Աշխատանք և կարիերա

ԱՇԽԱՏԱՆՔԻ ՆԿԱՐԱԳԻՐ : 

The primary objective of the assignment is to conduct a rapid assessment of the current rules of the Judicial Code and sub legislative acts (including SJC decisions) for testing and grading in the selection process of judges. This role will support an international consultant (lead consultant), who will make targeted recommendations for reform.

The deliverables outlined below are subject to be amended by USAID and/or the JSSP team during the assignment. All deliverables must be submitted in English unless otherwise noted.
1. Stakeholder workshop presentation materials (Armenian)
2. Input to Rapid Assessment of Armenian system for judicial testing and selection and final recommendations and action plan (by lead consultant)

This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Party. The designated activity lead will serve as primary point of contact. The proposed level of effort for this assignment is up to 10 consultant/days. The authorized work week is five days per week and eight hours per day. The estimated period of assignment is from May 15 to July 31, 2024. The place of performance is Yerevan, Armenia.

ՊԱՐՏԱԿԱՆՈւԹՅՈւՆՆԵՐ : 

In furtherance of this assignment, the Consultant will:
- Rapid Assessment of Domestic System: Identify documents needed for lead consultant to conduct a rapid assessment of the domestic system of testing and grading in the selection process of judges, including relevant legislation, regulations, and policies. Orient lead consultant on the Armenian system and practice. Review and provide feedback on lead consultant’s draft rapid assessment as requested;
- Stakeholder Feedback: Conduct preliminary meetings and arrange for onsite meetings for the lead consultant to collect feedback from judges, judge candidates, and other stakeholders;
- Assessment Report: Review and provide feedback on lead consultant’s draft assessment report, emphasizing the gaps and problematic aspects of the existing mechanisms. The report will also include targeted recommendations to the SJC aimed at strengthening and improving the existing mechanisms (including legal amendments);
- Presentation and Discussion: Support the development of presentation materials and handouts for a stakeholder workshop. Review Armenian translated version of materials for accuracy. Participate in the presentation of the assessment report and/or discussions of the main findings (e.g., participate as a panelist);
- Recommendations and Action Plan: Review and provide feedback on lead consultant’s final recommendations to improve judicial testing and selection, along with an action plan for implementing these recommendations.

ԱՆՀՐԱԺԵՇՏ ՈՐԱԿԱՎՈՐՈՒՄՆԵՐ : 

.
Language:
- Fluency in Armenian;
- Strong English language skills (written and spoken).

Education:
- Master’s degree in Law (Ph.D is preferred).

Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in judicial reform or justice sector development;
- Familiarity with the structure and functioning of the judiciary in the Republic of Armenia, and very good knowledge of related legal frameworks in force currently;
- Experience with legal research and drafting (required);
- Familiarity with international best practices in judicial testing and selection (preferred);
- Previous work experience in the field of judicial testing and selection (preferred).

Other:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Ability to work independently;
- Strong writing and editing skills.

ԴԻՄԵԼՈւ ԿԱՐԳԸ : 

Prospective candidates who are interested in the position should
submit their applications by sending a detailed CV and a brief cover letter to: armeniajssp@armeniajssp.com. The deadline for applications is 7 June 2024, or until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. To facilitate the process, we kindly request applicants to refrain from making phone calls.

Խնդրում ենք Ձեր նամակում հստակ նշել, որ այս աշխատանքի հնարավորության մասին տեղեկացել եք Կարիերայի կենտրոնի վեբ-կայքից և նշեք կայքի հղումը՝ www.careercenter.am։ Շնորհակալություն.

ՈՎ ԿԱՐՈՂ Է ԴԻՄԵԼ : 

Only Armenian citizens are eligible for this position.

ԾՐԱԳՐԻ ՄԱՍԻՆ : 

The USAID Project on Justice Sector Support in Armenia (JSSP) supports the Government of Armenia to establish a fair and equitable justice system and increase public confidence in the rule of law. JSSP works with multiple justice sector institutions to: (1) establish effective and efficient court administration and case management systems; (2) support self-regulatory institutional capacity development for judicial institutions; (3) improve legal and professional education; and (4) facilitate implementation of justice sector reform through collaborative action.

USAID’s Integrity Systems and Rule of Law Assessment (July 2019) revealed gaps in SJC procedures and capacity to conduct fair judicial candidate selection, performance evaluation, and discipline. Addressing these and other shortcomings is critical to reducing flashpoints for corrupt practice, fostering greater accountability, and instilling greater public confidence. Objective 2 aims to ensure fair judicial candidate selection, performance evaluation, and discipline, as well as build the capacity for the judiciary’s effective internal (judicial actors) and external (public) communications. Accordingly, and on parallel tracks, JSSP works with the SJC to (1) improve processes for testing, selecting, and evaluating judges, and (2) design and implement a strategic communications plan.

Under Armenia’s judicial selection process, successful candidates must pass initial written and oral exams to become a judge trainee, followed by induction training at the Justice Academy (JA) and an internship in the courts prior to formal appointment. One of the main criticisms of this process, both nationally and internationally, is that it is unclear how the initial written and oral tests are graded. Although rules are in place, scoring is widely perceived as too subjective and susceptible to bias.

To address these issues, JSSP will perform a rapid assessment of the current rules for testing and grading in the selection process, and make recommendations to the SJC to: (1) implement additional standards to clarify the role of the written test in the appointment process, (2) enhance the quality of test questions, (3) introduce more objective mechanisms into the grading process, and (4) ensure greater objectivity and transparency in the selection process, thereby enabling more well-reasoned appointment decisions.