National Expert on Professional Development and Capacity Building of Court Staff

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Programme Office in Astana is part of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established to promote peace, stability, and democracy in its member states. The Office has been operational since its establishment and has a mission to assist Kazakhstan in implementing OSCE principles and commitments across various dimensions, including politico-military, economic and environmental, and human rights. The Office has a significant focus on supporting judicial reform and enhancing the rule of law in Kazakhstan, particularly through projects like the ExB Project on Improving the Effectiveness of the Justice System in Kazakhstan, which aims to modernize court administration and improve judicial performance evaluation. The OSCE Programme Office in Astana employs a diverse team and operates within a framework of international cooperation, engaging with various stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The National Expert will play a crucial role in analyzing and improving the professional development and capacity-building systems for court staff in Kazakhstan. This position is integral to the OSCE's ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the justice system in the country. The expert will be responsible for conducting comprehensive analyses of the current systems, including regulatory frameworks and training practices, and will develop actionable recommendations to enhance the capacity-building efforts for court personnel. The assignment will involve engaging with various stakeholders, including court staff and institutional representatives, to gather insights and data necessary for informed decision-making. The expert will also be expected to collaborate with an international expert to ensure that the recommendations align with best practices and international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Organizing and conducting focus group discussions and individual interviews with court administrative personnel to gather qualitative data on their professional development needs.
• Reviewing existing legal and regulatory documents that govern the professional development of court staff to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
• Preparing a detailed overview of different categories of court staff, defining their roles, responsibilities, and competencies to better understand the training needs across various functions.
• Analyzing current mechanisms for planning and implementing training programs, including assessing training needs, frequency, and institutional roles in the training process.
• Collaborating with an international expert to develop a comprehensive roadmap or concept for enhancing the professional development system for court staff, ensuring that the recommendations are practical and implementable.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in fields such as law, human rights, political science, international relations, communications, social science, economics, finance, IT, or engineering. A minimum of five years of progressive experience in relevant fields is required, along with proven experience in conducting research, focus groups, interviews, and policy analysis. A strong understanding of Kazakhstan's judicial system and public service structure is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex issues related to professional development and capacity building and present findings in a clear and user-friendly manner. Excellent facilitation, presentation, and teaching skills are necessary, as well as proficiency in using online platforms for communication and training.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's Degree, which is defined as a first-level university degree or its equivalent in a relevant field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the foundational knowledge necessary to engage with the complexities of the judicial system and the professional development needs of court staff.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressive experience in fields related to law, public administration, or human resources, particularly in contexts that involve judicial reform or capacity building. Experience in conducting research and policy analysis is critical, as is familiarity with the workings of governmental institutions and international organizations. Previous experience in training or developing educational programs for public sector employees would be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian is mandatory, while knowledge of Kazakh and English is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for conducting interviews, facilitating discussions, and presenting findings to diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is structured under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is expected to be completed between November 2025 and February 202

• The consultant will be compensated based on their qualifications and experience, with payment made in local currency (tenge). The OSCE emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization maintains high ethical standards and does not require any payment during the application process.