Assessment of the Procedures and Practices used in Evidence Collection and Investigation of GBV Cases

ABOUT IDLO

The International Development Law Organization (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.

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THE ASSIGNMENT

International Evidence and Forensics Consultant will perform the following duties in conducting assessment on Procedures and Practices used in Evidence Collection and Investigation of GBV Cases:

• Assess the procedures and practices used in evidence collection and investigation of GBV cases with a focus on witness and victim interviewing, forensic examination of crime scenes and victims, and preservation of forensic evidence at related institutions (to include, but not limited to, Forensic Medicine Department of the Ministry Public Health (MOPH), Family Response Unit (FRU) of the Ministry of Interior (MOI), EVAW Prosecution Departments of AGO, Police and other related institutions.
• Identify and describe items of evidence in GBV cases which are asked to be analyzed by forensic medicine and means of requesting and identify which forms of forensic evidence contribute most frequently to successful case outcomes.
• Assess and document the mechanisms and relevant entities (such as hospitals) in determining the cause and extent of injury, and/or the cause of death in GBV-related cases.
• Describe the procedures of chain of custody and responsible persons/units for it.
• Identify interlinked standard operating procedures (SOPs) on evidence collection in GBV cases and pinpoint gaps and inconsistencies.
• Identify number of institutions that must coordinate and cooperate on collecting and preserving GBV evidence and assess the coordination level among them (including the FRU, AGO, the Forensic Medicine, Court, hospitals as the victims are more likely to seek medical care directly after the crime than police or legal care) and identify gaps and propose applicable solutions to ensure the process is executed properly.
• Evaluate the willingness and ability of the related institutions to develop uniform coordinated gender-sensitive standard operating procedures that assist with the smooth collection and transfer of evidence and identify areas/topics to be covered in those SOPs.
• Identify possible obstacles towards establishing uniform procedure for collecting and preserving GBV evidence.
• Explain how GBV evidence (such as victim and witness statements, as well as physical aspects of the crime and forensic evidence), are collected and preserved in practice by the justice professionals and identify gaps comparing to the applicable laws, regulations and SOPs (including international related documents ratified by Afghanistan).
• Identify actual practices and habits to determine whether deviations are mistakes or represent ad hoc problem-solving by the justice professionals involved.
• Identify and explain the responsible units and procedures in the assessment and treatment of patients with liability-related traumatic injuries who are victims of GBV, and documentation of the relevant evidence.
• Identify any difficulties that GBV victims face in remembering and speaking about the details of the crime and their problems during the investigation and evidence collection (including but not limited to place of interview, persons involved in interview, time of interview, skills of interviewers, questions themselves and traumatic impact) and explain if any efforts have been carried out to minimize those problems.
• Identify facts and practices that cause revictimization of GBV victims and what efforts have been carried out by institutions to eliminate it.
• Identify number of women and men involved in collection and preservation of GBV evidence and assess if they (men in particular) are trained on gender sensitivity and the impact that the trauma from the crime may have on a female victim.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

• Master’s degree in Law
• Master’s degree in Criminal Law will be an asset

Work experience

• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience ideally within an international organization in the areas of Rule of Law, Gender, Governance, Justice Sector Reform or Human Rights

Languages

• All work by consultant is to be completed in English Language

Technical competencies

• Good analytical, writing and editing skills in English
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team
• Familiar with various data collection
• Ability to a lead a team of national experts 

Behavioral competencies

• Capacity to work in a stressful environment with security restrictions
• Capacity to work in a multicultural environment
• Cultural and political sensitivity

DUTY STATION 

This is an Afghanistan-based assignment; however, given the COVID-19 situation, IDLO may consider options to have this assignment done remotely. Individuals/firms that are currently based in Afghanistan are encouraged to apply.   

HOW TO APPLY

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply via impactpool and submit the completed CV and cover letter.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE

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.

Application deadline is 10 August 2021