Reference: PGSIE/0432B
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Duration: 2 Years
Closing Date: 9 May 2011
Background
The eleven years conflict (1991-2002) in Sierra Leone destroyed much of the government administrative infrastructure and human resource including the judiciary. The government has however subsequently taken steps to reform and restructure its systems through the implementation of its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper – a central pillar of which is good governance and the development of the justice sector.
This project therefore aims to strengthen the administration of justice in Sierra Leone through the services of one Appeal Court Judge. The project will address a number of identified challenges including: a backlog of cases in the Appeal Court; a shortage of judges; inefficient case management; and court administration policy and procedures.
Purpose of the project
The purpose of the project is to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Sierra Leone Court of Appeal.
Scope of Work
An Appeals Court Judge will be based in the Court of Appeal in Freetown for a period of two years. The Judge will work closely with the Chief Justice and the other judges in the Courts and Appeal Chambers.
During the implementation period it is expected that the appointee will undertake the following activities, inter alia
- Preside over backlogged/new cases as assigned by the Chief Justice
- Undertake a review of the bail system and make recommendations for reform
- Supervise Lower Bench
- Complete Panel in the Court of Appeal
- Advise and make recommendations regarding improvements to court administration and case management
- Train and mentor locally appointed judges, registry staff and other paralegals
- Provide legal advice to the Chief Justice as required
- Assist the Chief Justice with any national judicial training programs; and
- Assist with any other request made by the Chief Justice.
Project Phase Outputs (Deliverables)
- Significant reduction in case backlog (90% of current backlog).
- New bail policy implemented.
- Local Judges trained and mentored on identified capacity needs.
- Key staff trained on judicial administration and case management.
- Appropriate rules systems, procedures and user guides within the Court of Appeal established.
Implementation Arrangements
The Expert will work closely with Commonwealth Secretariat Advisers in delivering this technical assistance.
Line management responsibilities and project day-to-day coordination will lie with the Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The Expert will submit an inception report two months after taking the post. This report will be a needs assessment and the relevance of the terms of reference. The inception report will set the baseline against which we can measure the progress of the report over a period of two years. There will be subsequent six monthly reports which would include work plan including specific targets.
Person Specification
Work Experience and Qualifications
The successful candidate is expected to possess the following experience and qualifications.
Essential
- Degree and professional qualification in law or law-related courses or similar discipline with at least 15 years post admission practice experience as a lawyer.
- Minimum of 12 years’ professional experience as a judge of a high court (or equivalent), in any Commonwealth jurisdiction.
- Strong presentation, communication and report writing skills.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Computer skills: word processing, spreadsheet, power-point presentations.
Desirable
- Experience of developing and delivery capacity building inputs for the justice sector.
- Familiarity with Roman Dutch law.
Closing Date: Monday, 09 May 2011
How to Apply
Interested applicants who are nationals of Commonwealth member countries and who meet post criteria are invited to apply with a detailed CV including names and contact details of three referees to Mr James Lek, Human Resources, Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HX. Fax: +44 (0) 207 747 6520.
Email: j.lek@commonwealth.int
Please also complete a Personal History Form (PHF) which is available for download along with the Job Skill Codes booklet from the Commonwealth Secretariat Website, Long Term Assignments (Overseas) page.
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