ABA ROLI Moldova is looking for Consultant(s) to assess the electronic monitoring equipment and implementation, at the request of the Moldovan Ministry of Justice, within ABA ROLI’s Supporting Criminal Justice and Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts Program funded by the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US Department of State.
The use of electronic monitoring (EM) in the criminal justice system has dramatically increased over the past two decades, and Moldova is no exception. EM refers to GPS ankle monitors, cellphones, radio frequency technology, and other devices used by authorities to track people’s location and monitor their movement outside of physical jails and prisons. In this context, Moldovan Ministry of Justice aims at using electronic monitoring as a credible alternative to incarceration in accordance with national legal framework.
- Job summary
Reporting to the Chisinau-based ABA ROLI Country Director, the electronic monitoring Consultant(s) (“Consultant”) will work closely with the Ministry of Justice to develop and customize a concept for electronic monitoring bracelets, following Moldovan legislation and international standards. This is a paid consultancy position.
The Consultant(s) shall develop evidence-informed recommendations for improving electronic monitoring in Moldova for the use of the Ministry of Justice and its subordinated agency – National Probation Inspectorate, as follows:
- Assess the current situation, the quality of the EM equipment, the human-rights implications and the degree to which Moldova’s EM practice is compliant with European and international standards.
- Identify deficiencies in the current EM set-up, both with regards to the legal anchoring, i.e. categories of monitored groups (proportionality of this surveillance measure to the public safety aims and risks posed), and with regards to the quality of the technical equipment and the compliance with relevant ISO standards.
- Compare costs and benefits of several options (vendors) available on the market.
- Recommend the best option for future development of EM.
The Consultant(s) will develop a specific concept for electronic monitoring bracelets, adjusted to Moldovan legislation and European and international quality standards. The Consultant(s) will pay specific attention to the ISO regulations.
Scope work:
- Quality assessment/ audit of the current electronic monitoring bracelets. Assessment of the alignment to ISO and other international standards, evaluation of false alarms, satisfaction of probation clients and staff operating the system, etc.
- Comparative cost-efficiency analysis of the systems available both: national and European markets, their feasibility for probation in Moldova. This analysis should be combined with some market research of existing companies.
- Recommendations for the Ministry of Justice and National Inspectorate of Probation in view of starting the application procedures – for a new system according to a different technology and/ or modernization of the equipment basing on the existent technology.
Total engagement: 60 days max
Period of Performance: 15 August – 31 December 2023
Deliverables:
- Inception Report detailing methodology, data sources, data collection tools, results of the desk research, and a suggested work plan.
- First Draft Report incorporating the main findings and recommendations. The author(s) is/are expected to integrate the comments and address the questions conveyed by ABA ROLI and Ministry of Justice, on the draft report. Draft report including preliminary findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- The final report (in both pdf and doc format).
- A presentation of the key conclusions prepared for a wider audience of decision-makers.
II. Selection Criteria
Education, Skills & Experience:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent);
- Experience in probation and electronic monitoring field;
- Experience in researching, carrying out needs’ assessments, developing legislative and regulatory frameworks, and/or other similar qualifications;
- Experience working in Eastern Europe or the Balkans;
- Previous consultancy or publications on electronic monitoring would be considered an advantage.
- Proven experience working with government officials and intergovernmental organizations;
- Ability to manage and mobilize quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis;
- Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
The Consultant(s) will ideally have senior-level experience in probation/ correctional service/ electronic surveillance, and in research and/or development relevant concepts.
How to apply
Interested candidates may submit their Cover Letter, CV and Financial proposal (daily rate and total engagement estimate) to ee-recruitment@americanbar.org with the “Electronic Monitoring Consultant” in the subject line. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with an application deadline of August 1st 2023 at 20:00 Chișinău time.