Consultancy: Assessment of Gender Responsiveness of Domestic and International Accountability Mechanisms in Myanmar

Type of Contract: Consultancy

Location: Myanmar

Duration of Contract: 6 months

Commencement of the Contract: 1 November 2020

End of the Contract: 30 April 2021

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) is seeking qualified applicants to conduct a gender analysis of international and domestic accountability mechanisms for its Myanmar Accountability Project from to 1 November 2020 to 30 April 2021. The Consultant will be required to undertake desk and field-based research, draft written assessment/s for publication, and participate in related ICJ advocacy at the domestic and international level.

OVERVIEW OF THE ICJ

Composed of 60 eminent judges and lawyers from all regions of the world, the ICJ promotes and protects human rights through the rule of law, by using its unique legal expertise to develop and strengthen national and international justice systems. Established in 1952 and active on the five continents, the ICJ works towards the progressive development and effective implementation of international human rights and international humanitarian law; secure the realisation of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights; safeguard the separation of powers; and guarantee the independence of the judiciary and legal profession.

In 2007, the ICJ established a regional office in Bangkok, Thailand, with the aim to strengthen the capacity of legal communities in the ASEAN region to apply international human rights standards in combating impunity and reaffirming the rule of law. In 2013, the Asia Regional Office established an office in Myanmar to advance the promotion and protection of human rights in line with international law and standards.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The project aims to address the gaps and challenges caused by the current lack of effective accountability for gross human rights violations committed Myanmar, thereby making a lasting contribution to peace and security efforts. The project adopts a dual strategy of conducting legal analysis and advocacy on key accountability and human rights issues while simultaneously conducting principled engagement, capacity development and technical support with justice sector duty bearers. Among other things, support is provided to activists and victims’ groups to understand and utilize international human rights law and to advocate for the fulfillment of human rights protections necessary to hold perpetrators accountable, strengthen peace and improve the rule of law, while ensuring that advocacy efforts are victim-centred, gender sensitive, and grounded in sound legal analysis.

OVERVIEW OF THE CONSULTANCY

The consultant will conduct an in-depth assessment of the extent to which key accountability mechanisms related to Myanmar adopt a gender-sensitive and inclusive approach in the conduct of their mandates, including: at the international level, the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice, the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), the Independent and the International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFM); and at the domestic level, the Independent Commission of Enquiry and any other domestic inquiries and criminal proceedings. The assessment should include a review of both the substantive and procedural aspects of the mechanisms’ work. The assessment should result in actionable recommendations to ensure that the experiences and needs of all persons affected by conflict-related sexual violence including women, men, boys, girls and other gender identities are more effectively addressed within accountability mechanisms, that such mechanisms adopt a gender-sensitive lens when addressing gross human rights violations, and that the voices of women in particular, as actors in the peace process and key stakeholders in human rights reform, are heard.

The assessment will be carried out using a combination of desk-based and field research, and may require travel to The Hague (Netherlands), Geneva (Switzerland) and multiple locations in Myanmar (COVID-19 related restrictions permitting). The assessment will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will cover international mechanisms and result in an interim report to be published and disseminated by the ICJ. The second phase will cover domestic mechanisms and result in a final report, to be published and disseminated by the ICJ. The final report will be launched at in-person or online events, targeting domestic and international stakeholders.

Implementation of the Consultancy:

• Undertake desk-based research and conduct a preliminary assessment of the gender responsiveness of international and domestic accountability institutions;
• Undertake field research, including by identifying interviewees, developing interview questions and conducting interviews (remotely or in-person, as necessary);
• Produce first drafts of the interim and final reports for internal review;
• Based on feedback provided in the internal review, produce final drafts of the interim and then final reports;
• Work with the ICJ project team to develop the concept for the launch of the report/s, including by identifying participants and the target audience;
• Participate in in-person or online event/s launching the report;
• Identify lessons learned and assess outcomes of the report, as well as strategies to follow-up the recommendations contained in the report.

Deliverables:

• Submission of a concept note outlining the research plan, scope and methodology for the interim and final reports, including guidance on how to approach the research targets, by 1 December 2020 or within one month of signing of the consultancy agreement;
• Submission of an outline of the report by 20 December 2020;
• Completion of the interim report by 28 February 2021 and final report by 30 April 2021;
• Drafts of advocacy related materials, including a press release for the report and concept note for the report launch;
• Participation in the launch of the report;
• Produce a short outcome report, identifying any lessons learned and next steps.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful consultant/s will have:

• A degree in law;
• At least ten years cumulative experience working on international criminal justice and gender issues;
• Experience conducting assessments of criminal justice and human rights institutions and their compliance with international law and standards;
• Strong knowledge of international law and standards governing the investigation and prosecution of conflict-related crimes, including sexual violence crimes;
• Experience conducting field research and key informant interviews;
• Relevant professional experience in Myanmar; and
• Strong English language competency is essential.

The ICJ is an equal opportunities employer.

BUDGET GUIDELINES

The projected budget for the consultancy should not exceed US$21,000. This amount includes the consultant’s daily rate, incidental expenses such as communication and basic office supplies. Cost efficiency will be a consideration in the selection process. The ICJ will separately cover the transport and accommodation costs of required travel for the implementation of activities if travel is possible, as well as reasonable translation/ interpretation costs.

Please note that payment in full will not be made until the submission of the final consultancy report and project deliverables have been verified as meeting the ICJ’s expectations.