State Technical Associate – Axis 1 - Penal System

 

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The Fazendo Justiça program is expanding; this is your opportunity to be a part of it in the states!

This selection process seeks to hire State Technical Associates (for Campo Grande-MS, Goiânia-GO, Macapá-AP and Natal-RN) to work in person with the court located in the state. The selection has three stages:
1. Registration (in the questionnaire, please indicate the preferred state(s)),
2. Interview and
3. Checking of the professional references provided.

The Federation Units in which the consultants will be allocated, Campo Grande-MS, Goiânia-GO, Macapá-AP and Natal-RN, were confirmed based on agreements between the DMF/CNJ and the Courts of Justice, defining counterparts and a range of initiatives of common interest that integrate the Program's portfolio and will be implemented in the territories.

The project “Strengthening and monitoring innovation and improvement actions in the penal and
socio-educational systems, in line with national and international human rights principles and guidelines” aims to develop innovative methodologies and actions focused on reestablishing the regular and adequate functioning of the prison and socio-educational system, as well as producing subsidies to strengthen the monitoring and oversight of official interventions in these systems, in line with national and international human rights principles and guidelines. In particular, the project will work to equip the CNJ to: (i) foster the development of mandates and capacities (constitutional, conventional and legal) of the Judiciary to overcome bottlenecks and obstacles that hinder individual performance and improve collective performance of judges in the penal and socio-educational systems, notably to protect the positions of the most vulnerable populations; and (ii) the action to ensure full and complete compliance with the decision (on the merits) handed down by the Federal Supreme Court in ADPF 347, which consolidated the understanding regarding the existence of an unconstitutional state of affairs in Brazilian prisons and determined the agreement and monitoring of both a national plan and state and district plans aimed at overcoming a situation of structural disorders and massive and systematic violation of fundamental rights, which prevents the implementation of the grammar and programs of principles present in the Federal Constitution, in the International Human Rights Treaties and in ordinary legislation.

To achieve these objectives, the project will be organized into 6 axes, which correspond to the intermediate results
expected for the project:

1. Implementation, strengthening and monitoring/evaluation of actions that ensure the regular functioning of the penal system;
2. Implementation, strengthening and monitoring/evaluation of actions that ensure the regular functioning of the socio-educational system;
3. Improvement and quantitative and qualitative increase in the collection and production of data from the penal and socio-educational systems;
4. Improvement, strengthening and monitoring of strategies for assisting the most vulnerable populations in interface with the penal and socio-educational systems;
5. Technical assistance to the CNJ for influence with the 1st and 2nd degree judiciary, through the creation of awareness and communication channels, dissemination of content, education, training, interaction strategies, dialogue and other actions that allow better instrumentation of the range of action options of the Brazilian judicial authorities, enabling them to act more comprehensively with the population and its inequalities;
6. Efficient management and knowledge management of the project carried out.

The main objective of Axis 1’s activities in the territories is to guarantee the rights of people serving criminal sentences, both alternative sentences and custodial sentences, as well as those of people leaving the prison system. It works to strengthen initiatives and services aimed at streamlining the entry point, promoting citizenship in criminal sentences and qualifying the exit point from the prison system. To achieve these objectives, it will work on the territorial implementation of the following strategic actions:
• Prepare diagnoses on local contexts regarding the Criminal Justice System, Prison System, Penal Alternatives, Custody Hearings, Electronic Monitoring and Care for Ex-Prisoners, among others;
• Promote coordination and contribute to the continued mobilization of local actors in the Penal System, public social protection policies and organized civil society, in favor of the implementation of the state strategic plan and agreed activities;
• Provide technical advice to the National Council of Justice (CNJ) for the development of local action plans, considering the design of specific internal flows of the Judiciary Branch and in coordination with other actors involved in criminal policies in the territory, with a focus on implementing actions to guarantee rights provided for in national legislation and international regulations;
• Produce subsidies, provide technical advice and work together with the CNJ to ensure alignment, induction and qualification, in the units of the federation, of priority thematic actions that encompass the various prison measures; the vacancy regulation center; custody hearings; the promotion of reading, sports and leisure, education, work, diversity policies, health and mental health; the prevention and fight against torture; care for ex-prisoners and the promotion of social participation, in line with the knowledge products and regulations published by the CNJ;
• Support the development of training methodology, conduct training and promote the articulation of actors in penal policies and other local institutions, mainly in the state justice system, for the implementation, development, monitoring, evaluation and sustainability of penal initiatives, methodologies and policies induced by the CNJ;
• Implement locally an awareness-raising methodology, in light of the guidelines provided by the CNJ, to carry out communication actions, aimed at the Judiciary, society and local partner institutions on awareness-raising strategies regarding the principle of minimum penal intervention, the guarantee of rights and the promotion of citizenship for people serving custodial sentences, penal alternatives, precautionary measures and those released from the prison system;
• Act, based on the local context, in the preparation, execution and monitoring of the strategic planning of Axis 1, updating of management instruments, coordination and execution of training and webinars, development of strategies and monitoring of the execution of all planned actions developed in the reference Federation Unit;
• Act in an aligned manner and provide local advice on the activities of contracted consultancies and other partners within the scope of the Project;
• Provide advice, through the necessary technical contributions, on the systematization of good practices, the development of local institutional capacity and the implementation of transversal actions developed within the scope of the Project;
• Perform other tasks, as required by the General Coordination of the Project and Coordinations of Axis 1, with a view to ensuring the continuity of the actions implemented within the scope of the Doing Justice Program, even after its termination.

The key results expected for this position aim to ensure quality, efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of the project, in line with the agreed goals and priorities of the CNJ.

The project is currently valid until 10/31/2027.

Duties and responsibilities

The State Technical Associate for Axis 1 – Penal System will be responsible for, under the supervision of the Coordinators of the aforementioned Axis of the Doing Justice Program, providing technical assistance for the planning, implementation and monitoring of planned actions, collaborating in compliance with the established schedule and the quality of deliveries made in the territorial scope. Furthermore, the person hired will work in close coordination with the team of the General Coordination of the Program, the CNJ and the UNDP regarding the guidelines for the development of transversal actions and general institutional themes. To achieve this objective, the following indicative activities are planned:
• Working in the implementation activities, technical monitoring and qualitative monitoring of the products and goals foreseen in the Project;
• Working, based on the local context, in the production of documents necessary for the implementation of the activities of Axis 1, such as: texts, reports, letters and other documents necessary for the management, information, systematization of data, monitoring and development of ongoing actions;
• Provide technical support, in the area of operation, to the Coordination and Deputy Coordination of Axis 1, in accordance with the Program’s guidelines, for the implementation of priority thematic actions that encompass the various prison measures; the central office for regulating vacancies; custody hearings; the promotion of reading, sports and leisure, education, work, diversity policies, health and mental health; the prevention and fight against torture; care for ex-prisoners and the promotion of social participation, among other actions in line with the knowledge products and regulations published by the CNJ;
• Provide technical support to the General Coordination in the area of operation, in accordance with the Program’s guidelines, for the development of cross-cutting actions, as well as the implementation of activities related to the development of institutional capacity with the actors and state institutions, aiming at the transfer of knowledge and local sustainability of the induced actions;
• Hold meetings and other ongoing alignment activities with the local team of assistants and the national team, ensuring the systemic and organic development of agendas, advocacy strategies and the state executive plan within the local network;
• Perform other tasks, as required by designated supervisors, Axis 1 coordinators and General Coordination.

The holder performs other functions within his/her functional profile that he/she considers necessary for the proper functioning of the Project.

Institutional Arrangement

The State Technical Associate of Axis 1 will be part of the teams of the aforementioned axis and will be subject to the direct supervision of the corresponding Coordination.

Skills

Achieve results:
LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to detail, delivers quality work on time

Innovative Thinking:
LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/acknowledged risks, pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Continuous learning:
LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with agility:
LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, deals constructively with ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with determination:
LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to act calmly in the face of adversity, confident

Engaging and Partnering:
LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding toward others, forms positive relationships

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion:
LEVEL 1: Appreciating/respecting differences, aware of unconscious bias, confronting discrimination

Multifunctional and technical skills

Business Direction and Strategy - Strategic Thinking:
• Develop effective strategies and priority plans aligned with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on a systemic analysis of potential challenges, opportunities and risks; connect the big picture with the reality on the ground to create tangible and targeted solutions; learn from diverse sources to anticipate and respond effectively to current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Management and Strategy - Systems Thinking

Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, considering how changing one element may impact other parts of the system.

Business Development - Human-Centered Design

• Ability to develop solutions to problems involving the human perspective at all stages of the resolution process. Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of human-centered design.

Business Management - Project Management:
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific objectives.

Business Management - Working with evidence and data:
• Ability to inspect, clean, transform and model data with the aim of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision making.

Agenda 2030: Peace - Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights:
• Effective Justice Sector Institutions.

Agenda 2030: Peace - Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights:
• Access to Justice.

Skills and Experience Required

Minimum education requirements:

• High school diploma required.
• College degree (or bachelor's degree) in Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Social Work, Philosophy or related field will be considered favorably, but is not a requirement.

Minimum years of relevant professional experience:

• Minimum 7 (seven) years (for High School) or 4 years (for Bachelor's Degree) of professional experience in the implementation/management of policies and/or projects in the areas of Human Rights, Criminal Justice, Prison System, Penal Alternatives, management of public penal policies or related areas;

Required skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use information technology.
• Knowledge of MS Office package.

Desired skills, in addition to the skills covered in the Skills section:

• Postgraduate degree (latu-sensu or stricto-sensu) in Law, Public Management, Social Sciences, Psychology, Social Work, Philosophy or related areas;
• Experience with penal policies, mainly in prison issues, penal alternatives and care for people leaving the prison system;
• Experience in the management and articulation of public policies in partnership with the judiciary, especially in Criminal Justice;
• Professional experience with social markers (race, gender, LGBTQIA+, indigenous people, victims and others).

Required languages:

• Fluency in Portuguese is required.

• Knowledge of basic English will be considered an advantage.

Disclaimer

Important Candidate Information

All positions in the NPSA categories are subject to local recruitment.

Candidate information on UNDP lists

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As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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