International Consultant (Prison-based rehabilitation and social reintegration support - Sint Maarten)

Result of Service- Submission of a consolidated matrix of recommendations based on the review of international and national oversight body findings, including prioritised actions and guidance for integration into the transition and reform process. - Submission of the Rehabilitation and Reintegration Roadmap for the new correctional facility, informed by a revised assessment of the skills, interests and learning needs of prisoners, an inventory of pre- and post-Hurricane Irma education and skills-based activities, and recommendations related to the review of planned education services and tenders. - Submission of recommendations related to the delivery of education services, including proposals for collaboration with NIPA, ECYS, non-governmental organizations and other relevant institutions, and training needs for prison staff and implementing partners. - Submission of the Prison Industries Framework outlining priority industry areas, legal and policy considerations, partnership modalities with private-sector actors, and indicative business model options to support implementation in the new facility. - Submission of the monitoring system (framework) which outlines the processes and monitoring mechanisms which ensure effective implementation various oversight bodies’ recommendations, including the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) and the Law Enforcement Council (LEC), the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and local oversight body and foster trust and accountability. - Template Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize partnerships with private-sector entities, business associations and relevant community stakeholders involved in prison industries and reintegration initiatives. - Report on the results of the consultations with various actors summarising engagement activities held with persons deprived of liberty, family members, prison staff, the business community, and service providers currently or previously engaged in prisoner programmes, including key findings and recommended follow-up actions. - Submission of internal regulations/SOPs related to correspondence, including telephone calls, as well as virtual and in-person visits, age- and gender-friendly approaches as well as introducing sufficient opportunities for confidential meetings with lawyers and legal aid providers. - Submit a set of concrete recommendations on improving prisoners’ contacts with the outside world in the old and new prison facilities, including improvements to family contact and visitation, communication systems, digital communication pathways and access to reading and information services. - Final assignment report covering all outputs, summarizing activities undertaken, consultations held, deliverables produced and proposed next steps. Work LocationHome based and Travel (16-27 February, 22 April-1 May, 12-18 July 2026 to Philipsburg, Sint Maarten) Expected duration2 February to 31 July 2026 Duties and Responsibilities1. Background The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN’s lead entity on crime, drugs, corruption and terrorism, has long supported Caribbean countries through technical assistance in justice reform and prison management. Guided by international standards such as the Nelson Mandela, Bangkok and Tokyo Rules, UNODC promotes reduced reliance on imprisonment, improved prison conditions and stronger rehabilitation systems. In Sint Maarten, where the penitentiary system has suffered from unsafe infrastructure, understaffing, overcrowding and limited rehabilitative opportunities, the government has committed to major reform through the multi‑year Detention Sector Reform Programme (DSRP), supported by the Netherlands. The DSRP combines a new modern correctional facility built by UNOPS with UNODC‑led institutional strengthening, workforce professionalization and reintegration programming. As part of this effort, UNODC is helping develop a comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration framework that expands education, vocational training, prison industries and post‑release support to ensure a safe, humane and internationally compliant correctional system for Sint Maarten. Purpose The consultant will be tasked with multiple deliverables related to developing core programme and policy frameworks in four areas, including the development of (1) Rehabilitation and Reintegration Roadmap, (2) Prison Industries Framework, (3) Internal regulations related to prisoners’ contact with the outside world, and (4) Monitoring system for implementating oversight bodies’ recommendations, including the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), the Law Enforcement Council (LEC), the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the local oversight body. The consultant will conduct assessments, facilitate consultations, design frameworks and tools, and draft policy and planning documents to assist Sint Maarten in building a modern reintegration-focused correctional system aligned with the Nelson Mandela Rules and the DSRP’s transition planning requirements. Qualifications/special skills- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in criminology, law, social sciences, education, public administration or a related field. A first-level university degree in a similar discipline, combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. - At least 10 years of professional experience in criminal justice, prison management or related fields, including demonstrated experience working in correctional environments and engaging with persons deprived of liberty, their families and individuals with lived experience of incarceration is required. - Proven experience in the design, delivery or evaluation of prison education programmes, prison industries, vocational training initiatives or other reintegration-oriented activities in custodial settings is required. - Professional experience in conducting assessments, applied research, stakeholder consultations and programme development related to learning pathways, skills development, structured activities or transitions from custody to community is required. - Direct experience facilitating workshops, trainings or consultative processes involving prison staff, persons deprived of liberty, family members, education institutions, private-sector actors, service providers and community organisations is required. - Knowledge and understanding of the Caribbean justice and corrections context, particularly in English-speaking jurisdictions, including institutional arrangements, labour market realities and community reintegration dynamics, is highly desirable. - Strong analytical, drafting, and coordination skills, with the ability to synthesize complex inputs into clear, practical and implementation-oriented guidance is highly desirable. - Familiarity with UN standards and norms related to the treatment of prisoners, including the Nelson Mandela Rules, the Bangkok Rules and the UN System Common Position on Incarceration, is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language 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.