National Consultant to develop e-learning modules on victim-centered trauma-informed investigation and prosecution, IOM Moldova

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS   

Reference code:  SVN2024-37

Open to External Candidates

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

1. Nature of the consultancy: Development of e-learning modules on victim-centered trauma-informed investigation and prosecution for specialized anti-trafficking prosecutors of the Republic of Moldova

2. Project Context and Scope:

The project “Addressing Emerging Threats Related to Trafficking in Persons in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by the International Organization for Migration, Mission to the Republic of Moldova, aims to address the emerging threats posed by technology enabling trafficking in persons (TiP) and connected crimes in the Republic of Moldova. The project will specifically focus on strengthening the capacity of investigation and prosecution actors, as well as raising awareness of preventing organized crime, particularly using information and communication technologies (ICT).

The specialized anti-trafficking prosecutors are in need specialized capacity development support, which also takes into consideration the latest geopolitical shifts that lead to new or transformed risks and organized crime tactics. Building on the previously developed training curriculum for investigators and prosecutors on victim-centered trauma-informed TiP investigations, the current project focuses on the challenge of staff rotation within the GPO and specialized CT prosecutors.

In 2024, IOM commissioned and finalized a comprehensive study of 100 cases of human trafficking (TiP) and related cases based on the qualification assigned in the indictment in the pre-selected cases, to strengthen the capacities of the main anti-trafficking bodies, whenever a final court decision has been issued. The analysis aimed both to improve respect for the human rights of TiP victims, and serve as an additional tool for law enforcement and justice professionals. The specific objectives of the study were:

1.    Identifying the causes underlying a possible reclassification of trafficking cases to other crimes, such as pimping, organizing illegal migration, forced labour and illegal removal of children from the country.

2.    Examining the criteria used by law enforcement agencies and courts when referring trafficking and related cases to court, how law enforcement agencies and courts establish and interpret the means as an element of a TiP offense.

3.    Analysis of the complexity of cases from a criminological point of view, namely whether the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of organized crime groups, including through victimological analysis and trafficking networks.

4.    Determining the extent to which prosecuting bodies and courts respect the fundamental rights of trafficking victims (including the right to compensation), as well as the fundamental rights of accused persons in criminal proceedings.

5.    Identifying the problems encountered by law enforcement agencies in the procedures for the confiscation of illicit assets of traffickers.

6.    Identifying the element of corruption of TiP victims and state representatives as a factor that prevented the effective investigation and prosecution of human trafficking and related crimes.

7.    Determining the difficulties faced by criminal investigation bodies and courts in the context of adapting national legislation and practice to the requirements of international norms governing the criminalization, investigation, trial and sentencing of human trafficking and related crimes.

8.    Providing an empirical basis for the fundamental modification or development of a guide regarding the application of procedural legislation and/or the individualization of criminal punishments by the Supreme Court of Justice, as well as for the development of proposals for law modifications.

9.    Studying changes and identifying new forms of modus operandi of traffickers.

Based on the findings and recommendations of the afore-mentioned study, this consultancy will focus on developing modules of online courses (contents) on victim-centered trauma-informed investigation and prosecution techniques, while taking into consideration international standards. To ensure a comprehensive thematic scope for the modules incorporating both a prosecutor’s and a judge’s perspectives, IOM will hire two consultants to work collaboratively as a team.

After the e-training modules are developed, they are expected to be used by the project partners as a training curriculum to further develop the capacities of specialized anti-trafficking prosecutors from central and local level, police officers, judges and state-guaranteed lawyers focusing on victim-centered trauma-informed investigation and prosecution on the premises of the National Institute of Justice of the Republic of Moldova.

3. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:

Protection Unit of the IOM Moldova; PX.0418 - project “Addressing Emerging Threats Related to Trafficking in Persons in the Republic of Moldova”.

4. Category B Consultants: Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

• First deliverable – Produce a zero draft of e-learning modules on victim-centered trauma-informed investigation and prosecution for specialized anti-trafficking prosecutors on the National Institute of Justice platform - Deliverable by email by 28 February 2025
• Second Deliverable – Finalize the of e-learning modules on victim-centered trauma-informed investigation and prosecution based on the IOM feedback by email by 14 March 2025.

5. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

The performance of work will be evaluated based on the following indicators:

• Completion of tasks specified in ToR.
• Compliance with the established deadlines for submission of deliverables.
• Quality of work (consideration of international human rights standards, precision, comprehensiveness, accuracy).

6. Education, Experience and/or skills required

• University degree in the field of Law, Criminal Justice, or other relevant fields;
• At least, 8 years of practical experience in law enforcement, prosecution and/or criminal investigation fields;
• Hands-on experience in working with specific human trafficking and/or other human rights violation cases, in particular in the context of the Republic of Moldova;
• Fluency in Romanian, Russian and English.
• Proven experience of involvement in teaching activities;
• Experience of work with international organizations, in particular the UN Agencies, would be an asset.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills;
• High responsibility, self-motivation and self-management, efficiency and tendency to the achievement of result.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and sensitivity and respect for diversity.

7. Travel required

No travel required.

8. Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this special vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

A prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station and work permit, as applicable.

How to apply:

Interested applicants are invited to send CV and Cover Letter in English to: hrchisinau@iom.int

Please, indicate the position you are applying for and reference code in the subject line of your message.

Closing date for applications is 10 January 2025.

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts the applications duly completed.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Posting period:

From 27.12.2024 to 10.01.2025