Witness Protection Expert

Organizational Context

The United Nations Secretariat, specifically the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Liberia, seeks a consultant to strengthen national capacity in victim and witness protection. This role will support the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) in developing its strategic plan and improving operational readiness.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to enhance the capabilities of national actors in Liberia concerning the protection of victims and witnesses. The consultant will play a crucial role in developing the Witness Protection Agency's (WPA) first multi-year strategic plan (2026-2030). This involves conducting comprehensive assessments of the legal framework, threat landscape, inter-agency coordination, and operational readiness. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable recommendations and practical frameworks to ensure effective and sustainable protection mechanisms are established and implemented within Liberia's justice and security institutions, thereby strengthening the rule of law and human rights.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct an initial context and institutional familiarisation, producing an inception report and work plan. A key responsibility is reviewing the legal and regulatory framework, identifying gaps, and providing recommendations for strengthening laws, policies, and procedures. The role includes conducting a baseline threat and risk assessment for victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers, and developing practical mitigation measures. Furthermore, the consultant will map inter-agency coordination and referral pathways, identifying deficiencies and recommending improvements. An assessment of operational readiness, facilities, and capacity building needs will be undertaken, leading to the development of an operational training plan and comprehensive final report with actionable recommendations for enhancing victim and witness protection in Liberia.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in witness protection within law enforcement or criminal justice institutions is required. This includes experience in conducting risk/threat assessments and implementing protection measures. Experience in developing multi-year strategic plans for justice/security institutions is also required. Desirable experience includes managing international/national witness protection programs, developing SOPs, incorporating MHPSS, and working in conflict/post-conflict settings, particularly in Africa.

Skills

Risk and threat assessment, witness protection measure design and implementation, strategic planning, developing institutional plans with M&E frameworks, establishing and managing protection programs, developing protocols and SOPs, incorporating mental health and psychosocial support, working in conflict/post-conflict settings.

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