Result of Service

The following outputs are expected to be produced by the consultant;
a) Provide written and oral input on the draft agenda and the training materials that are being developed, including handouts, presentations, and other resources as required for Training of Trainers.
b) Co – facilitate a four-day Training of Trainers program on sports-based interventions in prisons.

Work Location

Home based with travel to Nigeria

Expected duration

Oct to Nov 2023

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.

As part of this technical assistance, one of the proposed initiatives is a four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program aimed at providing NCoS correctional officers and other officials/volunteers working on sport programs in prisons with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively implement sports-based programs within prison settings to aid social reintegration. To that end, UNODC is seeking to engage an international consultant to review and provide inputs on the ToT material as well as contribute to the ToT delivery.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as sports science, psychology, international development 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 of five years’ experience in working in African context specifically in prison reform and social reintegration including on Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) is required.
• Experience in developing training tools and conducting training on sports-based interventions for correctional officers or other relevant stakeholder 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.