The USAID Rule of Law Program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is designed to strengthen the rule of law in Georgia by building the independence and effectiveness of justice sector institutions, enhancing access to justice for all segments of society, and increasing citizen and institutional oversight of justice sector institutions. The Program seeks to hire a local expert to assist the Legal Aid Service (LAS) in revising anti-discrimination and sexual harassment policies.

Background

One of the objectives of the Rule of Law Program is to improve access to justice for all in Georgia, by working with the LAS, a state-funded largest legal aid provider in Georgia, and CSOs delivering free legal assistance to socially vulnerable groups. The LAS employs over 400 persons through its bureaus and consultation centers across Georgia. To ensure a safe and healthy working environment, the LAS needs to update the internal anti-discrimination (including anti-sexual harassment) policies in the workplace. The Program will support the LAS in this process and secure expert assistance in reviewing and revising anti-discrimination and sexual harassment policies. This input will ensure that the LAS’s policies/mechanisms are in line with the latest legislative changes and best practices.

Proposed Approach:

The Program seeks to hire a local expert to review and revise LAS’s anti-discrimination and sexual harassment policies to ensure the principle of equal treatment for the employees. The revised policies should also develop and clearly explain the mechanism: specific steps when a person applies to LAS about discriminatory treatment, and designated person/department. The expert will work closely with LAS to identify their needs in this regard and reflect them in the policies.

Timeline

The consultancy period will be November-December 2024.

The estimated level of effort will be up to 7 working days, including 1 day for working meetings with relevant representatives of the LAS, 5 days for working on reviewing and revising the policies, and 1 day for getting feedback and finalizing the policies.

Reporting

The Expert will work closely with the LAS, in close consultation with Mariam Gaiparashvili, Legal Aid Advisor, and report to Mariam Gaiparashvili, Legal Aid Advisor, and Giorgi Chkheidze, Chief of Party.

Deliverables

The Expert will provide the following deliverables: Review and revise LAS’s anti-discrimination and sexual harassment policies.

Requirement and Eligibility*

Qualifications and experience:

1. University degree in law or other relevant fields.
2. At least 5 years of professional experience in a relevant field. 
3. Experience in developing similar materials.
4. Familiarity with the work of the LAS.
5. Excellent communication and presentation skills.
6. Computer literacy (Internet, Microsoft Office programs, etc.).

To apply, potential candidate(s) need to present:

1. Cover Letter, addressing the criteria above.
2. CV, with a detailed list of qualifications.
3. Cost proposal, including the proposed gross daily rate in USD (expert honorarium only).

*Applications will be reviewed based on the above-provided Requirement and Eligibility criteria.

The Program retains the right to select any or none of the applications. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The application must be submitted in English. The application should be e-mailed to info.rolp@ewmi.org Please include the following text in the subject line: Expert to Assist LAS in Revising Anti-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policies

The deadline for application submissions is midnight, November 4, 2024 (Georgia time).