IDLO IN SOMALIA

IDLO has extensive experience and a good track record of implementing successful rule of law programmes in Somalia. Since 2012, IDLO has been working with government authorities at both the federal and state levels as well as key justice institutions and the informal justice system to enable them to fulfill their core functions, improve governance and strengthen access to justice for citizens, particularly for the most vulnerable. IDLO’s activities in the country aim to promote the rule of law in Somalia across several areas, including governance, institution building, policy and legal reform, access to justice, and human rights. In its programmatic work, IDLO has developed a strong partnership with a broad range of Government stakeholders at the Federal level, including the Office of the Presidency, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the Chief Justice, the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice (among other ministries), the Somali Bar Association, the Financial Reporting Center, as well as the Federal Member States (Puntland, Jubaland, Southwest, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle).

THE PROGRAMME

IDLO, with funds from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is implementing a 2-year programme called the “Somalia Justice Support Programme.” The SOMJUST responds to the national priorities, as outlined in the 2020-2024 National Development Plan, and aims to contribute to enabling criminal justice institutions to deliver efficient, equitable, and accessible justice services to Somali citizens (Goal).

THE ASSIGNMENT

The consultancy falls within the framework of IDLO’s engagement to enable Somalia’s criminal justice institutions to deliver effective, efficient, accessible, and accountable justice services to Somali citizens (Goal). The National Case Management Consultant will work in collaboration with the SOMJUST programme team, the AGO, and other stakeholders.

The incumbent will report to the Technical Legal Advisor and work closely with the International Case Management Consultant. The position will be provided over 6 months from 10 March 2023 to 10 September 2023.

Summary of Functions

1. Provide technical support for the development of an integrated criminal justice Case Management System (CMS) for Somalia’s criminal justice chain institutions.

Key Results Expected

Working very closely with an international consultant, undertake an assessment of existing case management systems used by Somalia’s criminal justice chain institutions and advise on the design of a new system in consultation with all relevant counterparts.

1. The main responsibilities of the National Case Management Consultant will be to:

• Conduct an on-site assessment of the case management systems that are being used by the Attorney General’s Office, the courts as well as the CID. After a thorough assessment, the consultant will then work closely with the International Case Management Consultant to produce an assessment report.

2. The aim of this assessment report is to:

• Assess the existing case management system used by the police, Attorney General Office, and Courts including historical information on their development, functionalities, coverage, users, staffing, hardware, cost, security protections, accessibility, maintenance, online/offline capabilities, and other relevant information.
• Find out the current gaps, challenges and issues in the present case management systems and recommend ways of building upon them.
• The assessment report must include:
  1. A more detailed overview of the context of the case management systems used by the criminal justice chain institutions in Somalia;
  2. Elements such as the terminology, rationale and context, scope, analytical framework, research ethics, challenges, and limitations;
  3. Research methods, sampling, and all necessary tools for data collection, data storage, and data analysis (to the extent necessary);
  4. A description of roles and responsibilities, including those of police, judges, court clerks, prosecutors, etc.
  5. An overview of best practices and international standards in case management;
  6. Identifies critical issues, gaps, lessons, and good models from past and current efforts;
  7. Provides quantitative and qualitative evidence, including case studies, at the national level, state level, and local level;
  8. Recommends practical steps to be taken at a county and regional level for progress; and
  9. Provides concrete recommendations.
  10. The final analytical report shall be of publishable quality and shall include: (1) Table of Contents; (2) List of Acronyms; (3) List of Tables / Figures / Photos; (4) Executive Summary; (5) Introduction; (6) Context (7) Methodology (8) Findings (9) Recommendations (6) Bibliography; (7) Acknowledgments; and (8) Annexes. Footnotes Length: (excluding annexes) shall be between 20 – 40 pages. Format: Submitted in A4 (Letter) size, Microsoft Word, Arial, 11-point font, 1.5-line space, normal margins, English. Submitted using an IDLO template.

3. The National Case Management Consultant will be required to attend an assessment workshop, which will bring together justice actors to discuss the issues and challenges with the current case management system. The consultant will participate in the workshop and co-present the findings of the assessment at the workshop together with the international consultant. In addition to the workshop, the consultant will be required to attend consultation meetings with relevant national and international stakeholders together with the international consultant.

4. Based on the initial assessment and the outcome of the workshop, the National Case Management Consultant will work with the International Case Management Consultant to prepare an outline of how the Integrated Criminal Justice Case Management System should be designed and developed. The outline must keep in mind how a new case management system can (1) safeguard the integrity of court case records and documents, (2) facilitate up-to-date tracking and the gathering of information and events related to the status and progress of individual cases, (3) detect delays and reduce the backlog of case by holding judges and prosecutors responsible, and (4) increase the transparency of judicial processes.

5. Summary:

1. Product Deliverable: Assessment Report (June 2023)
2. Product Deliverable: Outline for a new ICMS (August 2023)

Job Requirements

Education

• University degree in computer sciences, information management systems or a related field.

Work Experience

• Seven (or more) years of work experience in the development of IT systems for public and private entities;
• Experience developing case management systems is critical;
• Experience working with criminal justice institutions on case management-related matters is a plus;
• Work experience in Somalia is highly desirable.

Skills

• Advanced IT skills in developing new software, including coding language, database knowledge, data structures and algorithms, source control management, testing procedures, debugging knowledge, operating systems, text editing software, cryptography, software frameworks, cloud platforms, and spreadsheet software.
• Advanced English is a necessity (proficient – level C)
• Excellent drafting skills (in English).
• Proficient in the usage of computers and office software packages (Ms. Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proficient in the usage of case management systems.
• Ability to work effectively across and within organizational boundaries.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Proven ability to stick to deadlines and deliver results.

Terms & Conditions

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

Applications will be screened on regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making 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 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.

Application closing date: 1 March 2023.