Result of Service

The following outputs are expected to be produced by the consultant;
a) Submission of literature review that will be distributed to the workshop participants.
b) Submission of a draft agenda for the 3-day policy workshop.
c) Preparation of training materials, including handouts, presentations, exercises and other resources as required for the EGM/ policy workshop.
d) Acting as facilitator and resource person during the workshop, providing presentations, facilitating discussions and interaction with the participants in cooperation with UNODC experts.
e) Producing a report summarizing the outcomes of the workshop, including the recommendations on future programme design for the use of sport in prisons to foster social reintegration prospects.

Work Location

Home based with travel to Nigeria

Expected duration

September to October

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides technical assistance to Member States to combat illicit drugs, transnational organized crime, terrorism, and corruption. Assistance includes enhancing crime prevention, criminal justice sector reform, and developing tools to assist States in implementing international conventions and protocols in compliance with the rule of law and human rights.

In the thematic area of prison and penal reform, UNODC designs and implements technical assistance initiatives to help countries align their prison systems with UN standards and norms. Its efforts centre on three strategic interventions: reducing the scope of imprisonment, improving prison conditions, and promoting the social reintegration of offenders after their release.

In Nigeria, UNODC, in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has been providing technical assistance to the NCoS in their transition from a retributive and punitive approach to one focused on reformation and rehabilitation in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019. With a specific focus on rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates, the project titled “Strengthening The Capacity Of The Nigerian Correctional Service To Effectively Rehabilitate And Reintegrate Prisoners Held For An (Alleged) Association With Boko Haram” has provided infrastructure and tools, including enhancing sporting facilities to support the NCoS in achieving its new mandate.

The use of sports-based interventions in prisons has been proven to have a positive impact on the physical and mental health, social integration, and rehabilitation of inmates. Nonetheless, implementing such interventions for violent extremist prisoners can pose challenges due to the risk of recruitment or radicalization, as well as cultural or religious barriers. In response to this, UNODC is providing technical assistance to the NCoS to improve their ability to implement sports-based interventions in their custodial centers situated in the North-East of Nigeria. This assistance is aimed at further supporting their rehabilitation initiatives, particularly in developing well-planned sports programs that foster positive attitudes and behaviors, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that are essential for successful reintegration into society.

To that end, UNODC is seeking to engage an international consultant to conduct a policy workshop with the NCoS and other identified stakeholders on the use of sports-based interventions in prison settings. The policy workshop will aim to strengthen knowledge among participants about the use of sport in prison and inform the development of evidence-based interventions in this field in Nigeria. Special attention will be paid to the situation and management of violent extremist prisoners as well as gender considerations when it comes to the implementation of sport-based activities and programs with a view to increase the number of female prisoners benefiting from them.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as sports science, psychology, or criminology) is required. A first level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Minimum 7 years’ experience in working on crime prevention and criminal justice reform, including in prison settings and on social reintegration of offenders, including through sport is required.
• Experience in developing training tools and conducting training on sports-based interventions for correctional officers or other relevant stakeholders is required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality work within the specified timelines is required.
•
Previous experience with the United Nations or other international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. Fluency and excellent writing skills in English.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.