National Individual Consultant Expert Legal Consultant - Access to Justice, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Child Protection section, 12 months, Office based

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development in a passionate and inclusive culture.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide expert legal support to the EU-funded programme “Strengthening Child Justice and Protection Systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” The consultant will contribute to ensuring that children in contact with the law have enhanced access to justice systems and strengthened protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation. This role is critical in addressing persistent gaps in systematic, equitable, and sustainable access to justice for children, aligning with recommendations from international bodies and national frameworks. The consultant will play a key part in harmonizing and implementing child justice reforms across BiH entities, reinforcing the application of restorative justice principles and improving procedures for child victims and witnesses.

Responsibilities

The consultant will provide expert legal advice and technical assistance to strengthen child justice and protection systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes reviewing and drafting legislation, policies, and standard operating procedures related to child justice, ensuring alignment with international standards and best practices. The consultant will support the implementation of restorative justice principles, such as mediation and community work, and enhance special protection measures for child victims and witnesses. They will also contribute to improving procedures for child interviews, including audio/video recording, and clarifying the roles of professionals involved in the justice system. Furthermore, the consultant will assist in designing and delivering capacity-building programs for professionals working within the justice, social welfare, and law enforcement sectors. This involves engaging with various stakeholders at state, entity, and local levels to foster collaboration and ensure effective implementation of reforms. The consultant will also contribute to monitoring and evaluating the progress of the programme, providing data-driven insights to inform future strategies and interventions.

Work Experience

A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in child protection, justice reform, rule of law, and child protection systems is required. Proven experience in justice for children/child protection systems, including work with judicial institutions, social welfare systems, and law enforcement is essential. Demonstrated experience in legislative and policy development, and strong track record in designing and delivering capacity-building programs are also required.

Skills

Analytical and advisory skills, Policy translation into practical guidance, Coordination and stakeholder engagement, Inter-institutional collaboration, Workstream management, High-quality output delivery, Facilitation skills, Legislative drafting, Policy development, Capacity building program design, Child justice reform, Child protection systems

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