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 provide technical support for judicial reform, access to justice, and ADR initiatives. This role involves close collaboration with government counterparts, judicial institutions, bar associations, and other stakeholders at federal and provincial levels. The Specialist will contribute to the design, implementation, and monitoring of interventions aimed at strengthening judicial capacity, case management, digital justice, mediation, and gender-responsive justice. The position supports institutional ownership, sustainability, and alignment with national priorities to enhance justice and security services, particularly for women and marginalized groups in regions including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory.

Key Responsibilities

Provide specialized technical leadership and advice on judicial reform and access to justice: Lead the design and implementation of judicial reform initiatives, offering policy advice to justice-sector institutions. Support the review and strengthening of judicial policies, procedures, and operational frameworks to improve justice service delivery. Ensure interventions are people-centered, gender-responsive, and inclusive, promoting national and international best practices.

Provide technical oversight for judicial capacity development, case-flow management, and judicial performance improvement: Guide provincial judicial academies in curriculum development and professional training. Support High Courts and judicial institutions in enhancing case management systems and court administration. Contribute to reforms involving virtual courts and technology-enabled justice services, promoting sustainability and institutional ownership.

Lead technical support for mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Provide leadership for ADR mechanisms, including court-annexed mediation and community dispute resolution. Assist institutions in assessing and strengthening ADR frameworks, focusing on expansion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Promote accessible, inclusive, and gender-responsive ADR services, and oversee related assignments and service contracts.

Lead technical support for gender-responsive judicial reform and survivor-centred justice: Advise on integrating gender equality, non-discrimination, and survivor-centred approaches into judicial and ADR policies and procedures. Support development and institutionalization of gender-sensitive justice tools and training. Facilitate dialogue to promote women’s participation and leadership within the judiciary and legal profession.

Strengthen institutional coordination and partnerships: Establish and maintain relationships with judiciary bodies, bar councils, ADR institutions, and government departments. Facilitate policy dialogue and coordination mechanisms to improve justice service delivery. Support cross-sectoral collaboration between judicial institutions and other criminal justice actors to enhance case handling and protection for vulnerable groups.

Ensure technical quality assurance, knowledge management, and results-based implementation: Review technical documents and deliverables to ensure quality and alignment with programme goals. Support monitoring of programme results, including gender-disaggregated data. Capture lessons learned and provide oversight for consultants and service providers.

Required Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Judicial Studies, Governance, Criminology, Development Studies, or related fields is required. A Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered.

Experience: Minimum 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.

Skills: Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office and web-based management systems, with advanced spreadsheet and database skills.

Language: Fluency in English and Urdu is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Experience working with judicial institutions, courts, judicial academies, bar councils, ADR bodies, or other justice-sector stakeholders is highly desirable. Proven ability to provide technical advice on institutional reforms, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives is an advantage. Familiarity with court-annexed mediation, community dispute resolution, digital justice, e-Courts, and technology-enabled judicial administration is preferred. Knowledge and experience in gender-responsive, survivor-centred justice programming are valued. Prior work with UNDP, UN agencies, or international organizations, as well as experience supporting judicial academies or professional training institutions, will be an asset.

UNDP is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, fostering a workplace where all personnel can thrive. The organization strictly prohibits harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority. Selected candidates will undergo relevant checks and are expected to uphold UNDP’s standards and principles. Multiple candidates may be selected, and applications may be retained for consideration for similar roles. UNDP does not charge any fees during recruitment and encourages responsible use of AI in the application process.