Developing Code of Ethics and Standards Operating Procedures for Sharia Court Arbitrators

Background

UN Women (UNW), grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the centre of all its efforts, the UN Women leads and coordinates the United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

UN Women’s triple mandate, along with its global network and deep policy and programming expertise, continues to endow the Entity with a unique capacity to: (i) support Member States to strengthen global norms and standards for gender equality and women’s empowerment, and mainstream gender perspectives in other thematic areas; (ii) promote coordination and coherence across the UN system to enhance accountability and results for gender equality and women’s empowerment; and (iii) undertake operational activities to support Member States, upon their request, in translating global norms and standards into legislation, policies and strategies at country level.

UN Women plays an innovative and catalytic role in the State of Palestine since its inception in 1997 (as UNIFEM). In line with the national priorities, the work of UN Women for the period 2023-2025 is aligned with three of the Palestine United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework’s (UNSDCF) outcomes:

• Palestinians have greater access to economic opportunities that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, including decent employment and livelihoods opportunities in an empowered private sector.
• Palestinians, including the most vulnerable, have equal access to sustainable, inclusive, gender responsive and quality social services, social protection, and affordable utilities.
• Palestinian governance institutions, processes, and mechanisms at all levels are more democratic, rights-based, inclusive, and accountable.

Its three-year Strategic Note supports the efforts to achieve measurable results in country in terms of four UN Women global Strategic Plan impacts (2022-2025): (SP Impact 1). Governance and participation in public life; (SP Impact 2). Women’s Economic Empowerment; (SP Impact 3). Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and; SP Impact 4. Women peace and security, Humanitarian & Disaster Risk Reduction.

In line with the Palestinian Government’s commitment to achieve gender equality and combat Violence Against Women (VAW), and in full partnership with the Justice, Security and Social Sectors, UN Women within its joint programme with UNDP and UNICEF- “ Reinforcing equal access to justice for all Palestinians - SAWASYA III” is supporting the justice, security  and social institutions to mainstream gender into their plans,  procedures and policies; develop and provide gender responsive services to women victims and survivors of violence.

In 2023- UN Women in cooperation with the Supreme Judge Department has developed an assessment on the impact of the arbitration system applicable at sharia courts in the West Bank on women’s access to justice and realization of their rights. One of the key recommendations that were highlighted in the assessment is related to strengthen the institutional and the procedural aspect of this service. Based on this, UN Women in collaboration with the Supreme Judge Department is planning to recruit an expert to support developing a code of ethics for arbitrations and Standard Operating Procedures.

Objectives:

The consultancy has two main objectives, as per the following points:

1. To support the SJD in developing a code of ethics for arbitrators.
2. To support the SJD in developing a Standards Operating Procedures.

The consultant will be reporting to Sawasya III Programme Specialist and will be supported by the Finance Associate who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

Developing the inception report:

• Meet with UN Women and the SJD focal points to discuss the assignment and its objectives.
• Conduct desk review for related knowledge products and references- including the assessment that was conducted with the support of UN Women on the arbitration system in sharia courts.
• Develop the inception report, including the methodology, the deliverables and time frame and share with UN Women for review and approval.
• Share with UN Women the inception report for review, inputs and approval.

Developing the code of ethics and the SoPs:  

• Meet with judges, arbitrators, the family counselling unit at the SJD, sharia lawyers and others as relevant to collect firsthand data on the issue.
• Develop the draft code of ethics and present it to UN Women and sharia court focal points for inputs and feedback.
• Develop the draft SoPs and present it to UN Women and sharia court focal points for inputs and feedback.
• Submit amended versions of the code of ethics and the SoPs for UN Women for review.
• Facilitate roundtable discussions with sharia court focal points, other national partners as relevant, and UN Women.
• Amend the code of ethics and the SoPs in line with provided comments and submit them for UN Women for review and approval.

Reporting on the assignment:

• Develop a final narrative report on the assignment – that includes a description of the methodology, the main findings, challenges and recommendations.

Deliverables:

The consultancy has three main deliverables:

Deliverable

Expected completion time (due day)

An approved inception report and draft code of ethics.

Two weeks after the signing of the contract

An approved code of ethics and draft SoPs

Three months after the signing of the contract

An approved SoPs and an approved final narrative report.

Five months after the signing of the contract

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel:

This is a home-based consultancy that requires field visits to sharia courts and other partners, and possible movements between cities – if needed. 

Competencies

Core Values: 

• Respect for Diversity 
• Integrity 
• Professionalism 

Core Competencies: 

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues 
• Accountability 
• Creative Problem Solving 
• Effective Communication 
• Inclusive Collaboration 
• Stakeholder Engagement 
• Leading by Example 

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies:  

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: 

• Ability to conduct needs assessment through consultation with stakeholders.
• Very strong background on gender.
• Ability to manage time and meet tight deadlines.
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
• Proven networking, organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Certification:

• A BA degree in Gender Studies, Law, or Sociology or related fields. Master’s degree is considered an asset. (Max.10 points)

Experience:

• At least 5 years of professional working experience in the field of gender, women’s rights and women access to Justice. (Max. 25 points)
• At least 3 previous assignments in areas related to developing SoPs, or gender analysis, or gender policy papers- preferably in areas related to women’s access to justice. (Max. 25 points)
• Strong background on arbitration within the justice system is a great asset. (Max.15 points)
• Previous experience with the UN or international organizations is an asset. (Max. 5 points)

Languages:

Fluency in Arabic and professional knowledge of English

 How to Apply

• Personal CV or P11 (P11 can be downloaded from: )
• Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns, or other materials.
• Applicants are requested to share a document that they previously developed – including SoPs,   or gender policy paper, or any other related document.  (Max. 20 points)