Project Judicial and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Specialist (Open to Internal and External Applicants)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Rule of Law Programme in Pakistan seeks a Project Judicial and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Specialist to provide technical leadership and advisory support for judicial reform, access to justice, and ADR initiatives. This role focuses on enhancing judicial capacity, case management, digital justice, mediation, and gender-responsive justice services across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory. The Specialist will collaborate closely with government counterparts, judicial institutions, bar associations, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered justice reforms aligned with national priorities.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide specialized technical leadership and advice on judicial reform, access to justice, and ADR interventions under the Rule of Law Programme.
- Lead the design, planning, and implementation of initiatives aimed at strengthening judicial institutions, judicial capacity development, case-flow management, judicial performance, and digital justice.
- Offer policy advice to justice-sector institutions on reform priorities, procedural improvements, and institutional development.
- Support judicial institutions in reviewing and enhancing policies, procedures, and operational frameworks to improve justice service efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness.
- Ensure judicial reforms incorporate gender-responsive, survivor-centered, and inclusive approaches, emphasizing women and vulnerable groups.
- Provide technical oversight for judicial capacity development, including curriculum modernization and professional development at provincial judicial academies.
- Support the development of training modules and learning materials on case management, gender-sensitive justice, ADR, and mediation.
- Guide High Courts and judicial institutions in strengthening case-flow management systems and court administration to reduce backlogs and improve efficiency.
- Lead technical support for mediation and ADR mechanisms, including court-annexed mediation and community dispute resolution, focusing on institutional strengthening and expansion.
- Promote accessible, inclusive, and gender-responsive ADR services and support capacity-building for judges, mediators, and legal professionals.
- Provide specialized advice on integrating gender equality, non-discrimination, and survivor-centered approaches into judicial and ADR policies, procedures, and service delivery.
- Facilitate institutional coordination and partnerships across judicial institutions, bar councils, ADR bodies, and government departments to enhance justice service delivery.
- Ensure technical quality assurance of judicial and ADR interventions, including reviewing proposals, reports, training materials, and monitoring programme results.
- Support knowledge management by capturing lessons learned, promising practices, and providing technical oversight for consultants and service providers.
- Perform other duties as required to support the efficient functioning of the Rule of Law Programme.

Required Qualifications

- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Judicial Studies, Governance, Criminology, Development Studies, or a closely related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience.
- Minimum of five years (with Master’s) or seven years (with Bachelor’s) of professional experience in judicial reform, access to justice, ADR, justice-sector governance, or related areas.
- Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office and web-based management systems.
- Fluency in English and Urdu is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Experience working with judicial institutions, courts, judicial academies, bar councils, ADR institutions, or other justice-sector stakeholders.
- Proven track record in providing technical advice and supporting institutional reforms, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives in the justice sector.
- Familiarity with judicial policies, SOPs, training curricula, and court-annexed mediation or community dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Knowledge of digital justice, e-Courts, virtual courts, and technology-enabled judicial administration is advantageous.
- Demonstrated expertise in gender-responsive, survivor-centered, and people-centered justice programming.
- Previous experience with UNDP, other UN agencies, or international organizations is an asset.
- Experience supporting institutional strengthening of judicial academies or professional training institutions.

UNDP is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The organization maintains a strict policy against harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. Multiple candidates may be selected from this vacancy, and applications may be retained for consideration for similar roles.