Lead Researcher – Bangladesh

Position description

Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a Lead Researcher consultant to support the USAID Ain Shohayota Project in Bangladesh.

The USAID Ain Shohayota Project (the “Project”) is a five-year project implemented by Democracy International in Bangladesh. Its goal is to promote people-centered justice across 32 districts through increased public participation, inclusivity, and data-driven approaches to strengthen the justice system. It is committed to ensuring that all people are able to resolve their disputes in a fair and timely manner regardless of their ability to pay. To achieve these goals, the Project has three main objectives: (i) increase demand for responsive justice services, (ii) promote pro-bono legal services, and (iii) build and utilize an evidence base to strengthen justice services. A key component of this effort involves supporting the National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO)—a key institution under the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs (MOLJPA)—in developing its third five-year strategic plan for 2024-2029. This plan is intended to build upon NLASO’s successes and lay a structured path for its future.

Position Summary: 

To support the development of NLASO’s strategic vision, the Project is seeking a Consultant to lead the strategic planning process. This role involves close collaboration with both NLASO and MOLJPA to develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan and accompanying Implementation Plan. The Consultant will leverage the strengths of NLASO’s previous strategic plans to enhance four key areas: organizational structure, program effectiveness, collaborative partnerships, and financial sustainability. The goal is to create a roadmap that enables NLASO to fully realize its mandate—providing legal aid to those unable to seek justice due to financial, physical, or social barriers. Additionally, the Strategic Plan will support NLASO’s vision to ensure equal legal protection and access to justice for the poor and disadvantaged, as well as its mission to deliver high-quality legal aid services in alignment with the Legal Aid Services Act.  This position is open to both national and international candidates. 

Scope of Work:

• Review of the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan to assess progress and identify remaining challenges, followed by a rapid response assessment of NLASO’s current priority areas through literature review and stakeholder interviews. (up to 12 days)
• Conduct a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis focused on NLASO’s mission and functions. (up to 2 days)
• Draft the Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan based on priority areas defined by NLASO and MOLJPA. (up to 15 days)
• Incorporate feedback from NLASO and MOLJPA on the draft Strategic Plan. (up to 3 days)
• Facilitate an internal stakeholder meeting to present and discuss the draft Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan, with participants selected by NLASO. (up to 5 days.)
• Finalize the Strategic Plan with an accompanying Implementation Plan, incorporating inputs from all stages of the process. (up to 3 days)

Qualifications:

• 20+ years’ work experience strengthening government legal aid systems in developing countries.
• Experience partnering with governments to prepare strategic plans, particularly plans related to legal aid and/or justice reform.
• Demonstrated knowledge of international best practices of government legal aid systems.
• Excellent written English.
• Previous experience partnering with the GoB on strengthening justice services, particularly the NLASO and MOLJPA, is strongly preferred.

Application instructions

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