1. Background of the Research
The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF) is seeking three consultants (or three teams of consultants) to conduct a study into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to justice and the administration of justice by courts in selected countries in East Africa and West Africa regions. State responses to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic have had an extraordinary effect on the functioning of justice systems and undermined access to justice on the continent. The imposition of lockdowns affected civic life in an unprecedent manner. In a region which suffers from historically notorious deficiencies in the practice of constitutionalism, human rights, the rule of law and democracy the enforcement of the lockdown measures tended to be repressive.
In a constitutional democracy, one of the foremost rights that people rely on to enforce accountability and the protection of their other rights is access to justice. However, the lockdown circumscribed the ordinary functioning of justice institutions. In many jurisdictions, courts scaled down their operations, postponing hearings and in some cases, they would only accept to hear extremely urgent matters. The start of 2021 has seen many countries in Africa undergoing a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some have re-imposed lockdown measures similar to those imposed in 2020.
2. Research objectives
Selected research consultants shall identify and analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to justice, including the administration of justice by courts in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan) and West Africa (Nigeria, Liberia, Gambia, Côte D’Ivoire, Mali and Senegal), and make recommendations on measures which can be introduced in these countries to ensure increased access to justice.
3. Timelines
The study will be conducted between 5 March 2021 and 30 April 2021. The draft report must be submitted by the 30th of April 2021, while the final report must be submitted within two weeks of receiving review comments from AJJF.
4. To apply
Interested candidates should submit an application including the following:
- A brief expression of interest (not more than 2 pages). Please note that due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the research has to be conducted virtually.
- A detailed CV, with at least 3 traceable references where similar services have been rendered.
- One sample of similar previous work done and published.
- In your application, please indicate which of the following countries you would like to research on: Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Nigeria, Liberia, Gambia, Côte D’Ivoire, Mali and Senegal.
Applications should be submitted to applications@africajurisrs.org no later than 28 February 2021 at 17:00hrs East Africa Time.
5. Qualifications
The suitable consultant must possess a postgraduate degree in law or related field of study, with at least 5 years of experience in conducting similar research.