The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is seeking to recruit an experienced consultant with extensive knowledge on access to justice for persons with disabilities. The consultant is expected to conduct a desktop research study to ascertain the legal position and approach to the testimonial competence of persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities in the criminal justice systems in eleven Southern African countries.

The eleven Southern African countries are Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Zambia, Swaziland, Mozambique, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. In particular, the study will focus on judicial interpretations of existing legal provisions on competence to testify of witnesses with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities and their impact on the right to access justice enshrined in article 13 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The consultant is expected to present the research findings in a detailed research report.

Organisation:    Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
Job title:             Consultant
Duration:            2.5 Months
Contract type:    Individual consultant
Closing date:     3 September 2021 

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum requirements

• A master’s degree in International Human Rights Law, Disability Rights Law and Policy, Disability Studies, International Relations or related field
• In-depth knowledge of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• A strong understanding of the right of persons with disabilities to access justice on an equal basis with others
• Demonstrable understanding of the criminal procedure, particularly in relation to testimonial competence
• At least five years’ work experience on the rights of persons with disabilities
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent report writing skills
• Excellent command of the English language

Other desirable competencies

• Time management skills and ability to meet strict deadlines
• A proven record of research and/or publications on access to justice, human rights and related fields
• Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply 

Term of consultancy

The consultancy is for a term of two and a half months commencing on 15 September 2021 up to 29 October 2021.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to Paul Juma ([email protected]) copying Dianah Msipa ([email protected]):

• A cover letter summarising the applicant’s suitability for the assignment, with reference to the required and desirable qualifications, skills and experience set out above, as well as current contact information, and two contactable referees on previous assignments
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Writing sample (published or unpublished article or research paper)
• Technical proposal including a brief research plan setting out the main research questions, and methodology to be adopted; and
• Financial proposal indicating the consultant’s proposed fee for the assignment in ZAR.

The subject line of the email should be: ‘Application for consultancy on access to justice for persons with disabilities in Southern Africa’

The deadline for applications is Friday 3 September 2021.

Only complete applications will be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.