Legal Researcher for the National Committee on Criminal Justice Reforms ( NCCJR) - Consultancy

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 Legal Researcher to carry out research on status, trends, successes and gaps in criminal justice at the county level that informs ongoing criminal justice reforms; support the implementation of research findings by the Committee and realization of the objectives of the Committee.

The Legal Researcher’s duties and responsibilities will include:

1. Identify the research needs of the four thematic subcommittees under NCCJR at the county level, using a consultative approach and applying international best practices on research.  
2. Liaise with relevant criminal justice stakeholders at the county level to gather information for research and documentation.
3. Develop periodic research reports on different thematic areas for consideration in decision making for criminal justice reforms at the county level.
4. Work closely with the Chairperson of the NCCJR, the thematic subcommittees, existing Legal Researcher and the secretariat towards better coordination of research and other programmatic activities of the committee.
5. Provides technical support in the operations of the committee NCAJ including data, records and knowledge/information management and dissemination of research reports to stakeholders.
6. Assist in development of IEC materials on criminal justice reforms for dissemination, informed by the research reports generated.
7. Any other necessary task(s) related to fulfilling the objectives of the NCCJR 

DELIVERABLES

The Consultant shall:

• Within three (3) days of commencement of the engagement, submit a proposed inception report detailing the consultant’s understanding of the Terms of Reference and the strategy towards accomplishing them.
• Hold initial meetings with the four subcommittees under the NCCJR to discuss and agree on the scope of the assignment.
• Monthly reports adhering to IDLO’s reporting template; documenting support provided to the NCCJR; detailing achievements of the research work carried out, the key results realized and the expected deliverables for the subsequent month, to be submitted by 25th of every month.
• Final comprehensive report documenting all support provided to the NCCJR within the contractual period in furtherance of the ToRs, capturing key results realized, pending work, challenges faced and recommendations to the NCCJR and IDLO.

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The assignment will be undertaken for 6 months on a full time basis, from 1 June, 2019 to 30 November, 2019, with a possibility of renewal based on availability of funding and performance review. Kindly note that this assignment is output based, and at times the flexibility of scheduling, availability, etc. might be required to ensure completion of work during time frame.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Law and admitted to the Roll of Advocates. A Master’s degree in Law or related field will be an added advantage.
• A Certificate of at least three (3) weeks training in Research and documentation will be an added advantage.

Work experience

• An advocate of the High Court with at least five (5) 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 of the social, political and economic context in Kenya including sound knowledge of the Kenyan criminal justice system.

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. 
• 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.