Organizational Background

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments, empowers people, and strengthens institutions to realize justice and promote peace and sustainable development. IDLO is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law and access to justice.

With its headquarters in Rome, Italy, a Branch Office in The Hague, and Permanent Observer Missions to the United Nations 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 18 Country Offices operating in every region of the world.

The IDLO, in collaboration with other consortium members, is promoting a reformed and modernized Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system through the establishment and operationalization of a new ADR Centre in Somaliland under the Program ‘Strengthening the social contracts through access to justice” funded by the Government of the Netherlands (Also known as Damal Programme). The programme aims to foster the social contract in Somaliland by increasing the legitimacy of justice institutions.

The overall goal of the programme is expected to be achieved through three (3) intermediate outcomes: (1) improved access to an Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) mechanism and referral pathways, especially for vulnerable groups; (2) enhanced access to formal justice for vulnerable groups through holistic support to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and affected communities; and (3) increased participation of citizens in Somaliland in accountability processes relating to the provision of security and justice. The specific mandate of each Centre is to facilitate the practice of ADR and settle claims and disputes at the community level, facilitating and increasing access to justice for the local population, particularly vulnerable categories.

The Position

IDLO seeks a short-term Legal Advisor to support the Damal programme through the provision of ADR policy review. Through wide stakeholder consultations, the objectives of the consultancy are to:

1. Review an ADR Policy for the Somaliland Ministry of Justice that promotes sustainable ADR operations and use in Somaliland.
2. Review and ensure that mandate issues are addressed in the ADR Policy
3. Recommend legislative actions to support the implementation of the ADR Policy

Period of Consultancy:

The consultant will be based in Hargeisa and is expected to work in 40 days.

Scope of financial Proposal and Schedule of Payments

• The consultant will be offered a lump sum fee inclusive of travel costs, accommodation and subsistence allowance during work assignments (where applicable)

Functions / Key Results Expected:

Under the overall supervision of the IDLO programme Manager, and through comprehensive consultations with all relevant sectors and stakeholders, the Consultant is expected to undertake the following: –

• Review policies, legislation, and institutional arrangements relating to ADR issues (stock-taking) –
• Develop an Action Plan and Steps for an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Policy Development
• Collaborate closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure alignment and complementarities with the current ADR centers objectives and operations and access to justice legislation
• Assess existing ADR arrangements and their influence and impact on current and future Justice practices;
• Review the reports of the past ADR and related sectors, and their implications on the ADR policy; this should include analysis of the past and present trends of ADR in Somaliland;
• Review the current responsibilities and capacities of the relevant Government departments, non-government and private institutions, and make appropriate recommendations in their role for the implementation of the proposed ADR policy;
• Draft and/or review appropriate regulations to support the implementation of the proposed ADR Policy.

List Deliverables

The legal consultant is expected to perform all the following deliverables:

• Three-page inception report detailing the proposed methodology and agreed work plan submitted within 5 days from the date of signing the Contract.
• An Action Plan and Steps for an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Policy Development
• A draft ADR Policy
• Draft Recommended regulations for the implementation of the ADR Policy
• Report on all consultation workshops carried out. This should describe the consultation process followed and the outcomes.
• Weekly reports providing updates from training (such as the composition of attendees, notable discussions, or reflections), are to be submitted to the PM every Monday morning. Reports will be a minimum of 2 pages and are to be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word format. A sample template will be provided.
• Training deliverable
• Provide training to implemented partners.
• Detailed training plan (including objectives, methodology to be adopted, training modules, and schedule), to be sent in Microsoft Word format via electronic submission to the PM within five days after the signature of the agreement. The training plan should be a minimum of 5 pages.
• PowerPoint presentations, as well as training, approaches for participants (i.e., case studies, group work, brainstorming, discussions, etc.), to be sent via electronic submission to the PM for review and input.
• Pre-/post-test evaluation form to be utilized for each training session as well as completed pre-/post-test evaluation sheets. Completed forms to be sent via electronic submission to the PM.
• Report on assignment including an analysis of consultancy achievements, pre/post evaluation results, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for the future. The report should be at least 20 pages in length and will be submitted electronically within 15 days of completion of activities to the PM in Microsoft Word format.

Competencies

To deliver these above-mentioned objectives and the associated scope of work, IDLO is searching for a candidate with the following skills and experience:

1. Excellent knowledge and understanding of Justice, Policy, and Legal Issues in Eastern regions of Somaliland. IDLO and its partners operate in complex environments and deliver a diverse portfolio of projects. To deliver long-term outcomes (scale-up, replication, sustainability, etc.) and help the program develop a reputation for excellence (responsive, pioneering, professional, etc.) the successful candidate will need to demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding of Justice, Policy, and Legal Issues in Eastern regions of Somaliland.
2. Extensive experience and knowledge in policy/legal reforms. The Damal program will be closely working with the Somaliland government to ensure that the policy framework is conducive to the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, the programme will also support the relevant process of policy building. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate extensive understanding, knowledge, and experience in the development/reform of legal and policy frameworks.

Ideal Candidate profile

Education and work experience

• Strong academic background in law, political science, public policy, or related fields.
• At least seven years experience in the legal field
• Work experience in Somaliland and understanding of Somaliland legal context.
• Demonstrate seven years’ work experience in the legal field, access to justice, legal and policy framework, informal justice system, and ADR or related field.
• Proven experience in drafting training materials, concept notes, reports.

Language Skills

• Fluent oral and writing in English and Somali.

Specific Technical Skills and competencies:

• Excellent writing skills in English and Somali
• Excellent knowledge of the Somali traditional justice system and ability to interact with government officials, justice stakeholders, elders, scholars and sharia leaders.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting training.
• Ability to work under the pressure with tight deadlines and flexibility.
• Highly organized with the ability to work under pressure.

Assessment Criteria:

1. Knowledge and understanding of the development/reform of policy/legal framework and developing roadmaps – 30%
2. Knowledge on the main justice options and issues faced by other vulnerable groups in Somaliland – 30%
3. Knowledge and experience in working with government agencies and the ADR system specifically in the Somaliland context – 20%
4. Knowledge and experience in developing policies and plans for government institutions – 20%

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Applications will be screened on regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

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 Consultant 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 consultancy opportunity to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and in compliance with IDLO’s policy on personal data protection.

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.