Human trafficking remains a serious criminal offense in Ukraine and is prosecuted primarily under Article 149 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (CCU), as well as related offenses involving exploitation, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and crimes against personal liberty.
Judicial consideration of trafficking cases presents significant practical challenges, including complex evidentiary issues, qualification of criminal acts, assessment of victim testimony, application of special procedural measures, and interaction with international legal standards and ECtHR jurisprudence. These challenges are further compounded by the consequences of the armed conflict, internal displacement, cross-border elements, and heightened victim vulnerability.
Strengthening judgesโ practical capacity to adjudicate trafficking-related criminal proceedings in a consistent, lawful, and rights-based manner is essential for ensuring effective justice and compliance with Ukraineโs national and international obligations.ย In the framework of Project โEnhancing protection of vulnerable populations in Ukraine by combatting human trafficking, promoting safe migration and ensuring survivors access to assistanceโ that is aimed to enhance the protection and resilience of vulnerable people in Ukraine by preventing human trafficking as well as promote effective regional responses to trafficking in persons in the context of the war in Ukraineย IOM Ukraine will organize three-day training for representatives ofย National school of judges of Ukraine, that will enhanceย judgesโ practicalย understanding of theย elements and qualification of trafficking-related crimes, as well as support judges in addressing evidentiary, procedural, and right-based challenges commonly arising in trafficking proceedings.
The purpose of this assignment is to design and deliver a specialized training for judges of Ukraine on the practical aspects of judicial consideration of criminal proceedings related to human trafficking, with a focus on applying Ukrainian substantive and procedural law in court practice.ย
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:ย Protection Unit;
Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment
Develop a training curriculum tailored specifically for judges, reflectingย ย
The Criminal Code of Ukraine
The Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine (CPC)
Relevant Supreme Court of Ukraine practice and ECtHR jurisprudence
Prepare training materials focused on real judicial practice, including:
Annotated case studies;
Judicial checklists and bench guides;
Procedural flowcharts for trafficking cases;
The training shall cover, at minimum:
Elements of the crime under Article 149 CCU (Act, means, and purpose of exploitation; consent and its legal irrelevance)
Distinguishing trafficking from related crimes (Articles 146, 173, 301, 302 CCU, etc.)
Qualification of attempted trafficking and participation (complicity, organized groups)
- Qualification in cases involving multiple victims or cross-border elements
Preventing secondary victimization during court hearings
Judicial management of adversarial proceedings in trafficking cases
Special procedural measures, including:
Closed hearings
Remote or video testimony
Examination of child victims and vulnerable witnesses
Measures to ensure safety of victims and witnesses
Standards of proof in trafficking cases
Addressing inconsistencies in testimony
Avoiding stereotypical reasoning and unlawful assumptions
Case law and international standards
Contextual challenges (impact of war, displacement and migration on trafficking cases).
Prepare training materials, including presentations, case studies, role plays, and practical tools.
To conduct interactive training sessions in Kyiv in cooperation with another consultant.
Lead practical exercises focusing on:
Qualification and re-qualification of criminal offenses
Judicial evaluation of evidence
Courtroom management in complex trafficking proceedings
Reasoned drafting of judicial decisions
To prepare the trainerโs report forย observation on the group engagement, key discussion points and challenges.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
ย
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Deliverableย 1 by 10ย April 2026 โ 1050 USD (United States Dollars Three Thousand Five Hundred )
Judicial training curriculum and agenda developed and agreed with IOM.
Training materials (presentations, checklists, case scenarios) developed and agreed with IOM
One three-day ย trainingย for judges conducted in March 2026.
Pre- and post-training assessment carried out.
Final training report with recommendations for judicial practice submitted to IOM.
The payment of the Consultantโs fees shall be initiated within 10 days after IOMโs receipt and approval of the outputs outlined above.ย
Education and ExperienceAdvanced Degree in Law with five years in criminal justice, with demonstrated expertise in trafficking-related cases.
Practical experience in legal analysis of criminal cases.
Demonstrated experience in delivering trainings for judges or legal professionals.
In-depth knowledge of Ukrainian criminal and criminal procedural law.
Strong understanding of Supreme Court and ECtHR jurisprudence.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in Ukrainian; knowledge of English will be an asset;
Ability to work independently and as a team member;ย
Self-discipline and the ability to work according to set time limits.ย
Languages- Ukrainian (Knowledge of English is an advantageย Travel required
- NoRequired Competenciesย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.ย Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Ukrainian (Knowledge of English is an advantageย Travel required
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.Notes
- Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.