DIRECTOR OF JUDICIAL ACADEMY (MALDIVES) 76 views

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is seeking an international expert to serve as the inaugural director to the Judicial Academy (JA). This will be an advisory role on the structure of the MJA as well as on judges and non-judicial personnel. Applicants should have expertise in areas relating to: judicial education and training, judicial ethics, judicial reform, court administration and management or any other relevant field. The director of Judicial Academy will be responsible for providing technical assistance and expertise on establishing and institutionalizing the JA. The position is initially expected to include approximately 6 – 12 months, with the possibility of extension, and will be based in the Maldives if the public health situation permits.

BACKGROUND

ABA ROLI works to advance rule of law in the Maldives in partnership with legal and justice sector institutions, providers of free and low-cost legal aid, and organizations engaged in advocacy for legal reform and civic education. ABA ROLI aims to strengthen the capacity and operations of justice sector institutions and assist them in implementing reforms that reflect internationally accepted good practices for the justice sector, creating strong, independent, inclusive, and transparent institutions. ABA ROLI seeks to provide technical assistance and expertise to create an effective, independent, and competent legal profession that will play a leading role in promoting and upholding the cause of justice now and in the future. Finally, ABA ROLI will work to increase the availability of free and low cost civil and criminal legal aid, make it easier for people needing legal assistance to find pro bono lawyers, and ensure that people know their rights and understand the legal system.

DURATION, SCOPE OF WORK, AND DELIVERABLES

The director’s role is expected to last for a term of 6 to 12 months. The director of JA is tasked with the following functions:

Scope of Work:

• Serve as the inaugural director to the JA and provide technical assistance and expertise on establishing and institutionalizing the JA.

• To work closely with the Director of the JA and provide technical assistance and expertise on establishing and institutionalizing the JA.

• Advise and provide technical assistance on institutional arrangements to set up of the JA as a training institute as per international standards, and lay out a long term plan for this, and for the development of the MJA.

• Advise and provide technical assistance to operationalize the research and publications arm of the JA, including the JA library.

• Provide expertise and technical knowledge on conducting training needs assessment for both judges and court personnel, and assist to prepare training plan that identifies priority areas as well as short, medium and long term trainings, and how the plan can be rolled out effectively.

• Provide expertise on the development of curriculum for training programs

• Provide expertise to develop of Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and Manuals

Deliverables:

• Set up of the JA as a training institute as per international standards

• Submission of a plan for the development of the JA and its operationalization which includes the following:

• Setting strategic priorities for the JA

• Identification of the training models that are best suited for JA with plan on how these models can be implemented

• A plan of succession by the local director

• Operationalize the research and publication arm of the JA.

• Establish JA library and submit a plan for how this would function practically.

• Conduct a training needs assessment for both judges and court personnel. Under this:

• Identify priority training areas

• Identify short, medium and long term trainings and develop a roll out plan for the trainings

• Formulate SoPs to conduct periodic training needs assessment for both Judges and court personnel.

• Develop the training curriculum of the JA, including a plan for continuing online learning programs for post COVID-19.

• Identify and formulate essential SoPs for the smooth functioning of the JA

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in law

• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience, including experience in judicial and/or court personnel education

• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours

• Highly organized, with ability to multi-task and remain calm under time pressure

• Prior experience working in a multi-cultural environment

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively individually and as a team

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

• Ability to use discretion when working with confidential documents and information

• Interest in and commitment to the rule of law

• Applicants willing to work pro bono or at a reduced daily rate are especially encouraged to apply. Housing and per diem will be provided.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter to Mr. Yasim Ahmed, Program Officer, at yasim.ahmed@abaroli.org. In your cover letter please indicate your expected daily or monthly rate, and whether you are willing to work pro bono or at a reduced daily rate. Please apply by 13 May 2021.