Consultant for the Development of Standards and Manuals for the Establishment and Administration of Justice Zones (JZs)

1. Overview & Responsibilities 

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) serves as the Technical Lead for the third iteration of the European Union’s Governance in Justice Programme (EU-GOJUST) implemented in the Philippines. EU-GOJUST seeks to improve access to justice for all Filipinos and contribute to Philippine socio-economic development through a more effective, inclusive, and accountable justice system. These efforts are pursued by supporting the priorities of Philippine justice institutions such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Supreme Court, and justice-sector civil society organizations and law schools. 

The Consultant will lead the development of a comprehensive manual for the establishment and administration of Justice Zones (JZs) in the Philippines. 

Justice Zones are inter-agency platforms designed to enhance coordination, efficiency, and accountability across justice sector institutions at the local level. Building on existing frameworks and implementation experience, the Programme aims to standardize processes and institutionalize best practices through a practical and user-friendly Justice Zone Manual. 

The Consultant will be responsible for: 

• Review and Assessment  

• Review existing Justice Zone documents, frameworks, reports, and related materials  

• Identify key processes, good practices, and areas requiring standardization  

• Development of Standards and Manual  

• Develop a comprehensive Justice Zone Manual covering, among others, the following:  
  • Establishment processes, criteria, and requirements  
  • Governance structures and roles of stakeholders  
  • Operational procedures and coordination mechanisms  
  • Planning, implementation, and reporting processes  

• Ensure the manual abides with the EU-GOJUST GESI Framework, and is practical, clearly structured, and accessible  

• Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement  

• Facilitate coordination meetings with the Technical Working Group (TWG) 

• Engage justice sector stakeholders to gather inputs and ensure alignment  

• Facilitation of Workshops and Writeshops  

• Design and facilitate participatory workshops and writeshops to co-develop and refine the manual  

• Consolidate and integrate stakeholder inputs  

• Validation and Finalization  

• Facilitate validation sessions of the Justice Zone Manual  

• Revise and finalize the manual based on feedback  

• Reporting  

• Prepare required reports and documentation 

Education and Professional Experience 

• Degree in law, public administration, governance, development studies, or a related field. 

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in governance, justice sector reform, or institutional development  

• Proven experience in:  

• Developing policies, standards, manuals, or operational guidelines  

• Working with government institutions and multi-stakeholder platforms  

• Facilitating workshops, consultations, and participatory processes  

• Experience in working with the Justice Zones is highly desirable  

Languages 

• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Filipino. 

Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies 

• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex processes into clear and practical guidance.  

• Excellent facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills  

• Strong organizational and time management skills  

• Good understanding of governance systems and inter-agency coordination mechanisms  

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 selected consultant is expected to commence work as soon as possible following contract signing. The consultancy will be mostly home based but include an in-person training workshop.

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

Deadline of Application: 22 May 2026