Legal Researcher and Trainer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Ombudsperson’s Institute (OI) in Kyrgyzstan, which focuses on promoting and protecting human rights within the country. Established to ensure compliance with international human rights standards, the OI plays a crucial role in monitoring legal practices and advocating for reforms. The organization employs a dedicated team of professionals who work across various sectors to enhance the rule of law and fair trial standards. The OI collaborates with international bodies, including the United Nations, to align national laws with global human rights frameworks. It operates primarily within Kyrgyzstan but is influenced by international human rights mechanisms and standards.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Researcher and Trainer involves conducting comprehensive legal research on the use of online participation in criminal trials and the video broadcasting of trial proceedings. The researcher will analyze best practices and lessons learned from various countries, focusing on aligning Kyrgyzstan's legal framework with international fair trial standards. The role requires the development of training materials and the delivery of training sessions to enhance the capacity of the Ombudsperson’s Institute staff in trial monitoring and compliance analysis. The researcher will also provide expert support in advocacy efforts aimed at improving national laws and practices related to fair trials. This position is expected to contribute significantly to the development of a robust trial monitoring methodology and the overall enhancement of human rights standards in Kyrgyzstan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research to identify best practices and lessons learned regarding online participation in criminal trials and video broadcasting of trial proceedings, ensuring compliance with international fair trial standards.
• Identify gaps and violations in the national legal framework based on data from the Ombudsperson’s Institute and prepare an analytical report summarizing findings and recommendations for various stakeholders, including judges and legal practitioners.
• Develop and prepare training materials for a two-day training course aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of the Ombudsperson’s Institute staff on trial monitoring and fair trial standards.
• Revise and enhance the existing trial monitoring methodology of the Ombudsperson’s Institute, incorporating international standards and recommendations.
• Provide mentoring and expert support to the Ombudsperson’s Institute staff in advocacy efforts, including the design of strategies and preparation of interventions with state bodies.
• Support the drafting of relevant inputs for the Ombudsperson’s Annual Report to Parliament and participate in public discussions on trial monitoring and human rights issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of three years of professional experience in human rights analysis, legal research, or trial monitoring is required. Proven experience in human rights monitoring and reporting, as well as familiarity with the legal systems of CIS countries, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in analyzing monitoring data and preparing analytical materials that promote compliance with international human rights standards.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science, international relations, or a related field. In cases where candidates possess a first-level university degree, they may still qualify if they have substantial relevant experience that compensates for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights law and the legal frameworks governing trial monitoring.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in areas related to human rights analysis, compliance with international standards, and legal research. Candidates should have a proven track record in human rights monitoring and reporting, particularly in the context of trial monitoring and judicial reform. Experience in analyzing monitoring data and preparing recommendations for legal practices is essential, as is familiarity with the legal system of the CIS countries. Experience working specifically in Kyrgyzstan on issues related to rule of law and fair trial is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written Russian is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and the legal system. Knowledge of Kyrgyz is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the training and monitoring activities.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 43 working days, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined in the job description. The role involves a combination of research, training, and advocacy support, and it is crucial for the candidate to be available for the full duration of the contract. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to pay for any part of the application, interview, or training processes.