Consultancy services to produce the Universal Jurisdiction Annual Review 2025 At TRIAL International

Objectives and Goals

In the framework of the European Union project « Global Initiative Against Impunity: Making Justice Work », TRIAL International is looking for a consultant to research, coordinate and draft the 2025 edition of the Universal Jurisdiction Annual Review.

Scope of Work

In order to contribute to a better understanding of extraterritorial and universal jurisdiction and their implementation, TRIAL International publishes each year, since 2015, the Universal Jurisdiction Annual Review (UJAR), which is a unique compilation of extraterritorial and universal jurisdiction cases around the world. The UJAR is published in collaboration with the Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA), Civitas Maxima, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and REDRESS, referred below as “the partners”. TRIAL International seeks a consultant to research, coordinate and draft the 2025 edition of the UJAR.

Methodology and deliverables

The purposes of this contract are to:

• Research 2024 developments in universal and extraterritorial jurisdiction cases around the world;
• Draft the 2025 edition of the Universal Jurisdiction Annual Review (UJAR);
• Coordinate throughout the project the work of TRIAL International and its partners;

Results to be achieved by the consultant are:

• An online consultation and coordination meeting with the partners at the beginning of the project is co-organized by TRIAL International and the consultant;
• A work schedule is developed in consultation with TRIAL International and its partners;
• A list of extraterritorial and universal jurisdiction cases that were introduced, or have seen developments, in 2024 is established based on publicly available information, and finalized with inputs from TRIAL International and its partners;
• Cases that are not assigned to TRIAL International or the partners are researched based on publicly available information and written exchanges or interviews with relevant actors, and case sheets are drafted and finalized following TRIAL International review;
• Case sheets received from TRIAL International and the partners are reviewed and harmonized;
• A table with the key figures is established and most significant data is extracted;
• The content table and the table of cases are drafted and other sections of the report (methodology and acknowledgements, and who we are) are updated;
• The introductory article of the UJAR is drafted (min 2’000, max 2’500 words) in consultation with TRIAL International and its partners and finalized by integrating their inputs;
• Coordination among TRIAL International and its partners is provided throughout the project;
• Contribution to the conceptualization and organization of the launch event and, subject to organizational requirements, potential participation in the launch event.

Candidate profile

Professional and technical capacity of the tenderer

• Professional certificate appropriate to this contract, such as a master’s degree in international human rights law, international humanitarian law or international criminal law;
• At least 6 years of relevant experience, of which at least 4 in the international criminal justice sector;
• Extensive knowledge of extraterritorial and universal jurisdiction cases and legal frameworks;
• Experience in researching substantive and procedural aspects of international and national criminal law;
• Strong understanding of principles and procedures of criminal justice;
• Experience in report writing with prior publication experience;
• Experience in leading and coordinating a project having multiple partners;
• Full proficiency in English, including excellent English writing skills.

The quality of each technical offer will be evaluated in accordance with the selection criteria and the weighting further detailed in the evaluation grid of the tender dossier.