International Expert for a Cooperation Strategy between Civil society, Media, and the Judiciary

IDLO in Mongolia, project objectives and outcome   

IDLO Mongolia is implementing the “Judicial Engagement and Transparency (JET) 2024-2026” project, funded by the European Union Delegation in Mongolia. The project’s main objective is to enhance participation of civil society and the media in accountability of the justice system with effective working mechanisms between CSOs, media, and justice system actors through a series of dialogues, capacity-building programmes, advocacy events, and development of support services in designated courts.

Objectives, scope, and tasks of the assignment

The objective of this assignment is to develop a Judicial Cooperation Advocacy & Communication Strategy for strengthening collaboration between the judiciary, civil society organizations (CSOs) and media organizations in Mongolia. This strategy aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and mutual understanding between these actors. The international expert will work closely as a team with a selected Mongolian national consultant throughout all phases of the assignment. The international expert will work with the Judicial General Council, Judicial Disciplinary Committee, Supreme Court, CSO representatives, and other relevant actors, and organize consultation meetings. Throughout the development of the strategy, the international expert will ensure that feedback from IDLO and other key stakeholders is incorporated. Facilitate a workshop for CSOs, media organizations and judicial actors on effective engagement, advocacy messaging, and communication strategies in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Additionally, the expert will select CSOs and media organizations to develop 2 advocacy papers that promote effective collaboration between the judiciary, journalists/media and CSOs. Under the guidance of the Field Program Manager/Project Coordinator, the consultant shall perform the following tasks:

1. Prepare and submit an inception report indicating detailed work plan, timeline and proposed outline of the cooperation strategy in collaboration with the selected Mongolian national consultant.
2. Conduct a desk review of relevant sources, including international best practices relating to cooperation between judiciary, CSOs, and media organizations.
3. Facilitate 4-5 consultations engaging relevant stakeholders in collaboration with the national consultant.
4. Conduct a comprehensive situation analysis to assess the current state of cooperation between CSOs, media organizations and the judiciary, identifying key gaps and opportunities for improvement.
5. Prepare a cooperation strategy and improve upon it by incorporating feedback and comments from IDLO and other relevant stakeholders.
6. Draft a training program, submit it to IDLO, the Judicial General Council, and relevant stakeholders, and incorporate their feedback.
7. Complete online IDLO ToT course and submit the completion certificate to the Training and Logistic Associate.
8. Develop instructional plans and training methodologies and prepare training materials and tools; and facilitate pilot training and make adjustments as needed.
9. Facilitate an in-person workshop for 25 CSO, journalist/media and judicial actors on effective engagement, advocacy messaging, and communication strategies in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
10. Provide support for the selected CSOs, media organizations in producing 2 advocacy papers promoting effective collaboration with the judiciary and improving transparency of the judicial system.
11. Prepare a completion report indicating all tasks achieved within the assignment including key challenges, and further recommendations.

The inception and completion reports should be prepared in English to meet IDLO and EU administrative regulations and standards.

The consultant will be engaged from 1 April 2025 to 30 April 2026.

The expected deliverables are outlined in the table below:  

Each deliverable is linked to a specific portion of the payment, provided that quality, satisfactory performance, and agreed products are delivered on time, and accepted by the Field Program Manager/Project Coordinator of IDLO Mongolia Country Office. The payment will be approved by the Field Program Manager/Project Coordinator.

Qualifications:

The international expert will have professional expertise with the following qualifications:  

1. At least a master’s degree in law, public policy and/or a related field;
2. Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in law, judicial organizations;
3. Proven experience in developing and implementing advocacy/communication strategies;
4. Strong knowledge and understanding of judicial engagement approach with CSOs and media;
5. Proven experience in facilitating consultations and trainings;
6. Ability to work as a team;
7. Excellent communication skills.

IDLO reserves the right to revise the TOR upon consultation with all parties involved in the assignment based on potential risk prevention identified during the implementation.

The consultant is expected to arrange and cover all expenses of the assignment with the allocated budget to deliver the products. This includes but is not limited to the following: office facilities; equipment and communications costs; and report preparation. The project will cover the travel and accommodation costs to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for facilitating the workshop. Additionally, the project will cover the costs of the venue and catering for the workshop.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications from qualified and diverse candidates. 

IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

The application expires on 31 March 2025 at 23:55 (Rome time)