Consultant for Victims and Witness Protection

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations, a global organization founded in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 44,000 employees. Its various agencies and programs work on a wide range of issues, including human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. The UN is committed to upholding law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and providing support to nations in need, particularly in areas affected by conflict or instability.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening the capacity of national actors in Liberia regarding victims and witness protection. This position involves developing the first multi-year strategic plan for the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) for the years 2026-203

• The consultant will work closely with the WPA Director and the OHCHR Representative, providing technical support and guidance throughout the consultancy. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing witness protection, as well as the ability to conduct thorough assessments of threats and risks faced by victims and witnesses. The consultant will also be responsible for facilitating inter-agency coordination and mapping referral pathways to ensure effective support for victims and witnesses. Additionally, the consultant will assess the operational readiness of the WPA and provide recommendations for capacity building and awareness raising initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include:

• Producing an inception report that documents key findings from initial consultations with WPA leadership, including an assessment of the operating environment and institutional priorities.
• Conducting a comprehensive desk review of relevant laws and policies governing witness protection in Liberia, identifying gaps and providing actionable recommendations.
• Performing a baseline threat and risk assessment to identify principal risks faced by victims and witnesses, along with a framework for mitigation measures.
• Mapping existing inter-agency coordination mechanisms and identifying gaps in referral pathways and support measures.
• Conducting an operational readiness and needs assessment to evaluate the WPA's capacity against current and future demands.
• Assessing facilities used for witness protection and providing recommendations for modifications to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Designing and delivering training sessions based on a training needs analysis, including the development of training materials and post-training reports.
• Creating a detailed operational training plan in collaboration with the WPA and OHCHR, ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Writing a comprehensive final report that consolidates all findings and recommendations from the consultancy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in witness protection within law enforcement or criminal justice institutions. They should have a proven track record in conducting risk and threat assessments and designing and implementing witness protection measures. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop multi-year institutional strategic plans, including implementation plans with monitoring and evaluation frameworks for justice or security sector institutions. Experience in establishing and managing international or national witness protection programs is desirable, as is experience in developing protocols and standard operating procedures that incorporate mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support dimensions into capacity-building programs. Familiarity with conflict or post-conflict settings, particularly in Africa, is also desirable.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in law, criminal justice, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in witness protection, human rights, or related areas would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in witness protection, particularly in law enforcement or criminal justice contexts. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience is required, with a focus on conducting assessments and implementing protection measures. Experience in developing strategic plans and managing programs in the field of victim and witness protection is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 31 days, and the position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. The role may involve both in-person and remote work, depending on the needs of the WPA and the consultant's approach.