Consultant – Drafting a GCTF policy toolkit to support the practical use of Good Practices 4 and 7 in the GCTF Hague Memorandum
The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), an institution inspired by the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), provides training to lawmakers, police, prosecutors, judges, corrections officials and other justice sector practitioners on how to address terrorism and related transnational criminal activities within a rule of law framework. Established in 2014 in Malta, with an international Governing Board of Administrators (GBA) representing fourteen countries and the European Union, the IIJ has established itself as a leading platform to deliver innovative and sustainable counter-terrorism capacity-building based on the rule of law and related good practices developed by the GCTF and other international and regional fora. For more information, visit the IIJ website: https://theiij.org/.
BACKGROUND
As a GCTF-inspired institution, the IIJ facilitates the work of the GCTF Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group (CJROL WG), co-chaired by Italy and Nigeria. The CJROL WG supports the development of effective criminal justice systems within a rule of law framework and fully respecting human rights. It aims to ensure that persons who plan, perpetrate or support terrorist acts are brought to justice.
Security needs of witnesses, victims, judges, court personnel, law enforcement and other justice actors involved in the investigation and prosecution of terrorism cases constitute a fundamental aspect of an effective and rights-based criminal justice response to terrorism. The prosecution of terrorist offences relies heavily on evidence provided by witnesses (with or without criminal involvement) who might be intimidated, harassed and/or threatened due to their participation in the judicial process. States bear the responsibility to create a secure judicial process for them, as well as a safe workplace and work environment for judges, court personnel and law enforcement agents. Efforts to protect those involved in the judicial process, however, need to safeguard the fair trial rights of suspects and accused in terrorism cases.
In recent years, numerous policy and legal documents have emerged, advocating for effective and comprehensive protection of witnesses and victims in serious crime cases, especially terrorism. These documents expand and clarify the traditional scope of the rights of victims and witnesses of serious crimes and the need to ensure their safety and security. One such example includes Good Practices 4 and 7 of the GCTF’s Hague Memorandum on Good Practices for the Judiciary in Adjudicating Terrorism Offenses, which address witness protection and courthouse and courtroom security, respectively. Additionally, UNOCT, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UNODC launched in 2022 the Model Legislative Provisions to Support the Needs and Protect the Rights of Victims of Terrorism, which draw on existing international law on victims of crimes, gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The IIJ thus seeks a Consultant to prepare a policy toolkit to support the implementation of
Good Practices 4 and 7 in the GCTF’s Hague Memorandum.
KEY TASKS AND DELIVERABLES:
The Consultant will work under the overall guidance of the IIJ Executive Secretary, and under the direct supervision of the IIJ Programme Manager.
The Consultant services will entail the following tasks:
- Using the structure and examples from previous GCTF policy toolkits and the research gathered by the IIJ, develop a first draft of the toolkit, ensuring it is practical, actionable, and grounded in proven strategies;
- Incorporate changes in the draft toolkit based on comments and suggestions received
- Attend as required subsequent events to present and discuss the toolkit.
CONSULTANT PROFILE
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science or a relevant discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field, with a focus on witness protection or the safety and security of justice officials. Relevant experience in a country of the GCTF members an advantage;
• Proven experience in developing practical guides, toolkits, or similar resources in the area of criminal justice;
• Strong legal research, conceptual thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information from diverse sources while maintaining a practical approach;
• Knowledge of international standards and best practices in the field of witness and criminal justice protection highly desirable;
• Good substantive knowledge of criminal procedure and rule of law issues (including counter-terrorism and transnational criminality) is desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively with and openness to receive suggestions from a range of stakeholders, including government agencies and international organizations;
• Attention to deadlines and achieving results in accordance with qualitative and quantitative requirements;
Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY :
All interested applicants meeting the qualifications should submit a cover letter and resume to the IIJ Executive Secretariat at hr@theiij.org and trann@theiij.org clearly stating “TKC2_2024” in the subject line. The deadline for submission of applications is Sunday, 14 April 2024.