Consultancy for the Development of Strategic Guidelines on Ensuring Diversity in Commonwealth Countries’ Judiciaries

Purpose of the assignment

The Consultant is expected to review and analyse the results of the survey, and develop a paper which will inform Law Ministers on current judicial diversity trends in Commonwealth countries and on challenges and opportunities. In developing the paper, the Consultant should take into account the Compendium and Analysis of Best Practice on the Appointment, Tenure and Removal of Judges under Commonwealth Principles, and design the paper as a complement to it.

The survey consists of quantitative and qualitative components addressing the representation of minority groups, as well as issues, challenges, opportunities and good practices in attaining and maintaining judicial diversity.

The analysis and recommendations will contribute to the Commonwealth Secretariat’s body of knowledge, and will be be presented to Law Ministers at their next meeting.  

Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant:

Under the guidance of the Rule of Law Section, Commonwealth Secretariat, the Consultant is required to prepare a report as outlined above. The report should:

1. provide a complete analysis of the survey results, including regional analysis and specific analysis for Small Commonwealth States;
2. examine the reasons behind the lack of representation of specific groups and identify areas of progress;
3. outline effective initiatives that have directly contributed to increasing diversity in the judiciary;
4. outline the main challenges to increasing diversity and propose potential solutions, based on examples from Commonwealth countries;
5. outline the benefits of a more representative judiciary and its impact on access to justice, based on examples from Commonwealth countries.
6. present recommendations to Law Ministers as to how to effectively measure and increase diversity in the judiciary.

Qualifications/expertise sought

• Degree in law;
• Minimum of 10 years of professional expertise in law, ideally with experience in multiple Commonwealth jurisdictions;
• Practical professional experience in provision of legal or policy advice, analysis and legal drafting, or academic publications;
• Excellent academic or practical knowledge of the judiciary;
• Experience of analysing data and statistics would be an asset;
• Experience of diversity and inclusion programmes would be an asset;
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines;
• Fluency in English required.

Administrative arrangements

The assigned tasks are to be performed on a part-time, remote basis over a contract period of 8 weeks.

The total budget payable under this contract will be up to £7,000 (including VAT and other charges). Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of work signed off by the Commonwealth Secretariat and within 30 days upon submission of the invoice.

Applicants should send a CV and a quote (including the number of consultancy days) to Ms Marie-Pierre Olivier, Legal Adviser, Rule of Law Section, at [email protected] before 17:00 BST on Tuesday 19 April 2022.

Evaluation will be based on competency and cost. Priority will be given to consultants that are Commonwealth citizens or entities registered in a Commonwealth country. The maximum rate payable in accordance with the Secretariat’s policy is £500 per consultancy day.

The cover letter should show how the consultancy would be carried out to meet the specific objectives set out in the TOR. It should include a short statement of the candidate’s relevant expertise and experience along with the total bid amount, inclusive of all taxes and charges. 

Closing date: 17:00 BST, 19 April 2022