Result of Service

The consultant should draw on varied methodologies to discharge this assignment. This includes monitoring, desk research, interviews meetings, focus group discussion and consultations with INCHR; CSOs, the Ministry of Justice (including Bureau of Correction and Rehabilitation, Human Rights Protection Division) and other agencies/bodies, youth-led CSO groups/networks that can support the assignment. Apart from the foregoing agencies, the consultant is expected to work closely with OHCHR in carrying out the assignment.

Work Location

Monrovia, Liberia

Expected duration

11. 01. 24 – 11. 30. 24

Duties and Responsibilities

The national consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Program lead/Deputy Country Representative of OHCHR to conduct a comprehensive enquiry that will include visits and assessments of all the prisons in Liberia to examine first-hand the crisis in the Liberia prison system regarding the issue of prolonged pre-trial detentions (inclusive of youth and juveniles), indefinite imprisonments for inmates that have served their terms but remained in detention for inability to carry out monetary restitution as well as other conditions in prisons. The consultant will develop and implement intervention strategy to address the problem of prolonged pre-trial detention (inclusive of youth and juveniles), indefinite imprisonment in the prison system whereby persons remain in indefinite imprisonment after serving out prison terms for failure to pay civil debts, restitution or other monies arising from the crimes for which they have already served out their prison terms as well as other conditions in prisons. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive monitoring and assessment of Liberian Prison System to identify the causes of prolonged pretrial detention (inclusive of youth and juveniles), indefinite detention for convicted inmates and find solutions to address the prolonged detention challenges and collect the voices of the Liberian youths in prisons as indicated in the project. Collect the voice of Liberian youths in prison in Montserrado and Lofa counties.

Qualifications/special skills

Postgraduate or other advanced university degree (at least Master or equivalent) in Law, International Development, International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Institutional / Organizational Development, Social Sciences or any other relevant discipline. At least 10 years of professional experience in human rights and administration of justice, gender or other closely related issues. A legal person with specialty in cases of public interest. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the Liberia’s legal system. Experience in researching, gender mainstreaming, monitoring and reporting human rights or gender issues. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet-based research). Excellent report writing skills; good oral and written communication skills; ability to work closely with public, non-governmental, international and civil society organizations. Must have strong organizational (interpersonal) and communication skills, make decisions on time; the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; analyze data for decision making. Must have the ability to gain others’ support for ideas, proposals and solutions and get others to take action to advance work objectives; maintain high ethical/ professional standards and integrity.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Information

Inception report with a proposed work plan and methodology reports of prison monitoring and assessment. 20% Draft report detailing findings of the research and assessment of the Liberian Prison system on the indefinite imprisonment of convicts that have served their prison terms. 30% Develop intervention Strategies to effectively address prolonged pre-trial detention and restitution cases to end indefinite imprisonment of convicted inmates that have already served their terms. 20% Final report and debriefing session. 30%

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.