CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Consultant - Expert Police Trainer- Violence Against Women (VAW), Iraq

Consultant - Expert Police Trainer- Violence Against Women (VAW)
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Closing date: 30 Sep 2010
Location: Iraq

Introduction
Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.theIRC.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. The organization addresses both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies. IRC first operated in Iraq from 2003 to 2005 and then returned in 2008 to launch a new long-term regional operation based in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Background
Violence against women (VAW) is a grave problem in Iraq. 63.9% of women surveyed by Women for Women International report that violence against women has been increasing since 2004. Approximately 1,270 “honor crimes” were reported in Iraq between 2004 and May 2008, of which 980 occurred in Iraqi Kurdistan. Given the risks in reporting VAW incidents, the actual number is likely far higher.

In response to this crisis, the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) requested that IRC provide technical support to its newly established Directorate for Following Up on Violence Against Women (DFVAW) within the Ministry of State for the Interior (MoI). IRC quickly deployed an Emergency Gender-based Violence (GBV) Coordinator to assist the government and local NGOs in improving emergency response and protection for women and girls. IRC's findings are that first responders within the MoI Directorate lack the experience and knowledge to respond to survivors according to international standards. The response systems in place are not survivor-centered and often reinforce the power differences at the root of violence against women. Compounding the problem is severe dearth of services for women and girls at immediate risk or who are survivors of VAW to meet their range of needs.

Scope of Work
IRC intends to consolidate its partnership with the MoI in the three northern governorates of Erbil, Dahuk, and Suleimaniyah. Following several trainings on first response and investigation in cases of VAW, the IRC seeks a police training expert with extensive specialised experience in building capacity of police and other law-enforcement entities to respond to VAW. S/he will work closely to identify the specific needs of the different police units responding to crimes of VAWG, and tailor trainings to satisfy these needs.

Essential Job Functions
1. Assess gaps and needs
Establish contact with the MoI, the emergency police, the homicide investigation units and any other relevant police unit in the KRG
Conduct a brief needs assessment together with these units to better understand the gaps in knowledge, policies and implementation when responding to crimes of VAWG.
2. Train police officers
Set up training plan for the various units involved according to identified needs.
Conduct at least two trainings during the length of the contract.
Set-up follow-up mechanisms to these trainings including practical exercises that the WHP team can work on in the following months.
3. Coordination
Meet with other organisations/entities working on RoL and police training (RRT, crime lab, UNDP)
Ensure activities the IRC is undertaking do not duplicate previous or ongoing activities.
4. Build capacity of the new WHP staff:
Work with the WHP lawyer and DFVAW officer to brief them on police structures and operational procedures.
Establish clear guidelines and outputs as to follow-up needed from them in the following six months.

Expected Outcomes:
Needs assessment completed for at least two police units responding to crimes of VAWG
2 trainings conducted based on the needs assessment.
Clear guidelines and plan for follow-up for the lawyer and DFVAW officer with the police and trainees.
Consultancy report detailing findings of needs assessment, trainings conducted and meetings held.

Qualifications:
Formal police training and experience required
Bachelors degree in law, human rights, or related field desirable.
3-5 years professional experience in police investigation of cases of violence against women and girls.
1-2 years experience working in humanitarian settings preferred.
Proven ability to apply a gender and human rights framework to legal protection.
Demonstrated experience in training and capacity-building for civil servants or government.
Ability to work and travel in insecure environments.
Excellent cross-cultural communication skills.
Experience in the region or with similar cultures valuable.
Knowledge of Arabic or Kurdish an asset.

Length of assignment: 25 working days in-country with possible follow-on contract in the first half of 2011.
How to apply
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=6434
Reference Code: RW_89HMKA-90