Vacancy Announcement

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1 Vacancy Announcement Title: Type of Contract: Duty Station: Strategic Planning Consultant Single Engagement Agreement (SEA) Home based with travel to various locations in Myanmar 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 or follow us on IDLO IN MYANMAR IDLO has been working in Myanmar since 2013, to support the country s government justice institutions, lawyers, civil society representatives and communities to strengthen rule of law and access to justice, enhance gender equality and promote peace and development in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16, as part of the ongoing democratic transition in the country. Through nationally-operated Rule of Law Centres (ROLCs), IDLO is promoting increased public legal awareness in Myanmar by providing training on a range of rule of law, human rights and access to justice topics. The ROLCs are contributing to facilitating dialogue between communities and justice service institutions about local justice issues, rights and responsibilities to civil society organizations, lawyers and communities. THE RULE OF LAW CENTRES INITIATIVE The Rule of Law Centres Initiative, launched in 2014 at the request of the Pyithu Hluttaw Rule of Law and Tranquility Committee and now guided by the Coordinating Body on Rule of Law Centre and Justice Sector Affairs, contributes to increased trust and cooperation between justice providers and the communities they serve. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and IDLO, under their global partnership agreement, have established four nationally operated ROLCs in Myanmar to provide communities with the knowledge, skills and values they need to address local justice issues through training, dialogue and access to resources. The four ROLCs are located in Mandalay (Mandalay Region), Yangon (Yangon Region), Myitkyina (Kachin State), and Taunggyi (Shan State). The Initiative is now in its third Phase. Phase I of the ROLCs Initiative was implemented from July 2015 June 2016, while Phase II was implemented from July December 2017, during which an independent evaluation of the ROLCs Initiative commissioned by UNDP in late 2017 concluded that the ROLCs were delivering high quality, impactful programming in line with government and national priorities to strengthen rule of law. It highlighted the importance of ensuring that the ROLCs are equipped to transition into independent legal entities as a key component of ensuring national ownership and sustainability of the program. The evaluation also recommended wider outreach and expansion of the ROLCs Initiative to other states and regions. During Phase III programming, implemented since January 2018, an Options Note for the ROLCs was developed which outlined and assessed the structural options available for the ROLCs to transition 1

2 to independent legal entities with national ownership and leadership. The Note recommended that a process of strategic consultations be held in order to inform the next phase of programming based on the current environment, future needs, prospects and anticipated challenges in the promotion of the rule of law in Myanmar. THE ASSIGNMENT The main objective of this assignment is to provide IDLO with a strategic plan and program design for the next phase of ROLC programming. Key tasks to be completed for this assignment include: Development of 3-5 year strategic plan (including project design options and focus areas) for the next phase of ROLC programming based on ROLCs achievements to date, the operating context (advantages and limitations), and the ROLCs comparative advantage. The strategic plan should: Map the current work being done by organisations and partners in Myanmar on access to justice and rule of law; Highlight the comparative advantage of the ROLCs and their added value in the justice chain; Propose how this comparative advantage should be leveraged to ensure that the ROLCs remain relevant in the next 3-5 years, and aligned with the government s strategic priorities; Outline what changes, if any, are necessary in order to continue to have relevant ROLCs within the broader justice system, and as such revise and rephrase, if needed, the current goals and objectives of the ROLCs. In addition, and more specifically, the strategic plan should include: A review of the current management structure of the ROLC Project and if appropriate, propose revisions to the ROLC management structure for optimal project management implementation, with considerations for a sustainable future; Project design options and focus areas for the ROLC moving forward, including the types of programming (activities) that the ROLCs should design and implement; Recommendations as to other areas that the ROLCS should be involved in as it relates to rule of law and access to justice; Sustainability options either through donor funding, government engagement, and/or other contributions; Recommendations for engagement with other organizations and development partners. The consultant is expected to work closely with IDLO personnel, as needed, in preparation of this strategic plan. TASKS RELATED TO THE ASSIGNMENT Under the direct supervision of the Country Manager and in close collaboration with the Field Program Manager, the consultant will be responsible for the following: Preparation of a work plan and proposed methodology for completion of the assignment including: o Timelines for stakeholder consultations in Yangon (with the country office and other partners), each ROLC location, and Nay Pyi Taw; o Guiding questions and issues to be discussed during stakeholder consultations; and o An outline for the strategic plan. 2

3 A desk review of relevant project documents and reports on ROLC programming to date including assessments and consultations completed regarding future options for the ROLCs, with particular emphasis on the 2018 Options Note and the evaluation report. Mapping of the current work being done by partners and other organisations on rule of law and access to justice. This is to be done through desk review and consultations with relevant partners and stakeholders in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw. IDLO has already started a desk review of this work. Lead 1- day consultations with a range of stakeholders (including ROLC staff, IDLO and UNDP staff, ROLC training graduates, government partners, donors, State/Regional Coordinating Bodies for the Rule of Law Centers and Justice Sector Affairs, and other stakeholders) in each ROLC location to gain insights into the ROLCs achievements to date, their added value in the rule of law/access to justice field, and the potential of the ROLCs to contribute to the justice sector reform agenda in each location. Such consultations will be co-facilitated by ROLC Teams. Identify the ROLC s target beneficiaries, stakeholders and key relationships, including considerations on the relationship between future ROLCs and the Government of Myanmar. Assess and review of the ROLCs current goals, objectives, activities and beneficiaries of the existing program, in light of the findings from the consultations and the document review. Identify the ROLCs key goals and objectives over the coming 3-5 year period, based on desired societal impact applying a theory of change approach; identify how these goals will be achieved through considering strategies, products and services to be offered by the ROLCs over the period. Based on the stakeholder consultations and the ROLC comparative advantage and identified potential, propose program design options for the ROLCs including how they can be positioned to continue to effectively contribute to the justice reform agenda in Myanmar. As appropriate, this can be presented for the ROLC Project as a whole and for each ROLC location. Based on the above, develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the ROLC for the next 3-5 years reflecting the content set out in the above paragraph the assignment. DELIVERABLES The consultant will be expected to complete the following deliverables over of the period 1 February 8 March. with the following indicative due dates (subject to change and approval by the supervisor): Deliverables Indicative Due Date Payment schedule Location Desk review completed; Workplan and outline of strategic plan completed In country consultations with stakeholders, partners and ROLC completed in Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and 4 ROLC centre locations. Findings from stakeholder consultations and initial proposals for strategic plan submitted to IDLO for feedback, to a standard acceptable to IDLO Final strategic plan submitted, to a standard acceptable to IDLO, following IDLO feedback 8 February 22 February 28 February 8 March 20 % Home based 40 % Myanmar, including, Mandalay, Myitkyina, Taunggyi, Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw 20% Home based 20% Home based 3

4 For clarification, the final deliverable is a 3-5 year strategic plan (including project design options and focus areas) for the next phase of ROLC programming based on ROLCs achievements to date, the operating context (advantages and limitations), and the ROLCs comparative advantage. The strategic plan should: Map the current work being done by organisations and partners in Myanmar on access to justice and rule of law; Highlight the comparative advantage of the ROLCs and their added value in the justice chain; Propose how this comparative advantage should be leveraged to ensure that the ROLCs remain relevant in the next 3-5 years, and aligned with the government s strategic priorities; Outline what changes, if any, are necessary in order to continue to have relevant ROLCs within the broader justice system, and as such revise and rephrase, if needed, the current goals and objectives of the ROLCs. In addition, and more specifically, the strategic plan should include: A review of the current management structure of the ROLC Project and if appropriate, propose revisions to the ROLC management structure for optimal project management implementation, with considerations for a sustainable future; Project design options and focus areas for the ROLC moving forward, including the types of programming (activities) that the ROLCs should design and implement; Recommendations as to other areas that the ROLCS should be involved in as it relates to rule of law and access to justice; Sustainability options either through donor funding, government engagement, and/or other contributions; Recommendations for engagement with other organizations and development partners. MANAGEMENT & REPORTING REQUIREMENTS The contractor will be supervised by and report to the IDLO Country Manager, who will oversee completion of the deliverables. S/he will also liaise closely with the IDLO Field Program Manager for the Rule of Law Centers Initiative and with the ROLC teams in each state/region, as well as with UNDP and other development partner representatives as required, with a view to collecting input for preparation of the strategic plan. IDLO will facilitate meetings with stakeholders. IDLO will provide relevant documentation required for the desk review of various documents. IDLO will provide administrative and logistical support as needed including for travel to ROLC field locations. IDLO will cover the costs of airfares for travel between Yangon, Mandalay, Myitkyina, Taunggyi and Nay Pyi Taw. IDLO will facilitate presentation to the Coordinating Body in Nay Pyi Taw, if required. IDLO will review and provide feedback on the progress of deliverables during the period of the assignment. 4

5 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE Education and Work Experience Advanced degree in law, international relations or relevant field from a recognized university is essential. Minimum of ten (10) years of substantial professional experience, in implementation of rule of law and/or related democratic governance programs including in transitional and fragile environments, preferably three years of which are directly related to project management, ideally within an international organization. Prior experience in drafting strategic plans for rule of law and democratic governance programs. Prior work experience in development programming, and organizational development, including related to strengthening national ownership of initiatives in development contexts. Knowledge and understanding of the Myanmar operating context in the area democratic governance and justice sector reform is required. Including an understanding of the state of rule of law, access to justice and respect for human rights. Understanding and appreciation of the Rule of Law Centres Initiative objectives and its linkages with other access to justice initiatives is a distinct advantage. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Languages Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Myanmar language is an asset. Behavioral Competencies Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit; ability to work independently and with minimal supervision. Ability to respond to queries and provide feedback in a timely manner. Familiarity with standard program and data management methodologies, tools, and processes as well as results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles. Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT software and internet software. Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results. Strong sense of ethics, integrity, credibility, respect of diversity, and commitment to IDLO s mandate. Ability and willingness to travel within the country, as required. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The successful candidate will be offered a Single Engagement Agreement contract. HOW TO APPLY All interested applicants are encouraged to apply via our website and submit the completed IDLO Personal History Form (PHF), resume and cover letter. IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications. Candidates are asked to indicate their fees and total costs for this assignment in the cover letter. IDLO will cover the costs of airfares for travel between Yangon, Mandalay, Myitkyina, Taunggyi and Nay Pyi Taw. 5

6 DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Contractor assigned to this work. This may not be 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. Application deadline is 28 January. In the interest of making most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process. 6