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. This role involves close collaboration with government counterparts, judicial institutions, bar associations, and other stakeholders at federal and provincial levels. The Specialist will provide technical advice and leadership in judicial capacity development, case management, digital justice, ADR, mediation, and gender-responsive justice. The position aims to strengthen judicial institutions, promote inclusive and survivor-centred justice, and enhance the efficiency and accessibility of justice services, particularly for women and marginalized groups across regions including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide specialized technical leadership and advice on judicial reform, access to justice, and ADR interventions.
- Lead the design, planning, and implementation of judicial reform initiatives, including capacity development, case-flow management, and judicial performance improvement.
- Support judicial institutions in reviewing and strengthening policies, procedures, and operational frameworks to enhance justice service delivery.
- Ensure judicial interventions incorporate people-centred, gender-responsive, and inclusive approaches, with emphasis on women and vulnerable populations.
- Provide technical guidance for strengthening provincial judicial academies, including curriculum modernization and professional development initiatives.
- Develop training modules and learning materials on case management, gender-sensitive justice, ADR, mediation, and related areas.
- Support the institutionalization of judicial practice tools such as bench books, sentencing guidelines, and performance-monitoring frameworks.
- Lead technical support for mediation and ADR mechanisms, including court-annexed mediation and community dispute resolution.
- Assess and strengthen ADR institutions, expanding their reach in line with programme priorities.
- Promote accessible, inclusive, and gender-responsive ADR services, ensuring quality and consistency in mediation practices.
- Provide technical advice on integrating gender equality, non-discrimination, and survivor-centred approaches into judicial and ADR reforms.
- Facilitate institutional coordination and partnerships across justice-sector stakeholders, including judiciary, police, prosecution, prisons, and civil society.
- Oversee quality assurance of technical deliverables, including reports, training materials, and policy documents.
- Support monitoring and evaluation of programme results, capturing lessons learned and promoting knowledge sharing.
- Manage consultants and service providers engaged for specialized assignments related to judicial reform and ADR.
- Perform other duties as required to support the efficient functioning of the programme.

Required Qualifications

- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Judicial Studies, Governance, Criminology, Development Studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with at least two additional years of relevant experience will 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 Word, Excel, 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 developing judicial policies, SOPs, training curricula, and technical products.
- Experience with court-annexed mediation, community dispute resolution, or other formal/informal ADR mechanisms.
- Knowledge of digital justice, e-Courts, virtual courts, and technology-enabled judicial administration.
- Demonstrated expertise in gender-responsive, survivor-centred, and people-centred justice programming.
- Previous work experience with UNDP, UN agencies, or international organizations is advantageous.
- Experience supporting judicial academies or professional training institutions is an asset.

UNDP is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The organization promotes a workplace free from harassment and discrimination and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Selected candidates must adhere to UNDP’s standards and principles, including those related to ethical conduct and safeguarding. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates and retain applications for similar future vacancies.