SHORT TERM CONSULTANCY: DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINING CURRICULUM FOR PROSECUTORS TO ENHANCE THEIR CAPACITY TO PROSECUTE TIP CASES – LIBERIA

BACKGROUND

IDLO is an inter-governmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law. Starting in September 2019, IDLO has been implementing a project that focuses on ­­ “Fighting Trafficking in Persons (Tip) In Liberia”, with support from the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Given its mandate, IDLO focuses on providing technical and capacity building support to the Government of Liberia to counter trafficking in persons through enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement and justice actors in their response to trafficking in persons in Liberia. This work builds on current efforts by the Government of Liberia to combat trafficking in persons and expand on the joint achievements of the previously IDLO-implemented: “Strengthening the Capacity of the Police and Other Law Enforcement Agencies to Effectively Respond to Trafficking in Persons Project” (TIP Project).

IDLO’s current project is supporting the efforts of the Government of Liberia to combat trafficking in persons in all its forms, given that Liberia is classified as “Tier 2 Watch List” by the 2019 U.S. State Department report on trafficking in persons. As the report points out, Liberia, sadly, remains both a source and destination country for trafficked persons, especially women and children. The Government of Liberia is cognizant of the challenges of trafficking in persons and has taken some steps to address the issue. For example, in 2018/19, the National Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons’ developed a five-year National Action Plan 2019-2023 (NAP) to address trafficking in persons. The current NAP focuses on four key areas: prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. With the support of IDLO, the Government of Liberia’s new National Action Plan is a sign of the Government’s commitment and exertion of political will to mount an increasingly robust response to the problem of trafficking in persons (TIP).

While the Government continues to make strides in fighting TIP, convictions are still low and challenges remain in implementing an effective response to TIP in Liberia. For instance, according to the 2019 U.S. State Department report on TIP, the Government of Liberia investigated 5 cases, initiated prosecutions of 2 defendants, and convicted 1 trafficker, compared with 4 investigations, 4 prosecutions, and 4 convictions in the previous reporting period. In other cases, prosecutors may have pursued other charges, including rape, in lieu of sex trafficking. Another challenge has been the lack of understanding of the definition and scope of TIP, in particular domestic TIP, which is often misreported as gender-based violence or unfair labor practices/child labor.

As past IDLO studies have shown, one major limitation to TIP response in Liberia has been the lack of standardized information and standards on handling of TIP cases. In furtherance to this, coordination between justice and law enforcement actors in the identification and investigation of TIP cases is needed, and justice and law enforcement officials need additional training on the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of these cases. One aspect of effective adjudication of TIP cases is effective an effective bench including both judicial officers and court officers. It is hoped that for the Liberian courts to be able to effectively adjudicate TIP cases, they must have sufficient knowledge and skills to do so

THE ASSISGNMENT

Against this background, IDLO intends to support the development and implementation of a training curriculum for prosecutors focused on enhancing their capacity to prosecute TIP cases. The training curriculum will be used to facilitate training for prosecutors. As a part of the curriculum development process, an analysis of the knowledge and skills of Liberian prosecutors, especially regarding their ability to effectively prosecute TIP cases will be undertaken. It is hoped that the training curriculum will likely include modules centered on the following subject matters:  how to ensure that the collection of medico-legal and forensic evidence is done in a timely manner in appropriate cases; promoting policies which mandate that the correct charge and approval of the charge is made quickly and is based on the application of fair procedures and evidential standards; ensuring that throughout the process of investigation and prosecution a woman/child’s safety, security and dignity are carefully considered and maintained; and putting in place policies that require justice service providers explain to the survivor the investigative and justice processes, his/her rights, and the services available to him/her throughout the justice process, among others. 

IDLO seeks the services of an expert to undertake the development of training curriculum for prosecutors focuses on enhancing their capacity to prosecute TIP cases and facilitate a TOT training for prosecutors on the developed curriculum.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review existing legal and policy frameworks on TIP, including the U.S State Department 2019 report on Liberia.
• Review existing curriculum on prosecuting TIP cases and identify gaps in the existing training curricula.
• Develop the draft training curriculum taking into account the training gaps on existing modules, identify and highlight legal and procedural gaps, and policy and legislative review requirements.
• Facilitate consultations and validation meetings/workshops on the draft training curriculum with key stakeholders. Compile all the input and views from the key stakeholders and incorporate the feedback on the draft training curriculum.
• Submit the final version of the training curriculum for prosecutors.
• Conduct TOT training for prosecutors on the final training curriculum.

DELIVERABLES

The consultant shall deliver the following deliverables;

• An inception report detailing the understanding of the terms of reference, a proposed methodology, layout of the proposed training curriculum plan of action, with a work plan indicating clear milestones and timelines.
• A draft training curriculum for prosecutors.
• Facilitate consultations and validation meetings/workshops on the draft training curriculum with key stakeholders.
• A comprehensive training curriculum.
• TOT training for prosecutors on the final training curriculum.

The Expert will, at all times, be guided by these terms of reference and will:

• Carry out the services and perform his or her tasks with reasonable care, skill and in an efficient and professional manner;
• Ensure a high degree of quality in his/her output;
• Observe strict confidentiality;
• Carry out tasks, presenting outputs to IDLO on/or before agreed deadlines;
• Be guided by these terms of reference.

 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Required: The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experiences;
• Hold and advanced University degree in law/social science/education/policing.
• Must have a background in prosecution of TIP cases in a relevant context as Liberia.
• Experience in adult teaching methods from a recognized institution.
• At least ten years in security sector training or at least ten years’ experience as a law enforcement officer.
• Demonstrate experience in developing similar thematic training curriculum, and designing training content.

The following attributes would be an added advantage;

• Experience in post conflict country, preferably in West Africa.
• Expertise in curriculum development for access to justice, rule of law, sexual and gender-based violence, and human rights, with knowledge and experience on trafficking in person is an added advantage.  
• Experience in working with a training team in a law enforcement training academy.

REPORTING AND SUPERVISION

The Consultant will report to the IDLO Liberia Country Manager on and/or any other reporting line as may be determined by IDLO Liberia.

ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME

The assignment will commence on 1st February 2020 to the 3rd April 2020. The work will be undertaken over a period of 45 (forty-five) working days. The assignment will be undertaken on an output basis at lump sum rate to be spread across the delivery period for the services rendered in furtherance of these terms of reference.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Terms and conditions will be set according to the program implementation needs. Candidates should prove their ability to work and travel in Liberia

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.