International Consultant to support a 5 day training of trainers on the Nelson Mandela Rules (SSAs)

Background:

In May 2016, the ODIHR Anti-Torture Programme started its work dedicated to the implementation of the Nelson Mandela Rules in the OSCE region, in cooperation with Penal Reform International (PRI). The aim of this work is to improve the treatment of people in prison by promoting good prison administration and human rights standards, which have been updated in 2015 and adopted unanimously at the UN as the Nelson Mandela Rules. Efforts must be made at international, regional and national levels to make the new provisions known and ensure that they are integrated and incorporated into national legislation and regulations and that criminal justice authorities and administrations are fully trained in their practical application.

States bear a heightened obligation towards prisoners because when the state deprives someone of their liberty, it assumes a duty of care. They are obliged to ensure that prisoners are treated humanely, that torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment are prevented, and that access to justice is ensured. This requires concrete and up-to-date guidance on disciplinary measures and sanctions, the use of solitary confinement, restraints and the practice of (body) searches. It also requires efficient complaints and monitoring systems, alongside access to legal representation – all areas subject to the revision of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. The revised text, known as the “Nelson Mandela Rules”, provides greater protection for persons deprived of liberty, in particular from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as more up-to-date guidance to penitentiary staff, prison administrations, monitoring bodies and relevant policy-makers. However, like any international standard, provisions are formulated in general terms and hence further guidance is required on how they are to be understood and taught to prison staff. ODIHR therefore aims to provide guidance and assistance on the implementation of the new Rules, which have a direct bearing on the protection of prisoners from torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.

After publishing a Guidance Document on the Nelson Mandela Rules in 2018, ODIHR and PRI have developed a training curriculum for prison staff on the “Introduction to the Nelson Mandela Rules”, in partnership with the Swedish Prison and Probation Service (SPPS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The curriculum is based on the seven chapters of the ODIHR/PRI Guidance Document on the Nelson Mandela Rules (encompassing all the Nelson Mandela Rules), namely: prison management; safety, security and dignity for all; incident prevention and response; restrictions, discipline and sanctions; contact with the outside world; health-care, and external monitoring. In April 2022, the training curriculum was piloted in Gothenburg, Sweden, and subsequently finalized with prison officers from Sweden, Italy, Romania, and Germany. Upon request by the Italian Ministry of Justice, ODIHR also facilitated a training for Italian prison staff in October 2022 in Castiglione delle Stiviere.

ODIHR seeks to contract a senior consultant to prepare and co-facilitate a training of trainers (ToT) on the Nelson Mandela Rules bringing together up to 20 individuals. Participants to the ToT will subsequently be in a position to train prison staff from various countries in the Western Balkans on the Nelson Mandela Rules and their practical implementation. The training, which will take place in Belgrade from 17 to 21 July 2023, will be based on the ODIHR/PRI training curriculum on the “Introduction to the Nelson Mandela Rules”. The training will cover all the chapters of the training curriculum and include discussions and scenarios based on situations relevant to the Western Balkans region.

Objective of Assignment:

The objective of this consultancy is to complement the core team of facilitators by providing expertise from the Western Balkans in delivering a 5-day training of trainers on the Nelson Mandela Rules (UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners).

The consultant will deliver some of the training sessions in one of the following: Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian and assist in particular with the preparation and facilitation of discussions linked to situations relevant to the Western Balkans region.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the ODIHR Adviser on Torture Prevention, the consultant will perform the following tasks:

Necessary Qualifications:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights and prison administration. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;

A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in the field of human rights and criminal justice, ideally with a focus on prison-related issues, and in the development and delivery of human rights education materials in line with adult learning principles;

Solid knowledge of the human rights framework applicable to penitentiary systems and persons deprived of liberty, and of the Nelson Mandela Rules in particular;

Knowledge of one or several penitentiary systems in the Western Balkans and related legal framework, and awareness of political sensitivities;

Gender awareness and sensitivity and ability to integrate gender into activities;

Computer literacy;

Excellent written and communication skills in English and in one or more of the following: Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian;

Flexibility, ability to work under minimal supervision and deliver against tight deadlines.

Duration of Assignment:

The Expert shall work for 10 working days in the period from 19 June to 21 July 2023.

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