Short Term Consultancy: Development Of Complaints Handling And Processing Rules And Regulations

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) 

IDLO enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity. We contribute to creating stable and inclusive societies where every person can live free from fear and want, in dignity and under the rule of law.

To learn more about IDLO, please visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter @IDLO.

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC)

NGEC is a Constitutional Commission established pursuant to Article 59 (4) and (5) of the Constitution and operationalized by National Gender and Equality Commission Act, 2011, as a successor commission to the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission.  NGEC derives its mandate from Article 27 and Chapter Fifteen of the Constitution; and section 8 of NGEC Act (Cap. 15) of 2011, to promote gender equality and freedom from discrimination. The Commission’s target groups include: Persons with Disability, older members of the society, women, youth, children, and marginalized and minority groups.

THE ASSIGNMENT

Based on its investigations mandate, NGEC plans to operationalize its power and function of receiving and adjudicating on matters relating to equality and freedom from discrimination by establishing Complaints Tribunal through Rules and Regulations on Complaints handling and Processing.  The Regulations will operationalize the powers of the Commission to act as a court to hear disputes relating equality and freedom from discrimination, operationalize its function of investigating complaints relating to violations of principles of equality and freedom from discrimination.  The Regulations are  expected to improve access to justice to Special Interest Groups and all persons through  the Commission’s quasi judicial mechanism. The regulations  will seek to prescribe and details:

• the minimum quorum of the Commission’s Complaints Tribunal 
• the process of filling and responding to Complaints
• the process of issuing summons
• what happens when complainants or respondents do not comply with tribunal procedures
• the time taken to hear and determine complaints
• the process of undertaking investigation of complaints

The Duties and Responsibilities for this assignment are as follows: 

1. Facilitate a consultative and participatory process of reviewing and redesigning the complaints handling procedure Rules and Regulations;
2. Review other human rights complaints handling systems especially from the region including Kenya National Human rights Commission, Media Council, Commission on Administrative Justice and Uganda’s Equal Opportunities Commission to tap from best practices.
3. Develop a revised complaint handling procedures rules and regulations; 
4. Develop  necessary forms of operationalizing various provisions of the Complaints handling Procedure Rules and Regulations.
5. Conduct a public validation meeting of the  complaints handling  procedure Rules and Regulations;
6. Incorporate relevant feedback received from the validation into the draft complaints handling  procedure Rules and Regulations.
7. Draft an explanation memorandum to the Committee on delegated legislation
8. Any other necessary task related to fulfilling the objective of the project/support, in liaison with IDLO and NGEC.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate for the Consultancy will possess the qualifications as specified below:

1. A degree in Law, and/or Gender Studies from a recognized institution; Master’s degree in relevant field will be an added advantage
2. Minimum of 7 years comprehensive knowledge of and working experience on gender equality, access to justice and inclusion issues is a must;
3. Proven skills in legal research, analysis and writing; 
4. Proficient in English, research and drafting skills, organizational and analytical skills;
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and strong technical literacy;
6. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work on own and take initiative;
7. Computer savvy, able to navigate necessary programs with proficiency;
8. Ability to work independently and flexibly to deliver the agreed outputs and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner; ability to meet deadlines under minimal supervision;
9. High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

DISCLAIMER  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Contractor assigned to this work. This may not be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. 

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.