CONSULTANT – COURT ANNEXED MEDIATION At American Bar Association

ABA ROLI is a non-profit organization that implements legal reform programs in roughly 50 countries around the world. ABA ROLI has nearly 500 professional staff working abroad and in its Washington, D.C. office. ABA ROLI’s host country partners include judges, lawyers, bar associations, law schools, court administrators, legislatures, ministries of justice, and a wide array of civil society organizations, including human rights groups.

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is seeking a local or international consultant (paid or pro bono) on Court-Annexed Mediation for the Department of Judicial Administration of the Republic of Maldives. Consultant should have a background in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and mediation, including administration of court-annexed ADR programs. The consultant’s responsibility will be to conduct a review of the current system of mediation/ADR in Civil Court and Family Court, and to write a concept paper for a new court-annexed mediation system for both courts, in consideration of the wider applicability in district courts and circuit courts when it is established. The position is initially expected to include approximately 30 working days over 2 months, with the possibility of extension. Travel to the Maldives may be included when the public health situation permits.

BACKGROUND

ABA ROLI works to advance rule of law in the Maldives in partnership with legal and justice sector institutions, providers of free and low-cost legal aid, and organizations engaged in advocacy for legal reform and civic education. ABA ROLI aims to strengthen the capacity and operations of justice sector institutions and assist them in implementing reforms that reflect internationally accepted good practices for the justice sector, creating strong, independent, inclusive, and transparent institutions. ABA ROLI seeks to provide technical assistance and expertise to create an effective, independent, and competent legal profession that will play a leading role in promoting and upholding the cause of justice now and in the future. Finally, ABA ROLI will work to increase the availability of free and low cost civil and criminal legal aid, make it easier for people needing legal assistance to find pro bono lawyers, and ensure that people know their rights and understand the legal system.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Working with Maldivian counterparts and ABA ROLI, the consultants/ roles may include the following:

• Reviewing the current system of mediation in Civil Court and Family Court
• Drafting a concept paper for a proposed mediation system in Civil Court and Family Court
• Conducting research and writing memoranda advising Maldivian institutions on relevant standards or good practices
• Drafting guides, manuals, or other materials
• Developing institutional systems, processes, or procedures
• Working embedded within a Maldivian institution or agency
• Other responsibilities as assigned

DURATION AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Consultant is expected to spend approximately 30 working days over 2 months supporting the program during 2021 and 2022. Consultants will support ABA ROLI and Department of Judicial Administration by performing the following functions:

• Conduct a review of the current system of mediation in Civil Court and Family Court and draft a concept paper for a new mediation system. The paper should include a:
• Review of the current ADR/mediation system in the Family Court and develop a concept paper for a proposed mediation system. The paper should propose a way to reflect the proposed court structure and the applicability of a uniform mediation system across all courts of Maldives, including Magistrate courts.
• Review of the current ADR/mediation system in the Civil Court and develop a concept paper for a new court annexed mediation system. The paper should propose a way to reflect the proposed new court structure and the applicability of a uniform court annexed mediation system in the district courts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree either in social sciences, international development, human rights law, gender studies, or other relevant fields
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours
• Highly organized, with ability to multi-task and remain calm under time pressure
• Prior experience working in a multi-cultural environment
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively individually and as a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to use discretion when working with confidential documents and information
• Interest in and commitment to the rule of law