ACCESS TO JUSTICE- POLICE REFORMS PROGRAMME

The Police Reforms Programme is seeking a Consultant for a project to assess the status of, and identify challenges faced by policewomen in Karnataka. The Consultant will preferably be based out of Bengaluru, Karnataka.

About the Police Reforms Programme:

The police reforms programme at CHRI advocates for systemic reform of the police with a view to transfrom policing into a law upholding, accountable, representative and professional service across the Commonwealth. The programme’s work is concentrated in India, and select countries wihtin South Asia and East Africa. The programme engages with state institutions including police departments, governments and independent institutions, as well as civil society and rights groups to produce empirical research, publish legislative and policy analysis, disseminate educational material, conduct training, and design and implement campaigns.

About the project:

The project seeks to contribute towards strengthening the role of policewomen in the state of Karnataka in India. This will be done through an independent assessment of challenges policewomen face at different levels within the police service. The assessment will focus on different administrative and governance aspects including recruitment, transfer, facilities and services, promotion, training, and culture within the police service to highlight distinct barriers that may be hindering women’s active participation. The assessment will be based on interviews with supervisory officers as well as focus group discussions with women personnel acorss ranks, and culminate with a report that will be submitted to the Karnataka Police. The report will also put forward actionable measures for the police department to consider to improve working conditions for policewomen in the state. 

Terms of reference:

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

• Conducting the ground assessment study including survey, interviews, FGDs and preparing the report;
• Convening interactions with local civil society groups, academics and relevant experts;
• Translating policy documents from Kannada to English, as required;
• Representing CHRI in meetings with the Karnataka Police through the course of the study to share updates, seek inputs, present findings and finalise report recommendations; and
• Ensuring compliance with monitoring and financial reporting requirements.

Duration of the Consultancy: 12 months

Qualifications:

• Graduate degree, preferably in law and social sciences, from a recognized university;

• At least 3 years of work experience in the field of human rights; legal and policy research and advocacy; and/or women’s rights;
• Proven research and analytical skills through published work;
• Strong communciation skills in English and Kannada;
• Ability to work independently.

We are looking for a motivated candidate who is committed to advancing social justice.

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 31 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.