UNICEF Belize - Develop Training Modules for Belize Family Court Consultant

UNICEF and the Child Friendly Courts (CFC) Committee are partners in key interventions to ensure that children from our most socially vulnerable communities enjoy their rights as described under the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). Article 37 d. of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that “every child deprived of his or her liberty shall have the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance, as well as the right to challenge the legality of the deprivation of his or her liberty before a court or other competent, independent and impartial authority, and to a prompt decision on any such action”. As a part of the ongoing process of reviewing the child justice legislation, Belize has made important advances in ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Convention of the Rights of the Child - CRC as they relate to access to justice and protection of children.

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Purpose of Assignment:

Currently, the Family Court lacks sufficient human resources, equipment and child friendly

spaces to guarantee the full respect for children's rights. Consequently, cases remain back-logged and the conviction rates remain very low. This has led to the re-victimization of children in having to repeat their testimony on multiple occasions and in intimidating environments without the necessary support from parents, social workers, and legal representatives. Given the current gaps, Belize is presently undertaking a comprehensive reform process in the area of justice for children. This includes amending child justice legislation to enable measures for the rehabilitation of young people; providing for court facilities and processes that address particular needs of young people; while seeking to enhance the role of social workers in matters requiring the protection and intervention in support of young persons. A vital component of this reform also includes systems strengthening and capacity building of Family Court staff. Therefore, with support from the Swiss Embassy in Mexico, UNICEF and the Child Friendly Court Committee are seeking technical support for Capacity Building of Family Court staff.

Background and Justification of Assignment:

UNICEF and the Child Friendly Courts (CFC) Committee are partners in key interventions to ensure that children from our most socially vulnerable communities enjoy their rights as described under the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). Article 37 d. of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that “every child deprived of his or her liberty shall have the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance, as well as the right to challenge the legality of the deprivation of his or her liberty before a court or other competent, independent and impartial authority, and to a prompt decision on any such action”. As a part of the ongoing process of reviewing the child justice legislation, Belize has made important advances in ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Convention of the Rights of the Child - CRC as they relate to access to justice and protection of children.

UNICEF and the Child Friendly Courts (CFC) Committee are partners in key interventions to ensure that children from our most socially vulnerable communities enjoy their rights as described under the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). Article 37 d. of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that "every child deprived of his or her liberty shall have the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance, as well as the right to challenge the legality of the deprivation of his or her liberty before a court or other competent, independent and impartial authority, and to a prompt decision on any such action". As a part of the ongoing process of reviewing the child justice legislation, Belize has made important advances in ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Convention of the Rights of the Child - CRC as they relate to access to justice and protection of children.

The main current responsibilities for this consultancy include:

This consultant/team is expected to complete the following specific tasks under the supervision of the Child Friendly Courts Committee.

Develop training modules on:  the Convention of the rights of the Child- (CRC) and relevant treaties and conventions; the Families and Children Act (FACA); The Juvenile Offenders Act; Family Court Manual of Policies and Procedures; Best Practices for the Interviewing of Children; Court Room Management and Best Interest Adjudication; and matters relating to child victims and children in conflict with the law.  

The consultant will facilitate face to face training with Family Court staff and Magistrates.

Expected Deliverables

1. Inception report
2. Workplan and Needs Assessment
3. Draft training modules
4. Approved training modules
5. Face-to Face Training sessions with Family Court Staff and Magistrates
6. Final Training Modules
7. Final Report and Evaluation

Regular meetings with the Child Friendly Court Subcommittee will be held to assess overall progress of the consultancy and address any challenges.

 Duration of the Contract: 

The contract will have an estimated duration of seven (7) months. Payment will be done based on delivery of finalized and approved deliverables.   The contract must cover professional fees, transport, or any other additional fees. The consultant will be supervised and managed by: The Child Friendly Courts Committee and UNICEF.

Qualifications:

The consultant/consultancy firm should have the following qualifications and professional experience:

1. Advanced degree in Family Law or Attorney-at -law with experience in Family Law
2. Five years or more experience with different areas of the law
3. Effective delivery and presentation skills inclusive of adult education capability
4. Background in a social science field is desirable (Five years or more is considered an asset)

Application Submissions:

Applicants (teams or institutions) are invited to submit:

• Technical and financial proposals. [The selection of the Consultant will be based on a "best value for money" principle.]
• Applicants (teams or institutions) are invited to submit bids electronically to:belize@unicef.org with subject line "Capacity Building: Belize Family Court"

 Deadline:

All technical and financial bids are to be submitted by June 8th 2018. 

For every Child, you demonstrate¦

UNICEF's core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The technical competencies required for this consultancy are primarily; applying technical expertise, formulating concepts and strategies, relating and networking.

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Remarks:

- Only completed application packages received before the deadline will be given consideration.

- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.