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Introduction  

FLAG is an award-winning women-led organization that is a non-political, non-sectarian, non-governmental and not-for-profit Association, comprised of female members of the Gambian legal profession established since 2006. It has in various ways contributed to the development of and the realization of the Rights of women and children in The Gambia since its establishment.  

FLAG is committed to promoting and safeguarding the rights of women and children through legal aid, public legal education and advocacy. As part of its efforts to promote victim-centered justice in The Gambia, FLAG, with support from United Nations Development Fund UNDP is pleased to announce an open call for proposals seeking qualified Consultant (individuals or institutions) with expertise in transitional justice to develop a Legal Procedural Manual for Victim Representation in Domestic Courts.  

This assignment is part of a broader effort to strengthen access to justice for victims of historical abuses and recent violations, and aligns with key national reforms, including the Torture Act, Sexual Offences Act, Criminal Offences Bill, and the Special Prosecutor’s Bill, which introduces a Special Accountability Mechanism.  The manual will contribute to the implementation of The Gambia’s transitional justice process by supporting legal practitioners and justice sector actors in effectively representing victims particularly in cases involving sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), torture, and other human rights violations. It will also help advance national and international commitments to human rights and gender equality. 

The manual will provide practical, user-friendly guidance on legal procedures, ethical considerations, and roles of justice actors, while reflecting international best practices and the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). 

 

Objectives of the Assignment The consultant will be responsible for developing a Legal Procedural Manual that will: 

• Provide clear guidelines for legal practitioners on victim representation in domestic courts. 

• Establish a legal framework for victim participation in judicial processes, with emphasis on gender-sensitive procedures. 

• Establish procedural clarity for victim participation in judicial proceedings under both ordinary and special accountability mechanisms. 

• Strengthen the capacity of justice sector actors in handling cases related to SGBV, historical injustices, and other human rights violations. 

• Ensure alignment with international legal standards and best practices in victim representation. 

• Include procedural steps, ethical considerations, and the roles of different justice actors in victim representation. 

Scope of Work  

The consultant will undertake the following tasks: 

1. Conduct a comprehensive desk review of relevant legal frameworks, policies, and international best practices on victim representation. 

1. Engage key stakeholders, including legal practitioners, justice sector actors, CSOs, and victim advocates, through structured interviews, focus group discussions, and/or consultations, ensuring inclusive and diverse input. 

1. Develop an outline for the Legal Procedural Manual and seek validation from FLAG and relevant stakeholders. 

1. Draft the manual, ensuring it is practical, accessible, and inclusive of gender-sensitive legal strategies. 

1. Organize a validation workshop to present the draft manual to key stakeholders for feedback. 

1. Incorporate feedback and finalize the Legal Procedural Manual. 

1. Submit a final version of the manual, including all necessary annexes and reference materials. 

Expected Deliverables 

1. Inception Report and Work Plan 

1. Desk Review and Stakeholder Consultation Report 

1. Manual Outline and Structure 

1. Draft Legal Procedural Manual 

1. Validation Workshop Report 

1. Final Legal Procedural Manual 

1. Annexes and Reference Materials 

 

Duration and Timeline  

The consultancy shall be undertaken over a period of 60 calendar days from the date of contract signature.   

 

Terms of Engagement: 

This Terms of Reference and Consultancy Agreement shall form the contract between the consultant and FLAG 

Consultant Qualifications and Experience The consultant should meet the following qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in Law, Human Rights, Gender Studies, or related fields. 

• At least seven(7) years of experience in legal research, justice sector reform, or human rights law. 

• Demonstrated experience in developing legal manuals, guidelines, or policy documents. 

• Strong knowledge of The Gambia’s legal and judicial system, particularly in victim representation. 

• Experience working on gender-sensitive and victim-centered justice approaches. 

• Excellent writing, analytical, and facilitation skills. 

Application Process Interested consultants should submit the following: 

• A detailed technical proposal, including their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and work plan. 

• A financial proposal outlining the consultancy fee and any other relevant costs. 

• An updated CV highlighting relevant qualifications and experience. 

• Samples of similar work previously undertaken. 

 

Submission Deadline 28th May 2025  

Please send application to info@flag.gm