Law related Specialist  (Open to Gambia Nationals only)

I. Position Information

Job code title:               Transitional Justice National Specialist

Classified Grade:                  NOC

Supervisor :                         Transitional Justice Advisor

II. Organizational Context

As a direct result of 22 years of authoritarian rule, rule of law institutions in the Gambia face significant challenges. , During those years, social stability was maintained through state force and coercion. As a result, Gambians were routinely subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrest, torture and extrajudicial executions, in a climate of total impunity. 

Human rights violations were reported to be widespread and the UN, a number of NGOs and human rights defenders have documented such alleged violations. In most cases, there was no effective investigation and perpetrators have not been brought to justice. 

Although the Constitution of The Gambia provides for independence of the judiciary, the Gambian judiciary under the former government was subject to various forms of interference.  Consequently, there is limited public confidence in the judiciary. In addition, justice delivery has been slow, and there has been a marked deficit in access to justice.

To address the grievances of the Gambians of human rights violations experienced under the former regime, the current Gambian government is seeking urgent assistance in designing of a National Strategy for Transitional Justice and in establishing and implementing transitional justice mechanisms. In addition, the criminal justice system requires reform and capacity building. The new government in The Gambia has also resolved to improve the country’s human resources capacity, its constitutional, legal and institutional framework, as well as the quality of its strategies, policies and programs, in order to consolidate democracy and comply with international human rights standards.

The United Nations is supporting the new Government of The Gambia in designing and   implementing a National Strategy for Transitional Justice and to establish a national human rights commission in compliance with the Paris Principles.

To transitional justice process as soon as possible and launch the project: Support to the Transitional Justice process in The Gambia, the United Nations are recruiting a Project Officer on Transitional Justice. The Project Officer reports to the Senior Transitional Justice Adviser.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Participate in providing analytical and strategic direction to Transitional Justice in the Gambia
2. Project Level Coordination;
3. Resource mobilisation and oversight of Transitional Justice Projects

Detail of Key Functions

Under the supervision and guidance of the Senior Transitional Justice advisor;

• provide analytical and strategic direction to Transitional Justice projects focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Providing technical and administrative advice to the project including monitoring of agreements, drafting internal and external reports, briefings and representing UNDP at meetings;
• Providing technical advice and capacity development to strengthen transitional justice and human rights infrastructure
• Ensuring the delivery of inputs and outputs in line with the project’s approved work plan (approved by the Project Board) in the context of activities, ensuring proper monitoring and evaluation of the project;
• Ensure the procurement of equipment as per requirements of Project activities as stated in the work plan and in line with UNDP rules and regulations
• Overseeing administrative and logistical preparation for Project missions and facilitate Transitional justice related meetings and missions.
• Assist in development of a Government led Transitional Justice strategy,  policy and strategy guided by good practices and in accordance with international human rights
• Provide technical advice on measures and practices which will enhance oversight of the governance of the transitional justice sector including the role of parliamentary committees 
• Drafting regular project progress reports
• Ensure linkages and synergies to rule of law, justice sector reforms and transitional justice efforts

• Ensure efficient Project Level Coordination, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Produce quarterly updates of progress, issues and constraints against work plan Undertake regular monitoring and data collection of project activities;
• Builds strong relations with the national counterparts and works with government officials and  UNDP serving as a liaison between government officials and Project Management;
• Provision of technical advice to transitional justice Partners.
• Provision of knowledge building and management to the Project activities, including long term institutional education, specialized training, and interaction with key Transitional Justice Partners
• Establishing and improving, in collaboration with UNDP 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;

  Support resource mobilization and oversight of transitional justice Projects

• Establishment of strong relationships with counterparts in the security sector including Ministry of Justice,  Ministry of Interior, Judiciary , Gambia Bar Association, Victim Association and other relevant organizations to design and implement initiatives related to development of transitional justice related work;
• Support in developing the strategic direction to enhance human rights and gender within the transitional Project;
• Support in developing reporting formats to assess, monitor and measure outcomes, outputs and impact of Transitional justice work supported by UNDP;
• Drafting of progress reports(narrative and financial), updates and communication messaging on the Transitional justice Project including online, social media and others as requested by the Senior Transitional justice Advisor.
• Ensure integrity of financial and administrative procedures as well as a consistent application of rules, regulations and procures with regard to programme implementation and operations
• Prepare requisitions, purchase orders and payment requests, as appropriate
• Closely monitor the delivery status and prepare monthly updates for the Transitional justice Advisor, the Programme Specialist and the Deputy Resident Representative
• Ensure that qualitative services are provided to national partners including fair and transparent procurement process and efficient operational support

IV. Impact of Results

The incumbent provides high quality outputs on key Transitional justice and human rights issues relating to governance, and conduct of the transitional justice mechanism as a means of ensuring justice, reconciliation and reinforcing the rule of law. They will provide effective monitoring on relevant transitional justice benchmarks & provide a convening function. They will assist the Senior Transitional Justice Advisor in developing a national led SSR Assessment, policy and strategy & establishing an office of national security for implementation of the strategy.

V. Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

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

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes knowledge management and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
• In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from the UN system

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects
• Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations

Management and Leadership

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

Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills

Education:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in law, political or social science or related field or a related field with 5 years relevant experience

• A first level university degree with a combination of academic qualifications and 8 years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree

Experience:

• Relevant experience and progressive level of responsibility in governance, transitional justice and/or institutional development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization.
• Understanding of protocol and processes related to cultural norms of driving change
• Relevant experience and progressive level of responsibility in governance, transitional justice and/or institutional development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization.
• Understanding of protocol and processes related to cultural norms of driving change

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English.

Knowledge of French is desirable but not a requirement