Policy Development Expert for the National Policy on Criminal Justice (Consultancy)

ABOUT IDLO

International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law. IDLO works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity. Currently, IDLO is providing technical support to the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice, the Kenya Law Reform Commission, the Judiciary, the Ministry of Devolution and Planning (MoDP), the Council of Governors, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the National Gender and Equality Commission(NGEC), the State Department of Gender and the Ministry of Mining in implementing the Constitution of Kenya 2010 by way of strategic policy development, critical legislative review, expert technical advice, institutional strengthening and capacity building. 

SCOPE OF THE WORK

The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) is a multi-sectoral high level policy making, implementation and oversight coordinating mechanism established under section 34 of the Judicial Service Act (No 1 of 2011), and charged with the overall mandate of ensuring a coordinated, effective, efficient and consultative approach in the administration of justice and reform of the justice system. The National Committee on Criminal Justice Reforms (NCCJR) is as a multi-agency initiative established as one of the thematic subcommittee under NCAJ. Its objective is to spearhead comprehensive review and reform of Kenya's entire criminal justice system and oversee the full implementation of the findings and - recommendations of the “Audit Report on Criminal Justice System in Kenya”, with a focus on investigation, policing, prosecution, probation, incarceration and re-entry.

Against this background, the National Committee on Criminal Justice Reforms (NCCJR) under the NCAJ and in partnership with IDLO seek consultancy services of a Policy Development Expert to develop a National Policy on Criminal Justice that provides a basis for reforms in laws, structures and practices on criminal justice in Kenya.

The Policy Development Expert’s duties and responsibilities will include:

• Conduct Stakeholder Mapping using the Audit Report on Criminal justice in Kenya and the NCCJR’s recommendations as a reference tool, to identify the policy needs.
• Conduct preliminary desk research, comparative analysis of the approaches to criminal justice from other jurisdictions and engagement with experts in the sector, Judiciary, and other stakeholders, to inform the policy design.
• Develop the draft National Criminal Justice Policy and subsequently a National Action Plan for the implementation of the policy.
• Undertake necessary stakeholder engagements for public participation in accordance with Article 10(1) of the Constitution of Kenya to consolidate views on the proposed draft policy.
• Review the draft policy in consideration of the feedback from stakeholders’ engagements and conduct robust validation with stakeholders.
• Upon approval of the final product, submit physical and electronic copies of all the finalised works to the NCCJR/ IDLO detailing clear recommendations for action, including necessary legal and policy reforms and strategic roadmap for interventions.
• Perform such other duty as may be assigned in line with the project via IDLO, the Chief Registrar Evaluate existent legal framework including internal rules governing various criminal justice processes including arrest, investigations, prosecution, sentencing and post sentencing practices, identifying areas of convergence, gaps and inconsistencies.

DELIVERABLES

The Consultant shall:

• Within three (3) days of commencement of the consultancy, submit an Inception Report detailing the understanding of the terms of reference and a proposed methodology, plan of action, with a work plan indicating clear milestones and timelines. To be delivered within 10 days of contract start.
• Within seven (7) days of the receipt and approval of the inception report, hold initial meetings with the relevant thematic subcommittees to discuss and agree on the scope of the assignment.
• Within sixty (60) days of receipt of the drafting instructions, submit to the Committee the initial draft National Criminal Justice Policy. 
• Within five (5) days of submission and approval of the final product, provide electronic copies of all the documentation that informed the development of the policy, as part of the handover.
• Within five (5) days of the approval of the final product, submit Brief final technical report to IDLO documenting all the support provided within the contracted period ( the implementation of the TORs:, key results realized, perceived impact of project, challenges faced and recommendations to IDLO and the Judiciary, other actors.

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Within ninety (90) calendar days from date of engagement subject to any validation meetings past this date.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

• A Bachelor of Laws Degree (or other relevant qualification in the social sciences) and post-graduate qualifications at a minimum. Second degree should be in a relevant field. 
• Minimum of 7-10 years’ professional experience in legal research, analysis and writing, especially relating to policy, legal and institutional reforms.
• Demonstrated experience in legal research, analysis and writing, including sound knowledge and experience working with the Kenyan criminal justice system.

Work experience

• An advocate of the High Court with at least seven (7) years post-admission experience.
• A minimum of 3-5 years’ professional experience in legal research, analysis and writing related to policy, legal and institutional reforms.
• Demonstrated understanding of the social, political and economic context in Kenya and/or the region/comparative jurisdictions.

Technical competencies

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong work ethic characterised by a positive attitude, ability to multi-task under pressure and deliver within stipulated timelines;
• Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution including integrity, impartiality, confidentiality and work ethic;
• Ability to work independently and flexibly with minimal supervision and within a team to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and deliver on targets as assigned;
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a high degree of personal and professional organization.
• Professionalism in the process of engaging internally with the committee and externally with stakeholders, duty bearers and rights holders professionally;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and other computer applications;
• High levels of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Fluent oral and writing skills in English is required.

DISCLAIMER 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the staff member assigned to this work. This is not 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 recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.