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 Judicial and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Specialist to support judicial reform, access to justice, and ADR initiatives. The Programme focuses on strengthening rule of law and ensuring equitable access to justice and security services, particularly for women and marginalized groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory. Working closely with government institutions, judiciary, bar associations, and civil society, the Specialist will provide technical leadership and advisory support to enhance judicial capacity, case management, digital justice, mediation, and gender-responsive justice reforms. This role contributes to sustainable peace and stability by promoting inclusive, people-centered justice aligned with national priorities.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide specialized technical leadership and advice on judicial reform and access to justice: Lead the design and implementation of judicial reform interventions, support policy development, and promote gender-responsive, inclusive justice services. Advise justice-sector institutions on improving efficiency, accessibility, and fairness.

- Oversee judicial capacity development, case-flow management, and judicial performance: Guide judicial academies on curriculum modernization, develop training materials on case management and ADR, and support High Courts in operationalizing case-flow systems. Promote evidence-based reforms to reduce case backlogs and enhance court administration.

- Lead technical support for mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Provide expertise in court-annexed mediation and community dispute resolution mechanisms. Assess and strengthen ADR institutions, support capacity building for judges, mediators, and lawyers, and ensure ADR services are accessible, inclusive, and gender-responsive.

- Advance gender-responsive judicial reform and survivor-centred justice: Integrate gender equality and survivor-centred approaches into judicial policies, procedures, and service delivery. Support development of gender-sensitive SOPs, referral frameworks, and training initiatives. Promote women’s participation and leadership within the judiciary and ADR institutions.

- Strengthen institutional coordination and partnerships: Maintain effective relationships with judiciary, bar councils, ADR bodies, government departments, and justice-sector stakeholders. Facilitate policy dialogue and coordination to improve justice service delivery and cross-sectoral case management.

- Ensure technical quality assurance, knowledge management, and results-based implementation: Review technical documents and deliverables to maintain quality and alignment with programme goals. Monitor programme results, capture lessons learned, and oversee consultants and service providers.

- Perform other duties as required to support the efficient functioning of the Office and Organization.

Required Qualifications

- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Judicial Studies, Governance, Criminology, Development Studies, or related fields. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of relevant experience may be considered.

- 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 required.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

- Experience working with judicial institutions, courts, judicial academies, bar associations, or ADR bodies.

- Proven ability to provide technical advice on 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.

- Demonstrated expertise in gender-responsive, survivor-centred justice programming addressing barriers faced by women and vulnerable groups.

- Previous experience with UNDP, UN agencies, or international organizations is an advantage.

- Experience supporting judicial academies or professional training institutions is desirable.

UNDP is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Selected candidates will adhere to UNDP’s standards against harassment and abuse. Multiple candidates may be selected from this vacancy, and applications may be retained for consideration for similar roles. Applicants are encouraged to use AI responsibly in the recruitment process. UNDP does not charge any fees during recruitment.