Trafficking in persons (TIP), especially women and children, in Nigeria, is intrinsically related to a number of factors. Predominant among these are poverty, large family size, lack of educational opportunities, lack of employment and low status of children and women. Other factors facilitating trafficking in persons include ignorance on the part of families and children of the risks involved in trafficking, the high demand for cheap and submissive child labour in the informal economic sector, the desire of youth for emancipation through migration, institutional lapses such as inadequate political commitment, and limited capacities among the law enforcement officers that impede traffickers and accomplices from being effectively investigated, prosecuted and punished for their acts.
Additional factors facilitating trafficking in persons in the country include porous borders, involvement of international organised crime groups or networks, limited capacity or commitment by immigration and law enforcement officers to control trafficking at the borders, and insufficient capacities to enforce existing legislation or mandate. Nigeria has demonstrated commitment to combating TIP, including by introducing improved policy and institutional measures.
In 2015, significant achievement was made in legislation with the Presidential assent to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 on March 26, 2015, which repealed the former Act and establishes the National Agency For The Prohibition Of Traffic In Persons (NAPTIP).
NAPTIP has wide-reaching and cross-cutting functions in addressing trafficking in persons, including prevention, awareness raising and sensitisation, victim/witness support and protection, investigation, prosecution, rehabilitation, and coordination of anti-trafficking efforts. Furthermore, NAPTIP, in its efforts to combat human trafficking, benefits from collaboration with other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Nigeria, whose Training Academies it has used to train a number of its own officials. The joint training conducted at these academies has further improved synergies between the Agencies.
Presently however, the instructors at these LEA Training Academies need to be enriched with deep knowledge of TIP and relevant skills and also there is need for a uniform curriculum on TIP to impart standardised knowledge and skills on TIP to the trainees.
Based on the foregoing, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is partnering with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in implementing the project ‘Support to the Fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Nigeria – NGAZ52’
The overall objective of the Project is to strengthen the criminal justice response to trafficking in persons in Nigeria. The project aims to achieve this by providing comprehensive capacity building sessions to NAPTIP investigators and prosecutors and creating a pool of master trainers among the investigators and prosecutors. The project will revise the current training curriculum and customised training tools developed for the Training Academies of the Law Enforcement Agencies, as well as provide specific training to 25 key instructors of the Training Academies on TIP.
The project envisages these trainings as a tool to enable better investigation and prosecution of TIP cases and actions to combat human trafficking. The project will contribute to and complement the EU funded project ‘Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria by Combating and Reducing Irregular Migration that occurs, inter alia, through TIP and SOM’. NODC West Africa Research Activities Final Report, p.8. The Report is the result of the research conducted within the framework of the UNODC project FS/RAF/01/R13 “Measures to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings in Benin, Nigeria and Togo”, which constitutes the first phase of RAF/R92.
Duties and Responsibilities
The consultancy is required to contribute to the overall success of the project through capacity-building for law enforcement officers, investigators and prosecutors that will result in the following outcomes:
- Enhanced skill and knowledge of investigators and prosecutors to continue training other officers;
- Enhanced capacity of instructors from Law Enforcement Academies to provide continuous and standardized training on TIP in their training academies.
- This training will benefit NAPTIP and key Law Enforcement Agencies’ academies that are front line responders on combating human trafficking (The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); the Nigeria Police Force (NPF); and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Security, Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigeria Customs Service).
- Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator TIP/SOM unit, with direct support from the National Project Officer – Victim Support, Rehabilitation and Grant, the consultant will perform the following specific tasks:
- Develop a 5-day training syllabus and lead the Training of Trainers (TOT) on adult training techniques for 25 investigators and prosecutors from NAPTIP; and
- Develop a 5-day training syllabus and lead the Training of Trainers (TOT) on adult training techniques for 25 instructors of Law Enforcement Academies.
- A detailed work plan of the activities to be undertaken with specific timelines, verifiable indicators, activities, outputs and outcomes as well as assumptions and risks;
- Training needs assessment instruments (questionnaires) developed for selected participants in both training;
- Training syllabus developed for the 2 TOT on adult training techniques;
- Training reports of the 2 TOT conducted; and
- Final consultancy report.
- Excellent group facilitation skills and experience;
- In depth knowlegde in training of Law Enforcement Officers;
- Strong awareness in the methodologies of training and staff development;
- Excellent oral ,written communication and reporting skills in English.
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Business Administration, Social Sciences or a related field.
- A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree with at least 10 years experience in the development of training materials for adult learning, and in training delivery.
- Experience of working in the field relating to training of Law Enforcement Officers;
- Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines;
- Excellent drafting skills;
- Experience gained from work for the United Nations and other international organizations is highly desirable.
- Strong skills in oral and written communication in English.
The ACJ Act was passed on 14th May 2015 and marks a milestone in the fight to cleanse the criminal justice system as it drastically addresses many challenges in the administration of criminal justice at the Federal level and in the FCT. The ACJ Act aims to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice, protection of society from crime, and the protection of the rights and interests of both the defendant and the victim. The Act promotes interagency cooperation, particularly through the establishment of the Administration ACJ Monitoring Committee which is a body consisting of the heads of criminal justice institutions with the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the ACJ Act.
Despite the passage of the Act, very little progress has been made towards ensuring the effective implementation of the same, limiting the impact of the Act. The project seeks to identify the legal, policy and operational implications of the ACJ Act to provide holistic insight into the necessary tangible and intangible structures which must be in place in order for particular aspects of the ACJ Act to be implemented.
Acknowledging the vital role of the Monitoring Committee which was inaugurated in March 2016 but which has not yet held its first meeting, the project aims to support the said Committee to monitor compliance of justice sector institutions with core provisions of the ACJ Act which target the speedy dispensation of justice and prison decongestion, namely:
- Time limits for remand under Sections 293-299 which provide that a suspect may be held on remand for a combined period of 28 days, after which the prosecution must show cause why suspect should not be unconditionally released;
- Time frame for summary trials under section 110 (4) which provides that a summary trial must commence within 30 days of bringing the charge, and completed within 180 days of arraignment on that charge; and
- Limits to number of adjournments under Section 396 which provides that each party to the proceeding is entitled to a maximum of 5 adjournments and the next adjourned date should be within 14 days of the hearing in which the adjournment was granted.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) therefore seeks to encourage the use of credible and empirical data by justice sector institutions to ensure the development of meaningfully targeted and sustainable policies for justice reform under the “Support to Justice Sector in Nigeria” Project as part of its broader interventions towards the justice sector policy development, ensuring access to justice and respect for human rights.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Consultant’s service is sought to produce a report on the legal, policy and operational implications of implementation of the ACJ Act and build the capacity of justice sector institutions to monitor, evaluate and manage the implementation of the ACJ Act as it relates to the Nigerian Prisons Service for the purposes of improved justice delivery, strengthened interagency cooperation among justice sector institutions, less congested prisons, improved respect for the human rights of the defendant and victim, better informed policy development towards justice sector reform and overall more efficient implementation of the ACJ Act.
Specific Tasks of the Assignment
Under the direct supervision and consultation with the Project Co-coordinator, relevant Project Staff directly responsible for this output the consultant shall perform the following substantive duties/responsibilities:
- Producing high quality research paper on policy, legal and operational implications of implementation of the ACJ Act as it relates to the Nigerian Prisons Service;
- Obtaining the buy-in of relevant officials for the development of Templates and training manuals required for the efficient collection, management and analysis of empirical data which can be used to monitor the implementation of the ACJ Act and develop targeted policies for management of prisoners records;
- Producing said training manuals and supporting templates;
- Facilitating training workshop for identified justice sector officials to support effective data collection, management and analysis towards monitoring compliance with/implementation of the ACJ Act.
- Produce a guideline and handbook on non-custodial options, remand and bail in line with ACJA for distribution to courts handling criminal cases and conduct training on same.
- Report on legal, operational and policy implications of the implementation of the ACJA with clear and concise recommendations for interventions in the short, medium and long term and including a review of the data management systems of Kuje Prison, identifying areas in need of upgrading and the capacity needs of identified justice sector officials to properly collect, manage, and analyse data for reporting to the Monitoring Committee;
- Develop Templates for remand proceedings for remand and administration of prisoner’s data and Produce 250 copies of training manuals on complying with remand provisions of the ACJ Act using the upgraded data management system, including developed templates to aid the efficient collection, management and analysis of data by relevant justice sector officials;
- Negotiate Signed Approved/Agreements with relevant justice sector officials on the use of the templates and training manuals developed under Outputs B;
- Develop guidelines on remand proceedings and handbook on remand /bail and non-custodial options under ACJA and Facilitate training workshops for relevant justice sector officials using the training manuals developed under Output B and D.
- The national expert will work closely with the Rule of Law Office of the Vice President under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator for a period of 40 working days spread over 6 months in accordance with timetable to follow.
- Excellent communication,facilitation and presentation skills in English;
- Strong organizational awareness,client orientation and government advisory skill on prisons reform;
- Strong awareness in the latest development on methodologies and capacity development methods on social research and human rights;
- Strong drafting and reporting skills in English.
Education:
- Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree) in law, criminology, criminal justice, prison studies, social sciences or other related field;
- A first level-University degree in related fields in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced University degree.
- Minimum of Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in the relevant area (Criminal Justice Sector Reforms, or work in the area of prison/judicial/police reform);
- Proven experience and knowledge of the Nigerian criminal justice system and at least two years’ experience of working on prison reform and restorative justice projects;
- Proven experience in the development of training manuals, handbooks, guidelines and policies and in presenting on relevant topics at high and mid-level conferences;
- Previous experience with the United Nations System, European Union funded projects or other international organizations would be an asset;
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.
- Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the United Nations Agency entrusted with the mandate to assist Member States in their efforts against corruption, illicit drugs, crime and terrorism.
- As part of its mandate, UNODC has been providing technical assistance in the area of justice sector reform globally and in Nigeria specifically for several years and has built up a knowledge base of successful practices in all the areas of crime prevention and criminal justice reform, including with a strong focus on sectoral approaches to such reforms.
- UNODC also has strong relationships with national and international counterparts in the region and the capacity to mobilise its global network for efficient delivery of its mandate.
- It is therefore well placed to assist the Government of Nigeria (GoN) to improve its justice system as a necessary means of enhancing good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
- The European Union (EU) and the GoN have entrusted to UNODC the responsibility to implement Project NGAV18 – “Support to the Justice Sector in Nigeria”.
- The project is currently being implemented at the Federal level and in ten (10) pilot States namely Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Imo, Osun, Katsina, Lagos and Yobe and the Federal Capital Territory.
- The project’s expected outcomes include supporting the efforts of the Nigerian Government to improve justice delivery through i) Effective coordination and cooperation among justice sector institutions, with improved legal and policy framework; ii) Enhanced operational structures and capabilities of officials in the sector and; ii) Increased access to justice and respect for human rights and the rule of law, especially for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. It will also improve mechanisms for accountability and engagement of civil society with justice institutions, thereby enhancing respect for human rights and public trust in the justice system.
- The consultancy is designed to ensure that UNODC has a pool of experts that can deliver good presentations, develop and advocate for the adoption and implementation of tools, laws and policies developed under the project as well as achieve better coordination and implementation of the project at the National and state level.
- The consultant will be expected to disseminate information on the project thus ensuring that awareness is created about the project, thus increasing the capacities and effectiveness of the reform teams, justice sector institutions/officials and the European Union funded interventions in the States justice sector.
Under the supervision of the Project coordinator and National Project Officer Coordination/Policy / Legislation and in direct consultation with the project team, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
- Develop Templates, Rules and tools for the effective implementation of ACJA provisions on probation, community service and service of processes and organize 5 workshops, roundtables on the items developed;
- Prepare and present background and substantive papers on topical issues as well as issues which are of interest to UNODC at 5 events including on Sentencing Guidelines, National prosecutors Policy guidelines and code of conduct, Administration of Criminal Justice ACT/Laws, Violence Against person Act/laws, Anti-torture Bill, Community Service bill and other such topics at both the National and State levels;
- Support the FJSRCC and State reform committees to advocate and pursue the state level adoption and implementation of laws and policies passed at national level such as the ACJA, VAAP Act, the Prosecutors policy, guidelines and code of conduct and sentencing guidelines at at least 6 events;
- Support the office of the advisor to the Vice president on rule of law to develop remand proceedings indicators for justice sector institutions and train relevant officials on use of the indicators;
- Facilitate UNODC workshops and activities necessary for drafting and technical support around laws and policies to be passed at the national and state levels including sentencing guidelines, Prosecutors policy, guidelines and code of conduct, ACJA), and advocate for their implementation;
- Support other project related activities as required.
- A draft Presentation on Sentencing Guidelines with a report detailing activities carried out in support of the project for the period in soft and bound hard copies;
- A draft presentation on the VAPPA Act with a report on support provided for State level adoption of the law in two States in Soft and bound hard copies;
- Protocols/Guidelines developed in support of the implementation of the ACJA and VAPPA Act in soft and bound hard copies of ( 2 Templates, 2 Guidelines) ;
- A draft Presentation on the National prosecutors Policy, Guidelines and Code of Conduct;
- A Final report containing the all the activities implemented/supported by the consultant as well as the support given to the project by the consultant.
- The contractor shall consult closely with the UNODC during all phases of the assignment, the consultant will report monthly by e-mail to UNODC on the status of works. This reporting obligation may be changed in consultation between UNODC and the contractor.
Indicators to evaluate the consultant’s performance are:
- Timely and accurate submission of the action plan with states priorities identified;
- Substantive and linguistic quality of the documents prepared;
- Timely submission of reports;
- Acceptance of all the required outputs by UNODC.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and presentation skills in English;
- Excellent expreience on issues affecting criminal justice system especially familiarity with reforms;
- Strong organizational awareness,client orientation and government advisory skills;
- Good drafting and reporting skills.
Education:
- An advanced Degree in Law, Criminology, Political or Social Science, Criminal Justice, International Relations, Public Administration, or related field;
- A first level-University degree in related fields in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced University degree.
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the Justice Sector especially familiarity with reforms;
- 10 years of experience of working in the relevant area (Justice Sector Reforms, legal or research work);
- Proven experience and knowledge of the Nigerian criminal justice system;
- Previous experience with the United Nations System, European Union funded projects or other international organisations would be an asset;
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.
- Languages Required: English
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