National Consultant on international standards of the right to a fair trial and trial monitoring by the Ombudsperson’s Institute of the Kyrgyz Republic

Result of Service• Research report with analysis of best practices and lessons learnt on online trials and video broadcasting of trial proceedings and recommendations. • Training agenda and distribution materials (slides with presentations, background reading materials on trial monitoring and international human rights standards, additional trial monitoring questions, case studies for interactive exercises, pre- and post-training online quiz for participants, etc.), including summary of after-training questionnaire results and a short training report. • Copy of the suggestions for the updated trial monitoring methodology of the OI (including a part on interviewing trial participants; on monitoring sessions on measures of restraint/bail hearings; a part on formulation of recommendations based on trial monitoring; guidance on monitoring emblematic cases, in particular those that have been flagged by UN human rights mechanisms as of particular concern; a part on monitoring trials closed to the public). Slides for the induction training of the OI’s staff on fair trial standards and trial monitoring skills. • Copies of provided expert inputs into the OI’s trial monitoring plan, an advocacy plan, and interventions of the OI. • Written copies of oral interventions delivered at least at three public events/discussions. • Final consolidated report on the tasks performed. Work LocationBishkek, Kyrgyzstan Expected duration43 w/ days Duties and Responsibilities1. Legal research. Objectives: To conduct research on best practices and lessons learnt of several countries with regard to the use of online participation of criminal trials’ participants and video broadcasting of trial proceedings, with references to international fair trial standards. To identify concerns related to online trials (Article 290 of the Criminal Procedure Code) and video broadcasting of court proceedings (Article 290-1 of the Criminal Procedure Code) and practical challenges and provide recommendations to strengthen the alignment of relevant articles of the Criminal Procedure Code with international human rights standards. Deliverables: • Identification of gaps, violations and positive practices at the national level based on data obtained by the Ombudsperson’s Institute through ongoing research with OSCE support. • Preparation of input into an analytical report (up to 25 pages) including:  an overview of applicable international standards and compliance of relevant legal norms of the Kyrgyz Republic with the ICCPR and other international standards on fair trial:  summary of lessons learnt from several countries;  recommendations for judges, lawyers and the Bar Association, the Service of Legal Assistance under the Ministry of Justice, prosecutors, the Ombudsperson’s Institute and civil society. 2. Capacity building of the Ombudsperson’s Institute’s staff on trial monitoring and analysis of compliance of national laws and practices with international fair trial standards. Objectives: Strengthening knowledge of the staff of Ombudsperson’s Institute on international fair trial standards, building capacity of the OI staff on trial monitoring, and finetuning the OI’s trial monitoring methodology and tools. 2.1. Development, preparation of training materials: presentations, training materials, case studies, and delivery of a two-day training course for staff of the Ombudsperson’s Institute to be held in early 2026. The training should include the following topics:  international fair trial standards;  national legal standards on fair trial;  methodology of trial monitoring, including observation of trial proceedings, interviewing of trial participants, and analysis of relevant legal documents on monitored cases;  session on finetuning of trial monitoring methodology and tools of the Ombudsperson’s Institute;  inclusive and consultative process of formulating conclusions and recommendations based on trial monitoring, national legislation and international human rights standards. 2.2. Preparation of substantive revisions and additions to the existing trial monitoring methodology of the Ombudsperson’s Institute, taking into account lessons learnt, applicable international fair trial standards and UN human rights mechanisms’ recommendations addressed to the Kyrgyz Republic – by 1 April 2026. 2.3. Preparation of slides for an induction training on fair trial standards and trial monitoring skills for newly recruited staff of the Ombudsperson’s Institute by 1 April 2026. 3. Mentoring and expert support to the advocacy on compliance of laws and practices with international and national fair trial standards – during the full duration of the contract. Objective: Provision of expert support and mentoring until 1 April 2026 to the Ombudsperson’s Institute’s staff, including on designing advocacy strategies, preparation of interventions of the Ombudsperson with state bodies, designing trial monitoring plans and strategies, formulation of recommendations on laws and practices, and support during drafting of relevant inputs to the 2025 Annual Report of the Ombudsperson to the Parliament and expert interventions at public discussions. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science, international relations, or related field. A first level university degree in combination with a qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the areas of human rights analysis of compliance of national laws and practices with international human rights standards or legal and human rights research Proven experience in human rights monitoring and reporting, trial monitoring and judicial reform; Experience in analyzing monitoring data and preparing analytical materials and recommendations for laws and practices to promote their compliance with international human rights standards Proven knowledge of the legal system of the CIS countries Experience working in Kyrgyzstan on rule of law and fair trial issues, judicial reforms or trial monitoring is desirable LanguagesFluency in oral and written Russian is required; Knowledge of Kyrgyz is an advantage Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.