TERMS OF REFERENCE

ANALYSIS OF THE PROGRESSION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP) CASES THROUGH THE JUSTICE CHAIN IN LIBERIA

Job Title: Consultant

Location: Home Based and Monrovia, Liberia

Job Level: Short Term Consultancy

ABOUT IDLO

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development. IDLO works to enable governments and empower people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development, and economic opportunity. To learn more about IDLO, visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter @IDLO.

BACKGROUND

IDLO is implementing the third phase of the Fighting Trafficking in Persons (TIP III) project in Liberia. The project aims to promote sustainability in the capacity building and coordination efforts previously supported and enhance the ability of the Government of Liberia (GOL) to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate TIP cases. Under this phase of the project, a TIP-victim centered approach is being applied in all interventions.

IDLO has supported the Government of Liberia in developing key TIP knowledge projects including the TIP Bench Book for Judges, TIP Handbook for Prosecutors, TIP Case Management Protocol for Law Enforcement Officers, and the TIP Handbook for Law Enforcement Officers with a view to building their capacities in this regard. These materials were developed in line with Liberia’s Panel Law and the 2005 and 2012 TIP laws. In 2021, the Government of Liberia passed the Revised Ban on TIP

(2021) Law. All these efforts were tailored towards improving the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of TIP cases.

Despite these efforts, by the end of 2022, only three (3) out of 11 investigated TIP cases, were prosecuted, with two (2) convicted. Concerns remain about the high number of domestic trafficking cases that go unreported, the handling of investigations, and the low number of prosecutions and convictions. While there is high level commitment in this regard, case progression along the criminal justice chain remains lengthy, complex, and challenging to understand.

THE ASSIGNMENT

In light of the above, IDLO seeks the services of a consultant to conduct an analysis of the TIP justice chain to understand the current TIP case progression in Liberia – investigation, prosecution, adjudication – and the issues around the same. The analysis should be informed by a desk review of available information (including the current figures on TIP cases investigated, prosecuted, and adjudicated), observations and experiences of law enforcement and justice actors, and the outcome of focused discussions with individuals and groups involved in the justice chain. The analysis is expected to identify specific behavior changes required in each of the relevant law enforcement and justice institutions in order to effectively combat TIP and ensure that TIP cases progress along the justice chain. It will also provide IDLO, partners, and beneficiaries about any required changes in the technical support currently being provided to the various actors through the project.

The assignment will result in the production of a final report which will be used to elevate technical and political discussions to ensure that the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of TIP cases progresses in line with the reality of the crime in Liberia, and the high-level political will to address the TIP in Liberia.

DUTY STATION

The location of the assignment is defined as “home based” and will require a mission to Monrovia, Liberia.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the IDLO Country Manager and in close collaboration with the Field Program Coordinator and Legal Specialist, the Consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Liaise with various actors to gain insights as to why more TIP cases are not referred to law enforcement despite the high incidences;
• Liaise with relevant actors to understand the process law enforcement agencies follow in investigating and determining whether or not reported cases constitute elements of human trafficking and actions taken thereafter;
• Liaise with relevant actors to understand how cases progress through prosecution and the approaches that are applied in the determination of cases that are dropped or forwarded for prosecution;
• Analyze the extent to which judges are applying the law when adjudicating TIP cases;
• Undertake an assessment of the frequency of TIP case adjudication during court terms;
• Understand the underlying challenges that cause lengthy processes from investigation to conviction and sentencing of TIP cases.

DELIVERABLES

The consultant is responsible for the following deliverables:

• An initial assignment report which demonstrates an understanding of the assignment and includes a proposed methodology and workplan for the assignment;
• Desk review of available information regarding case progression along the justice chain in Liberia;
• Facilitate consultations with key stakeholders in government and the development sector to understand challenges and issues affecting timely investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of TIP cases;
• Completion of draft assessment report for consultation;

• Validation workshop with stakeholders to gather inputs, feedback, and comments to inform finalization of the Annual TIP Report;
• Final Annual TIP Report for the period 2022 – 2023;
• Assignment completion report which includes recommendations for IDLO and the key stakeholders for future reporting by the NATT and various government actors.

IDEAL PROFILE OF CANDIDATE

Education and Experience

• Advanced degree in law, social sciences/social development, education, public policy, international development;
• Expertise and experience in justice sector reform, (including justice sector assessments and analyses), rule of law and human rights programming, with knowledge and experience in trafficking-in-persons and SGBV;
• Experience working in the justice or law enforcement sector in post-conflict contexts, preferably in West Africa; previous experience in Liberia is an added advantage.
• Experience developing capacity development tools and resources for justice and law enforcement institutions;
• Demonstratable experience in conducting capacity building training and workshops;
• Demonstratable experience in delivering similar assignments for development programs

Specific technical skills, competencies, and knowledge

• Sound organizational and planning skills.
• Solid understanding and knowledge institutional development, justice, and security sector reform.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication with ability to work constructively with a range of stakeholders;
• Excellent writing and analytical skills; strong technical report writing skills • Strong knowledge and use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint • Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate

Languages

• Strong professional oral and written English skills are required.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested persons are requested to apply by submitting a cover letter (detailing how their experience and expertise matches the requirement for this position) and ace match and curriculum vitae (CV) to applicationsliberia@idlo.int by 123:59hrs Liberia time on 12 May 2023.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

IDLO shall offer a Single Engagement Agreement contract for 20 days between 1 June – 30 September 2023.

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.