Drafter of training materials for penitentiary staff on the Nelson Mandela Rules

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Archived vacancy details

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Issued by: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Vacancy number: VNODIC00799
Vacancy type: Experts/Consultants
Field of expertise: Human Rights
Duty station: Warsaw
Date of issue: 12 May 2020
Deadline for application: 1 June 2020 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background:

		ODIHR requires the service of an experienced consultant to support the implementation of the “Nelson Mandela Rules” Project, a project that aims to create a training curriculum and trainer’s guide, based on previous research and the produced Guidance Document on the Revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules). In May 2016, the ODIHR Anti-Torture Programme started the “Nelson Mandela Rules” Project, in cooperation with Penal Reform International. This project aims to improve penal systems and the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in the OSCE region by promoting and supporting the effective implementation of the Nelson Mandela Rules by participating States. States bear a heightened obligation towards prisoners because when the state deprives someone of their liberty, it assumes duty of care. They are obliged to ensure that prisoners are treated humanely, that torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment is prevented, and that access to justice is ensured. This requires concrete and up-to-date guidance on disciplinary measures and sanctions, solitary confinement, the use of restraints and the practice of (body) searches. It also requires efficient complaints and monitoring systems, alongside access to legal representation. The revised text, known as the “Nelson Mandela Rules”, provides greater protection for persons deprived of liberty, in particular from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as more up-to-date guidance to penitentiary staff, prison administrations, monitoring bodies and relevant policy-makers. However, like any international standard, provisions are formulated in general terms and hence further guidance is required on how they are to be understood and taught to prison staff. ODIHR, in partnership with PRI and in close cooperation with the Swedish Prison and Probation Service (SPPS) and in consultation with UNODC, EUROPRIS and other penitentiary networks and administrations will develop a training curriculum based on the seven chapters of the ODIHR/PRI Guidance Document on the Nelson Mandela Rules (but encompassing all the Nelson Mandela Rules), namely, prison management; safety, security and dignity for all; incident prevention and response; restrictions, discipline and sanctions; contact with the outside world; health-care, and external monitoring. The training curriculum (and the subsequent trainer’s guide) should follow the structure of the Guidance Document but include all the relevant Nelson Mandela Rules, not only those that were revised. There should be an emphasis on the prevention of and protection from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The primary target audience for the trainings and training materials are practitioners, e.g. prison administrations and penitentiary staff. Secondary beneficiaries for the training materials may include relevant policy makers in order to assist in legislative reforms for the effective implementation of the revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), as well as monitoring bodies (including NPMs) to guide their assessment of prison conditions and the prevention of torture and other ill-treatment in prison settings. The training curriculum should bear in mind the global nature of the Nelson Mandela Rules, and be conscious of the big differences in legal systems as well as resources and modalities of prison systems. Guidance provided should therefore be of added value to low, medium and high-income countries in the OSCE region and beyond, providing step-by-step measures without undermining the nature of the Rules as "minimum" rules. It should be of use globally, however have a specific focus on OSCE participating States. The training curriculum (and trainer’s guide) should include information on: how to assess the respective country context prior to cascading the training in their respective countries; the rationale behind the thematic section of the Guidance Document (including the revised rules as well as those which haven’t changed) and the relevant learning objectives); how to implement the Rules in practice (modules); to which stakeholders they are addressed (e.g. who is the addressee of the respective Rule(s)); good practice examples, including from the Guidance Document; training methodologies, facilitator script and relevant handouts or other (audio-visual) resources.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

		Under the supervision of the ODIHR Adviser on Torture Prevention, the Expert will: • develop and draft a training curriculum and trainer’s guide, in order to enable trainers to run a 4-day training session for prison management and prison staff on how to implement the Nelson Mandela Rules and other relevant standards in practice. In order to fulfil this task, the Consultant will undertake desk research, participate in a project partner meeting and draft the training materials. Deliverables: The Consultant will be: working on a proposal for the structure of the training materials and prepare a draft of learning objectives for each module and a detailed outline for the first module of the training (July/August 2020) developing and drafting a training curriculum and trainer’s guide based on the ODIHR/PRI Guidance Document on the Nelson Mandela Rules (September – November 2020) presenting the draft training curriculum and trainer’s guide at a two-day project partner meeting in London (or online webinar) with ODIHR, PRI and the Swedish Prison and Probation Service (December 2020) incorporating into the draft feedback received at the project partner meeting and producing a first final version of the training curriculum and trainer’s guide (January to March 2021) actively participating in and facilitating a pilot training for trainers (ToT) in Sweden for a pool of at least 15 selected trainers and incorporating additional feedback and comments from experts and trainers (March 2021) participating and help facilitating a pilot training session for at least 20 prison officers in Warsaw (location tbc) (April 2021)

Necessary Qualifications:

		Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights and prison administration. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree; A minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience in the field of prison administration/penitentiary systems; Solid knowledge of the human rights framework applicable to penitentiary systems and persons deprived of liberty; Professional experience in providing consultancy services aimed at developing guidance documents, delivering training courses to prison administrations with the use of interactive training methodologies desired; Computer literacy; Excellent drafting skills in English; Strong organisational and communication skills; Flexibility, ability to work under minimal supervision and deliver against tight deadlines.

Required competencies:

		Core values Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work Core competencies Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package:

		The Expert shall work for up to 40 (forty) working days in the period from July 2020 to June 2021 (12 months). It is anticipated that the delivery of this project will take 20 (twenty) working days in 2020 and 20 (twenty) working days in 2021. Remuneration will depend on the selected consultant’s qualifications and experience and be in accordance with OSCE established rates. Travel expenses for attendance at meetings and events will be covered by ODIHR according to OSCE travel policy. Location: Home-based with trips to London (December 2020; tbc), Stockholm (March 2021; tbc), Warsaw (April 2021; tbc) (precise dates and locations to be confirmed also pending current travel restrictions)

How To Apply:

		As part of the application process, interested candidates are required to submit by email to recruit@odihr.pl an updated CV and a motivation letter in English (quoting the vacancy number in the subject of the e-mail) outlining in particular: expertise with regard to prison management; experience in delivering interactive trainings on the topic; experience with prison systems in various countries/ regions/ continents; knowledge of the human rights framework applicable to penitentiary systems and persons deprived of liberty; proficiency in English and drafting skills; availability during the project period; expected daily rate (Euros); confirmation of the willingness and ability to travel. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.