UN Women: Access to Justice Consultant, Soim Wokabaut: EU Gender Based Violence Referral Pathways Program, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, International Consultant
Organizational Context
UN Women PNG is implementing the "Soim Wokabout: Gender-Based Violence Referral Pathways Programme" to reduce GBV and improve access to justice for survivors in target provinces. This initiative builds on previous efforts and aims to strengthen integrated approaches, referral pathways, and community mobilization to address harmful norms and promote legal implementation. The program aligns with national laws and international human rights obligations.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to strengthen the capacity of medical, legal, and police institutions in Papua New Guinea to deliver coordinated, survivor-centered, and gender-responsive responses to violence against women and girls. The role will focus on improving women's and girls' access to justice through enhanced referral pathways, quality investigative services, and rehabilitation and psychosocial support. A key objective is to address the weak medical-legal link in the justice system, which contributes to low conviction rates for sexual violence cases, by improving the admissibility and reliability of evidence and reducing barriers for survivors seeking justice.
Responsibilities
The consultant will provide technical legal advice to strengthen medico-legal procedures in line with national legislation and international human rights standards. Key tasks include conducting consultations with stakeholders (police, prosecution, judiciary, health authorities, legal aid, CSOs), reviewing existing policies and training materials, and performing an institutional capacity assessment to identify strengths and gaps. The consultant will develop or adapt a comprehensive capacity strengthening package covering survivor-centered approaches, gender-responsive investigation, medical-legal documentation, referral pathways, psychosocial support, ethical standards, and legal frameworks. This includes facilitating workshops for service providers and developing institutional action plans. The consultant will also design and deliver training modules for medical workers and police on evidence collection and court testimony, and engage with legal bodies to build prosecution capacity and establish pro-bono services.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in legal support for social accountability, gender equality, and women's empowerment, with a focus on ending violence against women and community mobilization. Proven experience in developing SOPs, training manuals, or legal frameworks within PNG's health or justice sectors is essential. A strong understanding of relevant national laws and strategies is needed, along with experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder forums and communicating technical concepts. Experience with government agencies and the UN system is highly desirable.
Skills
- Legal expertise in gender-based violence and access to justice - Institutional capacity building - Policy and procedure development - Training and facilitation - Stakeholder engagement - Communication (technical and general audiences) - Understanding of PNG legal and social context (GBV, SARV, Family Protection Act)