Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe 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, security, and stability in the region. The Office focuses on various aspects of governance, including the rule of law, and has been actively involved in penal reform initiatives since its inception. The mission of the Office is to support the Host Country in improving its penal system and ensuring the protection of human rights. The Office collaborates closely with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan and various civil society organizations to facilitate legislative and institutional improvements. The OSCE operates in multiple countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America, with a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering dialogue and cooperation among member states.

Job Overview:
The Consultant position is aimed at expanding the pool of qualified international experts in the areas of probation, alternative sentencing, and broader penal and penitentiary reform. The primary focus of this role is to support the development of a functional probation system in Tajikistan, which has recently finalized a draft Law on Probation. The Consultant will provide expert input on probation design, institutionalization, and capacity-building, which are critical for operationalizing the newly established Probation Service within the Main Prison Department. The role also encompasses a broader scope of penal reform, requiring expertise in penitentiary management, rehabilitation, and offender reintegration. The Consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including state authorities and civil society, to ensure that the reform processes are transparent and aligned with human rights standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Providing expert advice on the design and establishment of probation systems, ensuring clarity on terminology, institutional roles, and legislative frameworks.
• Advising on the coordination of the offender management cycle, including interactions between courts, prisons, probation services, and community reintegration mechanisms.
• Supporting technical design work, including the development of legal frameworks, institutional regulations, and operational manuals.
• Conducting capacity-building activities, such as training design and delivery, and developing Trainer-of-Trainers programs.
• Engaging with government agencies to apply UN guidelines and international standards on penal reform.
• Conducting research and analysis to inform policy recommendations and legislative improvements.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to foster dialogue and partnerships in the field of penal reform.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public Policy, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in criminal justice reform, penal system development, or probation system design is required. Candidates should have experience in legal analysis and reporting, as well as familiarity with international standards applicable to domestic legislation. Regional experience with post-Soviet or transitional criminal justice systems is essential, particularly in understanding the institutional and cultural contexts of penal reform in Central Asia. Strong research, analytical, and reporting skills are necessary, along with good organizational and communication abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft applications is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in relevant fields such as Law, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or Public Policy. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of penal reform and the legal frameworks that govern probation systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, which should include progressively responsible roles in criminal justice reform, penal system development, or probation system design. Experience in a governmental, judicial, or international organization context is highly valued, as is familiarity with the application of international standards to domestic legislation and legal frameworks. Candidates should also have experience working in transitional contexts where probation systems are underdeveloped or newly emerging.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, experience working with international organizations and fluency in Russian are advantageous. Candidates should also demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into their work.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) or as a consultant role, with no specific grade assigned. The job type is classified as a consultant position, and there are unlimited posts available. The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package will be based on the selected consultant's qualifications and experience, in accordance with OSCE established rates. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.