ACCESS TO JUSTICE- POLICE REFORMS PROGRAMME

The Police Reforms Programme is seeking a Consultant for a specifc study focusing on the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in the state of Odisha. The Consultant will be based out of Odisha.

About the Police Reforms Programme:

The police reforms programme at CHRI advocates for systemic reform of the police. The programme works with the police, governments, independent institutions, and civil society actors to improve policing, advocating for human-rights based, accountable police practices. We do this through a combination of research-based advocacy, legislative and policy analysis, monitoring of accountability bodies, public education, campaigning, civil society networking and working in partnership, and strategic litigation.

About the study:

The study seeks to document the use and impact of Section 4 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (POA Act). Through RTI applications, the study will review official data on complaints received and registered under Section 4 of the Act in Odisha. It will further document the experiences of complainants/victims in their journey of getting an atrocity complaint registered as well as seeking action against the police in instances of refusal and/or delay in registering their complaints. This will be done through interview with activists, support groups, lawyers and/or victims as needed. The study will culminate in a report with targeted recommendations directed at the state government, police leadership as well as rights groups, lawyers and civil society.

Terms of reference:

The Consultant will be based in Odisha and work closely with the police reforms programme team based in Delhi. Key responsibilities will include:

1. Conducting research for the study including:

• preparing, filing and following through RTI applications seeking data from the Odisha Police on complaints received and registered under Section 4 of the POA Act;

• coordinating with CHRI’s local civil society partner in identifying and conducting interviews and FGDs with relevant support groups, activists and lawyers working on atrocities cases;
• maintaining comprehensive record and notes of information received through RTI as well as interviews and FGDs conducted;

2. Finalising the report including:

• contributing to developing the outline and structure of the report;
• writing the report in close consultation with the police reforms team including incorporating inputs received as necessary;
• assisting with organising and resourcing consultations as required to review and finalise the report findings;

3. Compliance with monitoring and financial reporting requirements.

Period of the Consultancy: 8 months from the start date

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate degree, preferably in law and social sciences, from a recognized university;
• At least 3-5 years of work experience in the field of human rights; previous work on the Atrocities Act and/or rights of marginalised groups will be an added advantage;
• Demonstrable research and analytical skills through published work;
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in English and Odia;
• Ability to work independently

Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe candidates are encouraged to apply, and will be given preference.

Interested candidates should apply with:

• Updated Resume/CV;
• Cover letter (not more than 350 words to explain interest and suitability for this work);
• A writing sample of 2-4 pages (published work can be submitted);
• Contact details of two referees

The deadline for applications is 30 March 2021, and should be sent by email to vinu@humanrightsinitiative.org. Please mention the position for which you have applied in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Kindly do not post the application.