PRISON SYSTEMS ADVISER

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law.  We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Role Description

With the ICRC delegations:

• Within a multidisciplinary framework, undertake to provide advice and guidance concerning assessment and analysis of detention and related criminal justice systems; actively participate in visits to places of detention, assisting delegations in developing their capacity to understand the underlying or systemic causes of humanitarian problems;
• Provide technical advice and guidance concerning the management of places of detention and development of other relevant aspects of detention and related criminal justice systems;

• Provide advice to delegates at senior management and working level on how the ICRC can best assist the authorities at various levels in their efforts to improve relevant aspects of the detention or related criminal justice systems;

• Prepare thematic papers, and analysis of policies, legislation, national, regional and international trends and other topics of humanitarian relevance in the particular context, for internal or external use.

With the authorities:

• Consistently with the delegation strategy, assist in developing long-term strategic planning processes for the improvement of detention and related criminal justice systems, or where such change processes exist, support continued development and implementation;
• Provide technical expertise concerning the management of places of detention and development of detention and related criminal justice systems, in line with the humanitarian concerns identified and internationally recognised standards;
• In line with the delegation strategy, develop and maintain relationships with a range of authorities, professional organisations, other stakeholders and interlocutors in the region;
• Assist the delegation in supporting the emergence of an inter-institutional dialogue on detention-related matters (such as with the detaining authorities, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, Ministries of Health and Finance etc.);
• Participate in and/or co-organise events aimed at improving mutual understanding of detention /criminal justice systems-related strengths and constraints; exchanging experiences and sharing good practices;
• Contribute to the design of a coherent ICRC training strategy for prison staff, in line with the operational priorities identified by the delegation, and mobilisation of the needed resources (e.g. training by the delegations' staff, invitation of external experts, exposure to best practices or other contexts)

With the institution:

• Contribute to the development of ICRC institutional policy and tools for detention / criminal justice systems-related support, particularly systemic support, including discussion, documentation and sharing with HQ of interesting practices and lessons learnt;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of training programmes at field and HQ levels as necessary;
• Participate in external conferences and other meetings where detention systems and related issues are discussed;
• Develop comprehensive knowledge of the programming and engagement of other actors active in penitentiary/related criminal justice systems in the relevant country/region and share this as necessary.

 Essential Knowledge and skills

• Advanced degree in social science, management or criminal justice;
• Comprehensive knowledge of prison operations, management and development of detention systems;
• At least 10 years’ experience in senior management/policy roles within places of detention or related criminal justice systems;
• Experience conducting analysis of detention / related criminal justice systems  in conflict affected and fragile states;
• Experience in developing adherence to international standards and promoting good practices in detention / related criminal justice systems;
• Experience in building capacity and providing advice at both the policy and operational levels, in project and change management, mid to long-term strategic planning processes and reform  / development plans;
• Comprehensive knowledge of main problems and current debates in the academic and professional world linked with detention and criminal justice systems; in particular, but not exclusively, non-custodial measures and sanctions, sentence management, overcrowding, drugs and detention, vulnerable groups, etc;
• Experience in working in different parts of the world and/or a wide network in these areas would be an asset
• Experience in developing strategy and addressing issues related to overcrowding (mitigating its consequences but also acting on its legal and judicial causes) and supporting the design and construction of the prison estate would be valuable

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• Attractive social benefits
• Length of assignment:  12 months
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere