Lead Consultant: Rule of Law Assessment in Liberia

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development. IDLO works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development, and economic opportunity.

With its headquarters in Rome, Italy, a Branch Office in The Hague, and United Nations Liaison Offices in New York and Geneva, IDLO carries out policy advocacy, research, and learning, as well as rule of law and justice programs in countries through some 17 Country Offices operating in every region of the world.

BACKGROUND

In 2005, following Liberia’s first democratic elections, one of the country’s priorities was to reform its justice and security sectors. Various reform and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the rule of law and access to justice were launched by the Liberian authorities over the past 15 years, supported by a range of development partners. However, many challenges remain that impair progress towards an effective and financially sustainable justice sector that ensures the delivery of justice for all people in Liberia in a fair and transparent manner. Poor, marginalized, and vulnerable people, including women and girls, are in particular need of effective and fair delivery of justice. Further progress towards the rule of law in Liberia requires a strategic, evidence-based, and coordinated approach to justice sector development. 

THE ASSIGNMENT

IDLO, with funding from the Government of Sweden, is implementing a project titled “Strengthening Liberia’s Social Contract through better Access to Justice and Increased Legitimacy of Justice and Security Providers”. As part of the project, IDLO will conduct a comprehensive rule of law assessment in Liberia, comprising both formal and informal justice and security providers and mechanisms. Based on Agenda 2030 and IDLO’s commitment to reach those who are furthest behind, the assessment will identify the main gaps in the demand for and supply of justice in Liberia with a special focus on access to justice for the poor. The assessment will entail a stocktake of past and current rule of law interventions and place particular emphasis on criminal justice, SGBV, juvenile justice, legal aid, customary and informal justice, and the financial sustainability of the justice sector. The rule of law assessment will also comprise an institutional capacity needs assessment of justice and security providers, mapping and assessment of legal aid service provision across the country, and a GBV grievance mapping.

IDLO seeks the services of a Lead Consultant to support the rule of law assessment for Liberia.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the IDLO Country Manager Liberia, the Lead Consultant will be responsible for the following:

1. Conduct the rule of law assessment as follows:

• Develop the methodology for the Liberia rule of law assessment, based on IDLO organizational guidance.
• Develop data collection plan and data collection templates.
• Conduct desk research on the rule of law in Liberia.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with key informants (justice and security sector institutions, including Liberia’s executive, legislative and judicial authorities; civil society organizations; informal justice actors; and international development partners among others).
• Conduct focus group discussions with key informants.
• Conduct a survey with a sample of justice users to identify barriers preventing access to justice.
• Lead the processing, sorting, coding, and analysis of data collected and analyze the data to generate findings.
• Use the information gathered through the desk research, the interviews, and focus groups discussions to:

          a) Develop an applied Political Economy Analysis (PEA) report of the rule of law sector in Liberia

          b) Develop a sectoral assessment report of the past and ongoing rule of law development interventions.

2. Coordinate the work of the experts recruited to conduct: (i) the institutional capacity needs assessment; (ii) the mapping and assessment of legal aid service providers; and (iii) the GBV grievance mapping.

3. Draft the overall rule of law sector assessment report.

4. Assist and participate in the organization of activities to present findings to project stakeholders.

5. Ensure regular and timely reporting on the implementation of the assessment work plan.

6. Ensure quality control of project deliverables.

7. Work collaboratively with IDLO staff at the country level and at Rome HQ.

IDEAL PROFILE OF CANDIDATE

Education and Experience

• Minimum of a master’s degree in social sciences, political science, law, public policy or other relevant fields.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant experience in rule of law, human rights, access to justice, or development.
• Proven track record in the conduct of sector-level assessments or similar assignments in developing/post-conflict contexts.
• Proven academic record, including research and writing.
• Professional experience in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Languages

• Excellent written and communication skills in English are required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Solid understanding and knowledge of political economy analysis, justice sector reform, and the rule of law in a development context.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication, team building, and team coordination skills; ability to work constructively with several internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills. 
• Strong technical drafting and editing skills with attention to detail including when under pressure. 
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to quality and detail in a complex environment.
• Sound organizational and planning skills.
• Good team player, positive attitude, flexible, and comfortable working in multi-cultural settings.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.

HOW TO APPLY

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply and submit the completed online IDLO Personal History Form (PHF), resume, and cover letter. The cover letter should include in an Annex A written proposal outlining the candidate’s approach to the assignment along with a consultancy budget (maximum of five pages).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

IDLO shall offer the selected candidate a single engagement contract for six months (1 February to 31 July 2022), with the possibility of extension, subject to performance and availability of funding.

Candidates should prove their ability to work and travel to and in Liberia.

Remuneration for the assignment will be on a lumpsum basis. Payment will be made by installment based on the satisfactory completion of the agreed tasks.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates. IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process. 

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the employee 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.

CLOSING DATE: 10 January 2022