United Nations Development Program
The Justice System Programme
“Strengthening the Justice System in Timor-Leste” (Project no. 00014955)
Brief Description
The “Strengthening the Justice System in Timor-Leste” Programme was launched in 2003. This project was revised and a new project document was signed in December 2005, focused on institutional capacity development of the justice sector, including the Courts, Prosecution Service, Public Defenders Office, and the Ministry of Justice. Overall project management responsibility was entrusted to a Council of Coordination (CoC), consisting of the President of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, Prosecutor-General and the Minister of Justice. The crisis of April-May 2006 and its aftermath drastically altered the domestic environment, unduly burdening this project which, as the most comprehensive vehicle of support to the justice sector, was called upon to respond to emergency needs for crisis response and recovery. In July-August 2007, an independent, external evaluation of the project made recommendations for far-reaching changes in the structure, scope and size of the project. In light of those recommendations, this project has been revised on the advice of a joint UNDP RCB/BCPR mission, with significant changes in scope, structure, and size, including a new focus on the ‘demand’ side of justice. The revised project provides for a strengthened Chief Executive Office, which will focus on strategic policy, planning, M&E, and budget, with five revamped programme units: Capacity Development, Justice Decentralization, Prosecution, Corrections, and Access to Justice. A key component of the Access to Justice unit is the development of the Public Defender institution.
Terms of Reference
Post title: Public Defender Advisor
Duty Station: Dili
Duration: 10 months
Expected Start date: October 2009
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:
Under the overall direction of the CoC, and the general supervision of the Minister of Justice, the Advisor will directly advise the General Public Defender and assist with establishing the effective and efficient functioning of the Public Defender institution.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The advisor will perform the following functions:
· Advise the Minister of Justice in the legal conception, legal organization, and legal management of the PDO and implementation of the Organic Law for Public Defenders and other relevant legal matters, such as the organization of the Superior Council of the Public Defender.
· Advise the Public Defender General on the establishment of institutional systems and processes.
· Support the Public Defender in the establishment of the post of Public Defender Inspector and assist in the development and approval of the PDO’s Ethics Code.
· Assist the PDO in the implementation of the PD Plan within the Justice Sector Strategic Plan.
· Conduct an assessment of the gaps and challenges of legal aid services and assist the PDO in the development of a Legal Aid Law to regulate the functioning of legal aid.
· Assist the Public Defender in the development of a code of conduct for PDs so as to enhance accountability on the part of public defenders.
· Support the Public Defender in formulating and implementing a legal aid decentralization strategy.
SPECIFIC OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES
· Organic Law for Public Defenders finalized and implemented.
· Public Defender Inspector recruited.
· PDO’s Ethics Code and Code of Conduct developed and approved.
· PD Plan developed, as part of the Justice Sector Strategic Plan.
· Assessment of gaps and challenges of legal aid services conducted.
· Legal aid law drafted.
· Legal aid decentralization strategy developed.
COMPETENCIES:
· Sound working knowledge and experience as a lawyer or public defender in civil legal system.
· In depth knowledge of internationally recognized legal principles and Human Rights instruments applicable in Timor-Leste.
· Knowledge of general court and public defense jurisdiction, administration and management;
· Experience in formal or practical judicial training.
· Assist the organization and management of the defense office including assistance in the development of registries and statistics.
· Proceedings in Public Defender Office and Courts.
· Organization and delivery of legal or judicial training.
QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
· Advanced University degree in law from a civil legal system.
· Minimum five years of relevant experience as lawyer or public defender from a civil legal system country on criminal or civil law.
· Ability to apply international, comparative, and constitutional law and human rights principles.
· Ability assist with organizational and public defenders management if required.
· Ability to impart knowledge and skills to Timorese public defenders.
· Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues from all backgrounds;
· Working experience in a developing country.
· Proficiency in Portuguese is required. Working knowledge of English and Tetum is highly desirable.
OTHER DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Previous experience with and knowledge of the legal system in Timor-Leste.
How to apply:
Please submit your applications letter together with: Curriculum vitae, financial proposal; P11 forms on line by accessing this link: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=12223
*Financial proposal (doesn’t include the cost of airfare)
The deadline for submitting applications is 18 September 2009
Only short-listed candidates will be notified. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Posts
