Expert / Drafter of a needs assessment report on strengthening the independence of prosecutors in countries of the Eastern Partnership

Alert

You can not apply to this vacancy anymore.
Sorry, the application deadline for this vacancy has expired.

Check the list of current vacancies

Our field operations, institutions and units are constantly looking for talented profiles.

See our current vacancies
OSCE job notifications

Subscribe to our vacancy alerts and get notifications in your email box.

Subscribe to job notifications
Learn more about our work

From fixed term contracts to internships and a Junior Professional Officer programme, find out what fits you best.
More information

Archived vacancy details

The following information is provided for archival purpose only.

Issued by: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Vacancy number: VNODIC00703
Vacancy type: Experts/Consultants
Field of expertise: Democratization
Duty station: Warsaw
Date of issue: 6 February 2018
Deadline for application: 18 February 2018 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background:

		The OSCE/ODIHR Rule of Law Unit (RoL) is tasked with providing expertise, delivering technical assistance and developing policies and good practice on the independence and accountability of the judiciary, access to justice, criminal justice, fair trial rights and trial monitoring in the OSCE region. The unit is implementing a project on “Strengthening the independence and accountability of judges and prosecutors: Enhancing the rule of law in Eastern Partnership countries”, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers between January and December 2018. The project will cover Eastern European countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine). It has the objective to strengthen the functional independence of prosecutors and will also assess the role of prosecutors in protecting judicial independence. The project will start by taking stock of the current situation in Eastern Partnership countries through an assessment to identify needs and gaps, and develop recommendations in cooperation with the relevant national stakeholders. A study visit of prosecutors from the six project countries to one of the Nordic countries as well as an expert meeting in Warsaw will provide opportunities to discuss the findings of the needs assessment, share experiences, discuss international standards and good practices and finalize the recommendations. Objective: The objective of this consultancy is to conceptualise and conduct an assessment in the six project countries, including desk research and three country missions, to draft a report for publication and six country fact sheets for internal use. This work entails participation at a study visit and participation at an expert meeting, at which draft report and draft recommendations will be presented and discussed.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

		The overall task of this consultancy is to conduct an assessment in six project countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) regarding the functional independence of prosecutors and the role of prosecutors in protecting judicial independence.. More specifically, it will identify concerns and challenges in terms of prosecutorial independence and the ability of prosecutors to investigate independently and perform their duties free from external pressure or any internal or external interference, particularly in high-profile cases. It will also identify instances of criminal cases/disciplinary proceedings against judges for allegedly issuing “illegal judicial decisions”. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Rule of Law Unit, the Expert will perform the following tasks: Preparation of methodology and work plan, Desk research on the six project countries and three country missions, Participation at a study visit, Participation at an expert meeting, Drafting of the assessment report for publication and six country fact sheets to inform ODIHR’s future country-related work. Tentative workflow and timeline: Desk research (10 days) - February/ March, Preparation of country visits (4 days) - February/ March, 3 country visits à 3 days plus travel days (3 nights each Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, 14 days) - March/ April, Drafting of assessment report and country fact sheets (11 days) - April – June, Participation in study visit (3 days) - May (tbc), Participation in expert meeting (3 days) - early July (tbc), Incorporation comments from expert meeting (4 days) - July, August, Recording of 5-minute video presentation (30 minutes) – September, Incorporation of comments after approvals (3 days) - September, October.

Necessary Qualifications:

		Advanced university degree in law or equivalent professional experience; Familiarity with regional and international standards relevant to the independence of the judiciary, including functional independence of prosecutors; Full command of English and Russian; excellent and concise writing skills in English; A minimum of 6 years of work experience related to the work of judiciary, preferably prosecutors, ideally in countries of the Eastern Partnership (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine); Good understanding of concerns regarding the lack of functional independence of prosecutors when investigating cases, in particular high-profile cases, as well as regarding the role of prosecutors in investigating cases of interference with judicial independence; Proven experience in working with high-level government officials, including in (some of) the project countries; Solid background in research and analysis, and ability to apply gender analysis to identify and address issues relevant to gender to this assignment; Experience in drafting publications on issues relating to the rule of law; Computer literacy with practical experience with Microsoft applications; Strong organizational 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 assignment is for up to 52 working days between 25 February 2018 and 30 November 2018. Remuneration will reflect the necessary qualifications, experience and skills as described and be in accordance with OSCE established rates. Remuneration for services will be payable in 3 instalments, following approval of main deliverables within the consultancy and upon acceptance of all deliverables as reaching the required standard of quality by OSCE/ODIHR Democratization senior management in the manner described in the Terms of Reference. Travel expenses will be covered by ODIHR according to OSCE travel policy. Location: Expert’s home office.

How To Apply:

		As part of the application process, interested candidates are required to submit the following documents: 1. an updated CV, 2. a motivation letter, 3. a proposal of suggested methodology to undertake the research task, by email to recruit@odihr.pl, stating the vacancy notice number in the subject. Applications without the methodology proposal will not be considered. 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. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, cancel the recruitment, offer a consultancy at a different level or with modified terms of reference or for a different duration.