Consultant, Court Administration in Male, Seychelles

Reference: P/G/SYC/0659
Location: Male, Seychelles
Duration: Maximum of 80 person days over 6 months
Closing Date: 1 Mar 2013

Background

Improvements in the prosecutorial capacity of the Attorney General’s Office have significantly increased pressure on the justice system in Seychelles. This has been particularly keenly felt by the current complement of judges who have been unable to deal satisfactorily with the volume of cases and the growing backlog. Outdated court rules and administrative procedures and practices are also contributing to the problem. The result has been that the Supreme Court has accumulated a backlog of approximately 1200 criminal and civil cases, some dating back several years. This is made up of civil cases including ordinary civil suits, commercial cases, and divorce cases, amongst others.

Project Purpose

This project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Supreme Court of Seychelles in order to improve the operational effectiveness of the judicial system. In doing so, this will reduce the backlog of criminal and civil cases and allow the current complement of locally appointed judges to focus on dealing with the current case load.

A more efficient and effective court system will strengthen the constitution and support the democratic development of Seychelles. It will also provide the people of Seychelles with greater access to justice, thereby improving perceptions of the judiciary. This will also extend to domestic and foreign investors whose increased confidence in an effective legal framework for trade will encourage the greater investment required to boost employment and economic growth.

Scope of Work

The project has already placed two judges in the Supreme Court of Seychelles for a period of three years each in order to reduce the backlog of cases and to build the capacity of the judiciary with regard to the hearing of commercial cases.

The project will also place a short term court administration expert for up to six months in order to review the existing court procedures and administrative rules and practices. It is expected that the short term court administration expert will deliver the following key output:

• Revised court procedures and administrative rules and practices developed and implemented.

Transfer of Expertise

The Commonwealth Secretariat attaches importance to the transfer of expertise and knowledge to counterparts.

The consultant will provide extensive training to court administration staff and will also produce manuals for reference in order to ensure sustainability of the assignment.

Implementation Arrangements

The consultant will be based at the Supreme Court of Seychelles while in Mahe. S/he will work closely with appropriate staff of the Supreme Court, including the Registrar, and will consult with and apprise the Chief Justice regularly in order to ensure that work is fully supported and in line with expectations. The consultant will also work closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat Advisers and CFTC experts (judges) in delivering this technical assistance.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Degree in Law or other relevant subject
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in court administration with particular expertise in use of electronic case management systems
• Experience in business process re-engineering and in implementing justice sector reforms
• Significant IT and training expertise
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Fluent English Speaker

Desirable

• Advanced degree in Law or other relevant subject
• Experience of working in a developing country in this field

Further Information

How to apply

Terms of Reference: Consultant, Court Administration - Male, Seychelles