Rule of Law Analyst

Mission and objectivesUNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help build resilient nations and improve the livelihoods of people. UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks to boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2021 which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues.

ContextThe Rule of Law Analyst will play an important role in supporting the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) recommendations within The Gambia. The TRRC issued 263 recommendations aimed at addressing past human rights violations, promoting accountability, and advancing sustainable peace through effective transitional justice mechanisms. To date, 16 recommendations have been completed, 192 are ongoing, and 55 are yet to be initiated, reflecting an overall implementation rate of approximately 10% as outlined in the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) 2024 Status Report. Notable thematic areas of progress include attacks on political opponents, religious freedom, and institutional reforms across justice sector entities and the prison system. The Rule of Law Analyst will directly support the Government’s efforts to overcome key challenges hindering implementation, such as legal reforms, coordination gaps, and limited capacity within justice sector institutions. Under the auspices of the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), which focuses on supporting the country’s post-authoritarian transition, by supporting the implementation of the TRRC recommendations, promoting human rights, strengthening rule of law and security sector reform, the Rule of Law Analyst will directly support the Government in addressing key challenges that hinder implementation, such as legal reforms, coordination gaps, and limited capacity within justice sector institutions. In addition, the Analyst will provide capacity-building support to institutions and civil society to sustain peace and promote democratic governance and contribute to initiatives that advance accountability. Working closely with the project team, including the National Human Rights Officer and the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, the Analyst will enhance synergies across stakeholder engagement, monitoring, and capacity-building efforts. This role will also ensure alignment with broader project objectives to sustain peace and promote reconciliation in The Gambia.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and in close collaboration with the National Human Rights Officer, and other key stakeholders, the Rule of Law Analyst will engage in the following: Policy and Legal Framework Development: - Provide advice on the review and development of legal frameworks and policies aligned with TRRC recommendations. Capacity Building: - Design and deliver capacity-building programs for justice sector stakeholders, focusing on transitional justice principles and TRRC implementation. - Collaborate with CSOs to enhance their expertise in promoting rule of law issues and supporting victims. Stakeholder Engagement: - Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the judiciary, Ministry of Justice, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and CSOs. - Facilitate stakeholder dialogues and consultations to advance understanding and consensus on transitional justice and rule of law issues. Monitoring and Reporting: - Work with the M&E Specialist to develop M&E tools to track the progress of TRRC recommendation implementation. - Prepare periodic analytical reports on rule of law developments and their impact on the TRRC process. - Work closely with the M&E Specialist and NHRO to align monitoring efforts, ensuring a comprehensive overview of human rights and rule of law. Public Awareness and Advocacy: - Support the development of advocacy strategies to increase public awareness about TRRC recommendations and their implementation. - Facilitate workshops and public events to disseminate information and gather feedback from communities. Knowledge Management: - Document lessons learned and best practices from the implementation of TRRC recommendations. - Coordinate with the Ministry of Justice to organize knowledge-sharing sessions to inform future transitional justice initiatives. Support for the Reparations Commission: - Assist in operationalizing the Reparations Commission by developing internal policies, guidelines, and outreach strategies. - Collaborate with the NHRO to ensure reparations are administered in alignment with human rights standards. Support Consultancy Services: - Ensure the smooth implementation of deliverables by the Sign Language Interpretation Consultant, facilitating access to updates on TRRC recommendations for the hard-of-hearing community. Monitoring the Interim Victim Support Programme: - Monitor the interim victim support programme initiated by the project in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, the Alliance of Victim-Led Organizations, and the Medical Board. - Ensure effective delivery of support services pending the establishment and operationalization of the Reparations Commission. Project Coordination: - Contribute to the overall coordination and delivery of project activities, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met. - Work with the Project Coordinator to identify and address implementation challenges.

Competencies and valuesAccountability  Adaptability and flexibility  Creativity  Judgement and decision-making  Planning and organising  Professionalism  Self-management

Living conditions and remarksAs this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.