Consultant - Judicial Policy Reform Expert

The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 (Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 or BP 129), established the current structure of the Philippine Judiciary, including the Court of Appeals, Regional Trial Courts, lower courts, and judicial regions. While the law has been amended over time to expand court branches and adjust jurisdictions, these reforms have been incremental. The core structure defined by BP 129 has remained largely unchanged for over four decades, resulting in a growing mismatch between the statutory framework and present-day realities such as population growth, inflation, administrative regions, technological innovations, and judicial workload distribution. This outdated framework contributes to persistent court congestion and case backlogs. Judicial regions no longer align with the country’s current administrative regions, creating coordination and management challenges, particularly with the creation of the Office of the Regional Court Managers.  

Given this context, the International Development Law Organization, serving as the Technical Lead for the European Union’s Governance in Justice Programme (EU-GOJUST), is seeking a Judicial Policy Reform Expert to undertake a comprehensive study to support the amendment of BP 129. The expert will develop clear, evidence‑based recommendations to modernize the law, including a draft bill that rationalizes judicial regions, strengthens and streamlines mechanisms for the creation and adjustment of courts and branches, and enhances the Judiciary’s institutional capacity to respond to evolving demands.  

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Advisor and in collaboration with the Field Programme Coordinator, the Judicial Policy Reform Expert is expected to: 

• Submit an Inception Report including research objectives and questions, methodology, scope of analysis, conceptual and analytical framework, and detailed workplan and timeline. 

• Collect relevant data through desk research, KIIs, FGDs, and other appropriate data collection methodologies. 

• Prepare a draft report with preliminary findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation. 

• Facilitate validation sessions with EU-GOJUST and other institutional partners to present preliminary findings and recommendations.  

• Incorporate feedback and submit the final version of the study, with the zero draft of the proposed amendatory legislation. 

Throughout the implementation, the Judicial Policy Reform Expert is expected to integrate the EU-GOJUST's Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Framework, ensuring that the final output reflects inclusive and equitable justice outcomes. 

Education 

• A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. 

• Master of Laws (LL.M) or post-graduate studies in Law, Public Policy, Public Administration, Governance, Development Studies, or related fields is an advantage. 

• Must be a member in good standing of the Philippine Bar. 

Experience 

• A minimum of fifteen years of relevant experience in judicial reform, justice sector governance, legal or institutional reform, or public sector policy development. 

• Demonstrated experience in legal and policy analysis, including the review and drafting of legislative bills, executive or administrative orders, and other similar issuances. 

• Strong understanding of judicial systems, court administration, and institutional reform, preferably within the Philippine justice sector 

• Proven ability to conduct analytical studies and evidence-based policy research and translate findings into practical recommendations, evidenced by published works and studies on institutional reform and justice sector governance. 

• Experience or familiarity with judicial reform projects, court administration, and caseflow or workload management is an advantage. 

Languages  

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.   

Specific Technical & Behavioral Competencies  

• Excellent legal writing skills, particularly in preparing well-structured policy and legislative proposals. 

• Strong research, analytical, and synthesis skills.  

• Strong presentation and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal and institutional issues clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

• Ability to work with stakeholders, including government institutions and the judiciary. 

• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and adjust to evolving project needs. 

• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. 

• Ability to take guidance, incorporate feedback, and consider various perspectives  

• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate  

This consultancy is offered on a deliverables-based contract, with payment disbursed upon satisfactory completion and approval of each milestone as outlined in the Terms of Reference. The total estimated level of effort for this assignment is 25 working days. The selected consultant is expected to commence work as soon as possible following contract signing. 

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates. IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies. 

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.   

Deadline of Application: 06 May 2026

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.