BACKGROUND & THE POSITION
Criminal Justice, including capacity development of the judiciary, prosecutors, law enforcement and defenders as well technical assistance to support legislative and penal policy reforms, is a growing area of IDLO’s work. The Organization is seeking to further enhance its programs and profile in the field of criminal justice as part of its commitment to promote rule of law and access to justice as articulated in the Strategic Plan (2021-2024). IDLO is expanding its in-house capacity and expertise on criminal justice so that it is better able to support state institutions and civil society actors – at national level - to develop policies and guidelines and strengthen their capacity and accountability in prosecution, adjudication and sustainable post-trial responses, and realization of basic rights of victims, reintegration and rehabilitation of prisoners, incorporation of gender in the criminal justice system and prevention of recidivism.
The Criminal Justice Advisor position is placed in IDLO’s Program Development and Strategic Initiatives Department working closely in an integrated manner with other Departments. Working in a shared resources environment, the Criminal Justice Advisor provides technical expertise, policy and programming advice to teams in the Department of Programs and Country Offices. S/He supports the identification of good practices and assists initiatives and projects on criminal justice across the organization, including in the field. S/He also contributes to thought leadership and policy advocacy activities, led by the Department of Research & Learning.
Under the general supervision and coordination of the Director, Program Development and Strategic Initiatives, and in coordination with the Director of Programs and the Director of Research and Learning, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
In line with the organization’s Strategic Plan, identify key trends in criminal justice, develop an organizational mapping in the thematic field of expertise, find distinct areas where IDLO can intervene as a leader, innovator, and pioneer in the development and delivery of related programming as well as in thought leadership, knowledge generation, and policy activities;
Contribute to the development of new programs or expansion of existing ones; incorporating innovative approaches into program design when appropriate; integrating substantive and technical inputs into the preparation of proposals, concept notes, reports, etc.;
Review and advise on project proposals to ensure consistency with IDLO’s Strategic Plan as well as compatibility with regional, sub-regional, and national contexts;
Develop guidance and policy notes in support of IDLO’s programmatic, research and policy work;
Provide support and assistance to program implementation activities, including quality assurance, topical support to field activities, regular field visits, and by analyzing program reports and related documentation;
Develop and leverage networks and partnerships with relevant governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs and civil society organizations, universities, think-tanks, and others in the area of criminal justice reform for the purposes of strengthening IDLO’s knowledge, visibility and international engagement as well as expanding its reach, capabilities, and capacity to develop and deliver high-quality programming;
Contribute to thought leadership and policy dialogue in the field of rule of law with a particular focus on criminal justice by supporting research, publications, active engagement with networks and partners, and participation in conferences and other meetings;
Provide input into institutional and project communications media in the area of expertise, including websites, social platforms, marketing materials, etc.; prepare analytical reports, briefing notes, background papers, talking points, etc. as may be required;
Ideal Candidate Profile
Education and Professional Experience
Post-graduate degree in Law, specialization in Criminal Law or Criminology would be an asset.
Excellent knowledge of international development, especially in rule of law and criminal justice is a requirement.
Minimum of 10 (ten) years of progressively responsible experience at the international level in developing and managing programs related to access to justice and criminal justice.
Significant practical experience in developing countries, field experience in national criminal justice and development is essential.
In depth knowledge of criminal law, with a good understanding of civil or common law systems across the criminal justice chain at national level.
Good understanding of rights based approaches to crime prevention, reintegration of offenders and juvenile justice.
Experience in development of legal empowerment and legal aid initiatives including legal aid delivery mechanisms, and working with bar associations, paralegals, public awareness initiatives, pre-trial detention systems, and clinical legal education system. The candidate is expected to bring a consolidated network of partners and stakeholders in the area of expertise.
Languages
Excellent professional oral and writing skills in English is required. Professional knowledge of Spanish and/or French is desirable.
Specific technical and behavioral competencies
Track record of publications in the area of expertise.
Demonstrated ability in designing and implementing strategies and projects in the area of expertise.
Excellent analytical, critical reasoning and problem solving skills.
Proficient in utilizing standard industry technology, including Microsoft Office and related software.
Demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently, as well as in a team environment.
Proven ability to develop and foster working relationships across a globally based organization; Strong interpersonal skills and able to deal with people of different cultural backgrounds.
Ability to take initiative, share and communicate ideas.
Openness to change and ability to work under pressure.
Good team player, positive attitude, flexible mind, comfortable in multi-cultural and matrix management settings.
Self-motivated, hands-on and solution oriented professional; able to function effectively in a rapidly changing and dynamic work environment.
Ability and willingness to travel to the field, including hostile environment countries.
Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The annual salary level for this affiliate professional staff, internationally recruited, position is in
the range of € 75,000.- as per IDLO’s salary scale and according to qualifications and experience, plus other admissible allowances such as education, housing, relocation and home leave.
The compensation is net of tax. IDLO offers competitive remuneration and benefit package: subsidized health insurance coverage including life insurance, medical and dental through Cigna to the staff member and all eligible dependents. Eligible staff member are also entitled to IDLO Provident Fund where IDLO contributes 14% of the staff members base salary.
IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.
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.
About IDLO
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity. We contribute to creating stable and inclusive societies where every person can live free from fear and want, in dignity and under the rule of law.
To learn more about IDLO, please visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter@IDLO.
