Overview & Responsibilities

The International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), in collaboration with consortium partners, is implementing the Damal Programme, “Strengthening the Social Contract through Access to Justice”, funded by the Government of the Netherlands. The programme is implemented in Somaliland and aims to promote a modernised, inclusive, and community-responsive justice system, including the establishment and operationalisation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centres.

The overall goal of the programme is to contribute to an enhanced social contract between the people and justice providers by increasing the legitimacy of justice institutions. This is pursued through three intermediate outcomes:

Improved access to ADR mechanisms and referral pathways, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Strengthened access to formal justice for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and other vulnerable groups through holistic support.
Enhanced citizen participation in accountability processes related to justice and security service delivery.

Each ADR Centre is mandated to facilitate community-based dispute resolution, promote customary justice practices aligned with human rights standards, and connect communities with broader justice services. These Centres aim to improve access to justice for women, youth, and marginalised communities.

IDLO seeks a Strategic Planning Advisor to provide expert support for the Damal programme. The Advisor will lead a technical assessment and strategic revision of the existing MoJ ADR Centres Sustainability Strategy. This role will involve close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and key stakeholders to assess the current strategy plan, identify key strengths and weaknesses, and establish actionable steps for future success.

Under the direct supervision of the IDLO Programme Manager and in close coordination with consortium partners, ADR Centre staff, and MoJ counterparts, the consultant will undertake a technical and operational revision of the existing MOJ ADR Centres Sustainability Strategy and its accompanying Implementation Plan. The review and revision will examine the realism, feasibility, institutional alignment, and financial sustainability of the proposed approach, with particular attention to whether the current model can transition effectively from externally supported operations toward a nationally owned and institutionally embedded system. This includes analysing the adequacy of planning assumptions, resource projections, and operational arrangements that underpin the sustainability framework.

In addition, the assignment will identify key gaps, risks, and implementation constraints that may hinder long-term sustainability and institutionalisation of the ADR Centres. Based on these findings, the Advisor will provide practical, actionable, and context-appropriate recommendations to strengthen the strategy and ensure it is operationally viable and financially sustainable. The final output will be a refined, coherent, and implementation-ready Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan that can guide the MOJ and partners in transitioning toward a fully institutionalised ADR system.

Objectives

The Advisor will revise and strengthen the current Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan and assess sustainability across institutional, financial, operational, and governance dimensions. This includes evaluating the transition pathway from a donor-supported model toward an MOJ-owned and managed ADR system, and strengthening the Implementation Framework, Results Matrix, and Action Plan to ensure clarity, coherence, and operational practicality. The assessment will also identify viable financing mechanisms and domestic resource mobilisation pathways to support long-term sustainability.

Furthermore, the Advisor will ensure that the revised strategy is fully aligned with the MOJ institutional framework, national justice sector priorities, and government budgeting and planning systems. The work will be guided by the broader sustainability vision of the Damal Programme, ensuring that the ADR Centres are progressively institutionalised within government structures, supported by realistic financing arrangements, and capable of delivering accessible and sustainable justice services over the long term.

Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:

Inception Report: Understanding of assignment, methodology, workplan
Strategy Review Report: Detailed technical assessment and gap analysis
Revised Sustainability Strategy: Strengthened and refined strategy
Updated Implementation Plan: Practical, sequenced, and results-based
Financing & Transition Framework: Realistic sustainability and domestic financing pathway
Final Report: Consolidated strategy, implementation plan, and recommendations.

Job Requirements

Education and Professional Experience

Advanced degree in Law, International Development, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Minimum 10 years of professional experience in justice programming, including development and implementation of sustainability plans and policies.
Experience working in complex, decentralised, or conflict-affected environments, preferably in the Horn of Africa.
Familiarity with data management systems, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge-sharing tools.

Languages

Outstanding written and verbal skills in English.

Specific knowledge, skills, and competencies

Extensive experience and knowledge in strategic planning, development, and implementation of strategy plans.
In-depth knowledge of justice systems in Somaliland, including both formal and informal justice dynamics.
Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing data collection and reporting tools for justice or protection programming.
Proven experience in conducting stakeholder consultation meetings, validation sessions, concept notes, reports, policies, and strategic plans.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Terms & Conditions

The consultant will be engaged under a lump-sum contract that covers all applicable costs, including travel, accommodation, and a daily subsistence allowance (DSA). Payment will be made in tranches based on the completion of deliverables as per the agreed schedule. The consultancy assignment will last 45 working days over 2 months and will be based in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant may be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

Application deadline: 9 March 2026 (23:59hrs Rome Time).

International Development Law Organization

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