Consultant (Verification of Budget support indicator)

Organizational Context and Scope:

The EU has been a key player in the justice sector for the last 12 years. The European Commission acting on behalf of the European Union and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan signed agreement to finance the

budget support action “European Union support to the rule of law in Jordan” at the end of 2022. This action is financed by the EU budget under the neighborhood development and international cooperation instrument – Global Europe. The Overall Objective of the action is to consolidate the Rule of Law and access to justice for all in Jordan. The Specific Objective of this action is to improve performance, quality, accountability and transparency of the criminal justice system, in line with international legal standards, gender responsive and rights-based approaches. The key beneficiaries are the Ministry of Justice, Judicial Council, Judicial Institute, and the Public Security Directorate.

This action is composed of two components: a) the Budget support component, and b) a complementary support component. The complementary support component is implemented through two projects implemented by IOM and GIZ.

The exchange of letters (addendum No1) was finalized in July 2023 in order to update the appendix describing the indicators to be achieved and the Sources of Verification and Indicators (SOVIs). Compared to the previous Budget Support phase the indicators are very much simplified and decreased. Accordingly, there are only a maximum of seven indicators per annum to be verified, including: the review of the criminal procedure code (indicator 3), the issuance of alternative sanctions/measures to pre-trial detention (indicator 6) and the provision of legal aid services (indicator 7).

The complementary support component is implemented through two projects: a) The project “Technical Assistance to support the Rule of Law in Jordan” – implemented by GIZ provides technical assistance to support the beneficiary institutions (Public Security Directorate, Ministry of Justice, Judicial Council, and Judicial Institute) in achieving the pre-defined Budget Support Indicators outlined in the Financing Agreement; and b) The project “Support to Access to Justice in Jordan” project implemented by IOM, focuses on enhancing the functionality and expanding the scope of the public legal aid system, developing the alternatives to custodial sanctions an improving transparency.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Study and proofread all relevant documents, including report/s’ narrative section and compare submitted draft report/s, and assess the compliance with the EU reporting formats for disbursement. Templates and guidelines will be provided by the EUD.
• This contributes to creating better internal coordination, cooperation, data collection and reporting system by delivering training to build the beneficiaries capacities for future monitoring and reporting.
• Liaise with the Program manager of the European Union Delegation in Amman, working closely to provide support as per this TOR.
• Liaise directly with the beneficiaries and key stakeholders of the Budget support action (Ministry of Justice, Judicial Council, Judicial Institute, Public Security Directorate, MOPIC) keeping the IOM informed.
• Conduct a final debriefing and discussion before submission of a final report.

The success of the assignment is based on the assumption that all relevant stakeholders will fully cooperate with the consultant and be ready to absorb all new information, system, learn and use effectively the new method.

Outputs of the work assignment

The primary deliverables are:

1. Workplan.
2. Training sessions conducted as per the workplan outlined in the inception phase.
3. A final report containing at least: i) detailed description of tasks carried out in line with this TOR and ii) discussion and conclusions of analyses to support the verification: and 2)

The expected stages for the consultancy are listed below:

Stage 1. Inception phase (3 days):

• A working session with the EUD Programme Manager, who will provide necessary documents, templates and guidelines.
  • Desk review: Read, analyze and understand the EU BS documents and the variable tranche indicators fir the EU Financing Agreement: EU Support to the Rule of Law in Jordan NDICI-GEO NEAR/2021/43397 and NDICI-GEO-NEAR/202143394.
  • Examine, analyze and use in day-to-day work of the assignment the: the Annex I-A Technical Administrative Procedures for the NDICI-GEO NEAR/2021/43397 and the Annex I-B Technical Administrative Procedures for the NDICI-GEO NEAR/2021/43397.
  • Examine and analyze more specifically the highly relevant key document for the assignment: No 1: Appendix to the Annexes I-A and I-B for Budget Support: Disbursement arrangements, Conditions and Performance Indicators.
  • Examine and analyze the two disbursement requests so far administered (Request for payment 8 M EUR fix tranche and 8 M EUR 1st Variable Tranche payment).
  • Drafting workplan and timeline for the consultancy.

Stage 2. Capacity building (8 days):

• Provision of support to each key beneficiaries (MoJ, JC, JI and PSD) to better understand the BS data collection, reporting and verification system (identify weaknesses, suggest solution to enhance quality reporting via individual meetings) (4 days).
  • Provision of specific training to each key beneficiaries (MoJ, JC, JI and PSD) or a joint workshop regarding the principle of EU BS reporting; what information needs to be collected, reported systematically / periodically,
• analyzed, and compiled in line with the EU reporting templates (up to 4 days).
• The timing to conduct the training will be set at the inception phase after the meeting with the PM and reflected in the workplan.
• Stage 3. Support to compliance verification (9 days):
• Provision of support to the EUD Programme Manager by conducting a pre-verification of BS variable tranche reporting quality.
  • Quality control of each key institution reports regarding content and English language (proof reading and correction) to ensure that the submitted reports are in line with the EU reporting templates, the content covering all required subjects and its content are good quality and English language.
  • Verify the fulfilment of the conditions (e.g. general and specific conditions) and attainment of each key indicators.
  • Ensure and pre-verify that the supporting documents for each key indicator and other conditions (e.g. General Conditions, Specific C) are allowing an easy and convincing verification of results achieved.
  • Liaise and advise key beneficiaries regarding their BS reporting exercise and organize institutional consultation meeting/s with them if needed.
  • Draft a short final report of technical assistance (1 day).
• Expected stages and period of implementation / Location: Amman, Jordan
• Stage 1. Inception phase, 3 working days, January 2025
• Stage 2. Capacity building, 8 working days, February/April as per workplan
• Stage 3. Support to compliance verification, 9 working days, March/April 2025

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results and payment schedule:

1.AmountPercentage, 20% of total contract value:

Expected OutputsDeliverables,

Upon completion of inception phase, delivery and approval by IOM of the consultant’s workplan and timeline

2. AmountPercentage, 40% of total contract value:

Expected OutputsDeliverables,

Upon successfully completing the capacity building set in the workplan approved

3. AmountPercentage, 40% of total contract value

Expected OutputsDeliverables,

Upon delivery of final report approved by IOM

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Minimum Qualification and Experience

1. Education
   • A university degree in social science, economy, law, engineering, or any relevant degree Planning.

• Postgraduate university degree on Public Policy, Governance, or Public Administration is a very strong asset.

1. Experience

• At least 4 years’ experience at/with government institutions/bodies, preferably in the judiciary and / or Law Enforcement sector.
• Previous experience with EU Projects and EU aid delivery methods in similar assignments.
• Evaluation and monitoring of EU Projects and Programmes is an advantage.
• Knowledge and expertise with Budget Support principle (reporting and evaluation) is a strong asset.

Specific professional experience

• Demonstrated ability to deliver results in limited time is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work at a strategic as well as programmatic level is an asset.
  • EU Aid delivery PCM (Project Cycle management) knowledge and expertise.
  • Previous experience with preparation of (Pre) Feasibility Study, needs assessment, EU Program / Project Proposals (action Document) is a strong asset.
  • Experience of Budget Support operation and or similar EU project monitoring, evaluation and reporting experience in Jordan is a strong asset.

Language requirements:

Knowledge of good English and Arabic language is a requirement.

Required Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

VALUES – All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintain 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.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

CORE COMPETENCIES – Behavioral 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
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
• responsibility for own actions and delegated work.

Other:

• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this Call for Application is subject to funding confirmation.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for an appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. In addition to a clearance from the local government “Court Clearance”.