Աշխատանք և կարիերա

ԴՐՈւՅՔ : 

Short-Term

ԱՇԽԱՏԱՆՔԻ ՆԿԱՐԱԳԻՐ : 

The primary objective of the assignment is conducting 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, and making targeted recommendations to the SJC for:

(1) implementing additional standards to clarify the role of the written test in the appointment process,
(2) enhancing the quality of test questions,
(3) bringing more objective mechanisms into the grading process, and
(4) ensuring greater objectivity and transparency in the selection process, thereby enabling more well-reasoned appointment decisions.

Specific deliverables are outlined below. These are subject to be amended by USAID and/or the JSSP team during the assignment.

- Consolidated English version of the Assessment report with recommendations for improving judicial testing and selection.
- Consolidated English version of the Draft Action plan, for implanting recommendations.
- Presentation and other materials developed for the event/conference where the results of the Assessment will be presented to stakeholders (both in English and Armenian).
- Public Presentation of the Assessment Report, recommendations and draft action plan, participation in other discussions with the respective stakeholders, where necessary.

This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Party. Objective 2 Lead will serve as primary point of contact. The proposed level of effort for this assignment is up to 27 consultant/days. The authorized work week is five/six days per week and eight hours per day. The estimated period of assignment is from May 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024.

ՊԱՐՏԱԿԱՆՈւԹՅՈւՆՆԵՐ : 

In furtherance of this assignment, the Consultant will:
- Research International Standards and Best Practices: Conduct research on international standards and best practices from other countries in the field of testing and grading in the selection process of judges. Analyze these processes in-depth, focusing on their testing and grading methodologies. Compare and contrast these methodologies with the domestic system;
- Rapid Assessment of Domestic System: Conduct a rapid assessment of the domestic system of testing and grading in the selection process of judges. This includes reviewing relevant legislation, regulations, and policies. Assess how effectively the current framework aligns with international best practices and identified gaps;
- Stakeholder Feedback: Collect feedback from judges, judges' candidates, as well as other stakeholders.;
- Assessment Report: Develop an Assessment Report particularly emphasizing the gaps and problematic aspects of the existing mechanisms. The report should also include targeted recommendations to the SJC aimed at strengthening and improving the existing mechanisms (including legal amendments);
- Public Presentation and Discussions: Participate in the public presentation of the assessment report and/or discussions of the main findings with the respective stakeholders;
- Recommendations and Action Plan: Draft recommendations for improving judicial testing and selection, along with an action plan for implementing these recommendations. Base this on the conducted assessment and results of the discussions with relevant stakeholders;
- Develop Presentation Materials: Develop presentation and other event/conference materials (both in English and Armenian).

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 : 

Interested candidates should submit their applications by sending a detailed CV and a brief cover letter to: armeniajssp@armeniajssp.com. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2024, or until the position is filled. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To facilitate the process, the organization kindly requests 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 planning to work hand in hand with the SJC to (1) improve processes for testing, selecting, and evaluating judges, and (2) design and implement a strategic communications plan for the SJC that validates and addresses public concern.

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 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 potential bias.

To address these issues, JSSP will kickstart efforts by performing a rapid assessment of the current rules for testing and grading in the selection process, and making recommendations to the SJC for: (1) implementing additional standards to clarify the role of the written test in the appointment process, (2) enhancing the quality of test questions, (3) bringing more objective mechanisms into the grading process, and (4) ensuring greater objectivity and transparency in the selection process, thereby enabling more well-reasoned appointment decisions.