Assessment Specialist for the High-Performance Courts' Performance Development Framework

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) serves as the Technical Lead for the third iteration of the European Union’s Governance in Justice Programme (EU-GOJUST) implemented in the Philippines.

The EU-GOJUST Programme is focused on improving access to justice for all Filipinos and contributing to Philippine socio-economic development through a more effective, inclusive, and accountable justice system. These efforts are pursued by supporting the priorities of Philippine justice institutions such as the Department of Local and Interior Governance (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Supreme Court, and justice-sector civil society organizations and law schools.

More specifically, EU-GOJUST seeks to (1) develop more coordinated, efficient, gender-sensitive, and people-centered justice services and (2) enhance access to justice for all, especially for women and people living in vulnerable situations.

Following the pilot implementation of the High-Performance Courts (HPC) by the Supreme Court, a formative assessment of its Performance Development Framework (PDF) is being conducted with the support of EU-GOJUST. This assessment is intended to generate evidence-based insights to support the Supreme Court’s Committee on High Performance Courts in determining the potential expansion and institutionalization of the HPC initiative.

More specifically, the formative assessment will focus on the pilot implementation of the PDF in eight First-Level Courts, evaluating their initial performance outcomes to identify lessons learned, challenges, appropriate feedback mechanisms, and opportunities for scaling up.

In line with this, IDLO is seeking the services of an Assessment Specialist to undertake this assessment.

Scope of Work

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Program Advisor, the Assessment Specialist will undertake the following tasks within a three-month period starting November 2025:

• Coordinate with the EU-GOJUST Management Experts in the conduct of the “Assessment of the Pilot Implementation of the High-Performance Courts’ Performance Development Framework.”
• Coordinate and work with the Supreme Court’s Committee on High Performance Courts in designing and carrying out the assessment.
• Lead and facilitate the composite assessment team composed of IDLO experts, external partners, and the SC Committee on HPC;
• Participate in leveling off/orientation sessions on GESI and other cross-cutting evaluation themes
• Develop and submit an inception report including the following:
  • Assessment design and methodology, including evaluation questions, recommended data sources, respondents, and appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.
  • Assessment work plan, timeline, and tools
• Implement the GOJUST-approved assessment work plan independently and objectively;
• Submit a draft assessment report in English, including translations of non-English terms as needed, and incorporating key findings, lessons learned, recommendations, and relevant annexes.
• Present the draft findings and emerging lessons learned and recommendations to EU-GOJUST, the Supreme Court’s Committee on High-Performance Courts, and to other stakeholders, as requested, for validation and feedback;
• Finalize and submit the assessment report, with appropriate revisions based on feedback received.

In carrying out these deliverables, the Assessment Specialist will collaborate closely with the EU-GOJUST Senior Program Advisor, who will provide the overall guidance, supported by the EU-GOJUST Management Experts, and IDLO’s Field Programme Coordinator and Capacity Development and Monitoring Unit.

Throughout the implementation, the Assessment Specialist is expected to integrate the Programme’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Framework into all aspects of the assessment process, ensuring that findings and recommendations reflect inclusive and equitable justice outcomes.

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s equivalent) in Law, Public Administration, Organizational Management, Psychology, Sociology, social science research and/or other relevant disciplines.
• A bachelor’s degree in any of the above fields with ten (10) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in conducting social science research, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, development of survey instruments, data analysis and interpretation, and report writing is required.
• Proven ability to lead research projects and produce high-quality research reports is a strong asset.
• Experience in conducting research and /or assessments with the Philippine Judiciary is highly desirable.
• Experience or familiarity with the justice sector’s operations and administration is preferred.
• Experience in or exposure to GESI initiatives is an advantage.

 Languages 

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. 

Specific Technical & Behavioral Competencies 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Power BI, and other data visualization tools 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work constructively with stakeholders from the judiciary 
• Proven skills in identifying breakthrough and continuous innovation opportunities in justice reform 
• Proven ability to develop and foster working relationships 
• Proven ability to see through set tasks and deliver results on time 
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit 
• Self-motivated and dynamic with a willingness and ability to use initiative 
• Ability to take guidance, incorporate feedback, and consider various perspectives 
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate 

The engagement will be a milestone-based contract. It is expected to be a part-time engagement beginning November 2025. 

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

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

Application deadline: 7 November 2025