Assist the CRC in completing its strategic and civic education work plans;
• Assist the CRC with mapping and identifying appropriate civic education partners;
• Support the CRC with the development of civic education materials and tools and assist in the management of the CRC civic education team;
• Oversee the development of a civic education training plan and coordination and training of CSO organizations and others to partner with the CRC in conducting civic education;
• Work with the national consultant on developing a methodology for reporting on and the monitoring and evaluation of civic education activities;
• Undertake assignments related to civic education, as appropriate.

Duration/Number of working days: 17 June-31 August 2013. The duration of the contract will be eleven weeks.

At the end of the contract, the Consultant will be expected to submit a Close-Out Report on progress and achievements by the CRC during the consultancy, challenges, priorities and next steps for the next six months of the constitutional review.

Compétences

• Professionalism - Proven understanding of constitutional review processes in post conflict or peacebuilding settings; professional competence and mastery of constitutional reform and the political dynamics; has experience with designing and conducting civic education campaigns; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; proven conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills in constitutional reform. Has ability to conduct independent research and analysis in constitutional law, identify issues, formulate options, arrive at conclusions, and make sound recommendations; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning and Organizing - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Judgment/Decision-making - Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
• Teamwork - Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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 favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in civic education, constitutional reform, political analysis and governance (or a combination thereof) are required; strong drafting and oral communication skills as well as experience of constitutional reform processes in conflict or post-conflict settings.
  
• Relevant experience in Africa is an advantage.

Language requirements:

• English

• Understanding of UN mission and programmatic goals
• UN experience and knowledge of its mandates
• Experience working in Africa and specifically in Liberia
• Submit examples of prior civic education strategy developed