Background:
ODIHR is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and rule of law.
In March 2020 ODIHR launched the project “Strengthening national justice systems to protect persons deprived of liberty in the OSCE region” in order to support OSCE participating States (pSs) in protecting persons deprived of liberty within the criminal justice system, based on a gender sensitive and human rights compliant approach.
Through capacity building, awareness raising, policy advice, exchange of good practices, facilitation of dialogue and the development of guidance and tools undertaken through the project ODIHR equips OSCE pSs security sector actors, particularly law enforcement and penitentiary staff as well as oversight bodies such as National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and civil society monitors with the knowledge, skills and awareness for the effective protection of persons deprived of liberty. This comprehensive project supports strategies and measures to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (other ill-treatment), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and human rights violations in countering violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism (VERLT) in places of deprivation of liberty. The project's geographic scope is OSCE-wide prioritizing pSs where there is political momentum, commitment for change and a history of cooperation and engagement with ODIHR, OSCE field operation and/or OSCE partner projects/activities.
Based in human dimension commitments, this project of ODIHR is structured around the three mutually reinforcing components and corresponding mid-term outcomes:
Component 1: Preventing torture and other ill-treatment to protect persons deprived of liberty in the criminal justice system
Mid-term Outcome 1 – Relevant criminal justice actors, monitoring bodies and civil society actors are more effective in preventing torture and other ill-treatment to protect persons deprived of liberty in the criminal justice system.
Component 2: Protecting human rights while preventing and countering VERLT in detention to protect persons deprived of liberty in the criminal justice system
Component 3: Preventing and addressing SGBV to protect persons deprived of liberty in the criminal justice system
Mid-term Outcome 3 – Criminal justice institutions and oversight mechanisms are better prepared to prevent and address SGBV in places of deprivation of liberty
Objective of Assignment:
ODIHR is seeking an experienced consultant (hereafter ‘evaluator’) to undertake an objective and independent final evaluation of the “Strengthening national justice systems to protect persons deprived of liberty in the OSCE region” project. The evaluation will take place between September 1 and 1 December 2023.
The aim of the final evaluation is to:
The evaluation will also consider how the project design, implementation and delivery took into account the different needs of women and men and how it impacted them. It will provide recommendations on how to further improve gender mainstreaming in future ODIHR activities.
The final evaluation will include all relevant activities undertaken between March 2020 and October 2023.
Methodology:
The final evaluation will, albeit focused on a subset of criteria as indicated above, be based on the six Development Assistance Criteria (DAC) as laid out in the DAC Principles for evaluation of Development Assistance (relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability, and coherence) , and one adapted evaluation criteria of added value. The final evaluation will include special consideration of the political objectives of the OSCE, the intergovernmental nature of the Organization and the political and administrative context in which ODIHR operates.
A detailed final evaluation design will be developed by the evaluator and should make use of a mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection tools: desk review, surveys, questionnaires and interviews, as well as review of other documentation such as financial information.
Deliverables:
The evaluator should submit the following three deliverables:
Detailed evaluation plan: Following the introductory phase, the evaluator will draft specific evaluation questions, which will be agreed with the ODIHR’s Head of Human Rights Department and Project Co-ordination Unit (PCU). The plan should also include a proposed timeframe and work plan for the conduct of the final evaluation. Presentation of the emerging finding from the field and data collection phase. Final Evaluation Report and annexes with the following:- Executive summary that provides a clear, concise presentation of the evaluation’s main conclusions, key recommendations and salient issues identified;
- Description of the methodology used;
- Responses to the final evaluation questions (observations, findings, conclusions and recommendations);
- Analysis of lessons learned and good practices, including specific recommendations to ODIHR.
The Head of Human Rights Department and PCU will review the quality of the deliverables submitted and request any improvements necessary to reach the professional standards required.
Necessary Qualifications:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, human rights, or other relevant disciplines. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree; Extensive experience (minimum 10 years) of designing and implementing/ conducting evaluations of projects implemented at the international level, preferably projects related to human rights; Knowledge of the thematic area of criminal justice systems as related to persons deprived of liberty is desirable; Comprehensive understanding of gender mainstreaming in projects and experience in applying gender mainstreaming in evaluation methodology; Professional knowledge of English; Ability and professional experience of inter-cultural environments and professional conduct with significant political tact; Experience with the OSCE would be an advantage
Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.
Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information
Issued by: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Requisition ID: ODI000064 Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant Grade: No grade Job Type: Consultant Number of posts: 1 Location: ODI - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw Issue Date: Jun 30, 2023 Closing Date: Jul 23, 2023 Job Field: Human Rights