Local Consultancy to undertake coordination support for the project titled Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery, Phase II (Supporting Judiciary and the NCAJ; Kenya)

Result of Service- Comprehensive research and analysis conducted to inform the development of the Judiciary Complaints Management System and the Justice Sector Mental Health Framework. - Data protection assessments and a compliance strategy finalized in collaboration with Judiciary ICT experts to ensure secure and lawful data handling. - Stakeholder consultations, joint monitoring, and learning exercises coordinated to evaluate project implementation and inform continuous improvement. - Technical inputs and background papers submitted to support the formulation of the Judiciary and NCAJ 2026/27 workplans. - Policy development and digitalization initiatives facilitated, including active participation in PLEAD meetings and e-justice knowledge-sharing activities. Work LocationNairobi with travels to various counties in Kenya Expected duration29 July - 31 December 2025 Duties and Responsibilities1. Background of the assignment: As the global guardian of the UN Standards and Norms in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, UNODC is mandated to support Member States in upholding the Rule of Law, promoting crime prevention and effective, fair, humane and accountable criminal justice systems in line with the United Nations standards and norms on crime prevention and criminal justice and other relevant international legal instruments. In line with this mandate, UNODC’s project titled “Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery, Phase II and seeks to “Reinforce the rule of law, improve access to justice, increase efficiency and accountability in the justice system and use of technology as an enabler of justice” while addressing capacity needs and persistent bottlenecks affecting service delivery in the justice sector, advance digitalization to streamline the administration of justice and countering corruption to improve access to justice for all Kenyans, including those at risk of exclusion and marginalization. The Project is designed to implement the following Outcomes of the EU Programme for Legal Aid and Empowerment in Kenya (PLEAD, Phase II). Outcome 1: Enabling the criminal justice system to fight corruption more effectively. Outcome 2: Improving administration and coordination of the justice sector Outcome 3. Increasing the competence, quality, and efficiency of criminal justice institutions Outcome 4. Enhancing access to legal aid, especially for individuals in vulnerable situations. The project targets 19 focal counties namely Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu and Nakuru, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River, Marsabit, Isiolo, Garissa, Meru, Kericho, Kisii Bungoma, Kakamega, Migori and Narok. 2. Purpose of the assignment: The overall objective of the project is to reinforce the rule of law, improve access to justice, increase efficiency and accountability in the justice system and use of technology as an enabler of justice in Kenya. In particular, the purpose of the consultancy is to; lead monitoring and evaluation, coordinate the functions and activities outlined in the PLEAD II Project supporting Judiciary of Kenya and the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) 2025 workplan activities. 3. Specific Tasks to be performed by the consultant: Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme and direct supervision of the PLEAD Programme Manager, and in close technical cooperation with the Programme Management Officers under the Criminal Justice Programme in ROEA. The consultant will also work closely with the beneficiary institutions, the donor (European Union) and UNODC (ROEA and HQ) in performing the following tasks including: a) Support and monitor the timely implementation of the Judiciary and NCAJ 2025 - 2026 workplans specifically with respect to providing technical input on the following activities: 1. Conduct comprehensive research and in-depth analysis to inform the development and optimization of the Judiciary Complaints Management System 2. Conduct research and data analysis, including a critical review of existing mental health frameworks, legislation, policies, and best practices, to identify systemic gaps and opportunities for improvement, to inform the development of a mental health policy/framework for the justice sector being undertaken by NCAJ. 3. Provide research and analytical support to inform the review and evaluation of the NCAJ 2017 Criminal Justice Audit Report. 4. Support the Judiciary by providing Data Protection expertise by conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments and collaboration with Judiciary ICT experts to develop a comprehensive Data Protection Compliance Strategy. 5. Support in the evaluation of the Judiciary’s case weighting procedures to identify inefficiencies, assess workload distribution, and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance case management systems and overall institutional performance. b) In implementing the above activities, the consultant shall be responsible for: i. Background research and review of the developed curriculum ii. Coordination of stakeholder consultations and data collection as may be required iii. Providing any other support as may be required c) Provide technical support to the NCAJ Information Technology and Communications (ICT) Committee and ESTDEV in readiness for a PLEAD II peer-to-peer knowledge transfer programme on e-justice. d) Assist in the formulation of the 2026/27 workplans for the Judiciary and the National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ) by coordinating with PLEAD partner institutions to identify priority areas for support. e) Conduct joint monitoring, research, and learning exercises to assess project implementation and outcomes. f) Facilitate the coordination of development of policies, infrastructure and digitalization projects, as well as important PLEAD meetings including PTC and PSC Meetings. g) Provide regular technical advice and or make presentations on operational matters related to project implementation including the preparation of various written outputs, including background papers, briefing notes, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies. h) Ensure the upkeep of comprehensive records encompassing reports pertinent to the projects at hand. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university (Master or equivalent) degree in law, legal studies, criminal justice or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. a. A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional in crime prevention and criminal justice, human rights and/or related fields is required. b. Experience working with the United Nations, or a similar international organization, is desirable. c. Work experience working with Eastern Africa countries in particular Kenya is required. d. Work experience working with EU-funded projects 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 official United Nations 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.