Introduction: The Female Lawyers Association Gambia (FLAG), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is inviting qualified consultants with expertise in legal frameworks, legal aid, and human rights to develop a comprehensive set of Legal Aid Policies. These policies will serve as the foundational guide for FLAG’s pro bono Legal Aid Clinic and its broader advocacy efforts, focusing on the rights and empowerment of women and children in The Gambia. The policies will ensure that FLAG delivers services in a professional, ethical, and structured manner, aligned with international standards and best practices.
Objective: The objective of this consultancy is to create detailed policies that will enhance the operation of FLAG’s Legal Aid Clinic and advocacy work. The policies will cover essential areas such as client eligibility, data protection, conflict of interest, code of conduct, anti-discrimination, and other key policies critical to legal aid delivery and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
Scope of Work: The consultant is expected to:
• Conduct a Needs Assessment: Perform a thorough evaluation of FLAG’s current legal aid services, advocacy efforts, and operational challenges to identify key areas that require policy development.
• Develop Comprehensive Legal Aid Policies: Draft clear, structured, and comprehensive policies that will guide FLAG’s work. The policies must include but are not limited to:
• Client Eligibility Policy: Guidelines on who qualifies for FLAG’s services, including a focus on women’s empowerment.
• Conflict of Interest Policy: Managing conflicts in the representation of clients.
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy: Ensuring client information is handled with utmost care.
• Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy: Upholding the highest professional and ethical standards.
• Anti-Discrimination Policy: Promoting equality and non-discrimination in all services.
• Cost Waiver Policy (if applicable): Establishing the process for waiving costs for eligible clients.
• Referral and Collaboration Policy: Formalizing partnerships with key stakeholders (e.g. Police, National Legal Aid Clinic, National Human Rights Commission, One Stop Centres etc.).
• Case Reporting Policies: Clear procedures for both lawyers and administrative staff on case handling and reporting.
• PSEA and Safeguarding Policies: Protection from sexual exploitation, abuse, and safeguarding for all stakeholders.
• Resource Mobilization, Financing, and Strategic Litigation Policies: Guidelines for financial sustainability and high-impact litigation.
• Victim Protection, ADR, Mental Health, and Training Policies: Ensuring holistic support, training for staff and external groups, and ADR services.
• Record Keeping, Research, and Access to Justice Policies: Enhancing case management, archiving, and access through mobile and online clinics.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Risk Management, and Pro Bono Policies: Ensuring continuous assessment, risk mitigation, and volunteer engagement.
• Transport and Engagement Terms Policies: Supporting mobility for legal aid provision and formalizing terms for collaboration.
• Consult Stakeholders: Engage with key stakeholders, including FLAG staff, clients, partners, and external experts, to gather insights and feedback for the development of the policies.
• Training and Dissemination: Provide recommendations for the dissemination of the policies and conduct a workshop for FLAG staff to ensure they are equipped to implement them effectively.
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Submission Requirements:
Interested parties should submit their proposals by 10thSeptember 2024 via email to President@flag.gm/Info@flag.gm. Proposals should include the following:
• Cover letter introducing the organization or individual and expressing interest in this project.
• Detailed proposal outlining the approach, methodology, and timeline for developing the Legal Aid Policies.
• Relevant qualifications and experience in legal documentation, legal aid services, or related fields.
• Samples of previous work or similar projects.
• Acknowledgment of Fixed Fee Structure, confirming acceptance of the pre-determined budget for the project..
Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Experience and expertise in legal documentation and legal aid services.
• Clarity and comprehensiveness of the proposal.
• Alignment with the Fixed Fee Structure and cost-effectiveness
• Ability to meet project timelines.
Timeline:
• Proposal Submission Deadline: 12th September 2024
• Selection of Proposal: 17th September 2024
• Commencement of Project: 20th September 2024
• Completion of Legal Aid Manual: 8th November 2024
Contact Information:
For inquiries and submission of proposals, please contact president@flag.gm/ Info@flag.gm.
FLAG looks forward to receiving your proposals and working together to enhance access to justice through the development of this vital Legal Aid Manual.
