Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Alternatives to Incarceration

Consultant Terms of Reference

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative

Job Title: Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Alternatives to Incarceration

Job Type: Short-term

Location: Middle East and North Africa (multiple locations)

Organizational Background

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is an international development program that promotes the rule of law by working with in-country partners to build sustainable institutions and societies that deliver justice, foster economic opportunity and ensure respect for human dignity. In collaboration with our in-country partners—including judges, lawyers, bar associations, law schools, court administrators, legislatures, ministries of justice, and human rights and civil society organizations—we design programs that are responsive to local needs and that prioritize sustainable solutions to pressing rule of law challenges.

Job Overview

We are seeking multiple highly knowledgeable and experienced Subject Matter Experts (SME) in Alternatives to Incarceration and Probation Systems to join our organization as short-term consultants for multiple programs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The ideal candidate(s) will bring a deep understanding of criminal justice reform, social work, and community-based interventions to develop and advocate for policies that contribute to a more equitable and just society.

Responsibilities

1. Research and Analysis:

· Stay abreast of current trends, best practices, and emerging models related to alternatives to incarceration and probation.

· Identify opportunities for improvement and innovation within the target criminal justice system.

2. Training and Education:

· Collaborate with partner organizations and agencies to develop customized training programs that address specific needs and challenges within their jurisdictions.

· Tailor training materials to different audiences, including law enforcement and corrections workers, judicial officials, social workers, support service providers, and other relevant stakeholders.

· Conduct engaging and informative training sessions for criminal justice professionals and support services partners.

· Utilize various instructional methods, such as workshops, seminars, and webinars, to ensure effective knowledge transfer.

· Provide ongoing support and resources to participants to reinforce learning and encourage implementation.

· Coordinate with ABA ROLI Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Team to establish mechanisms for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs, gathering feedback from participants, and making continuous improvements.

· Develop assessment tools to measure the impact of training on the understanding and application of alternatives to traditional incarceration.

3. Ongoing Technical Assistance

· Offer technical assistance and consultation to partner organizations seeking guidance on implementing alternative approaches.

· Serve as a resource for answering questions, troubleshooting challenges, and providing expertise on effective strategies.

Qualifications

· An advanced university degree in law (Juris Doctor, LLM, Masters degree) and / or a degree (undergraduate or higher) in criminal justice, social work, public policy, or a related field.

· Minimum of 10 years of experience in criminal justice reform (as judge, prosecutor, defense lawyer, or corrections professional) with a focus on alternatives to incarceration and probation systems.

· Previous experience developing and delivering workshops on behalf of programs funded by international donors or organizations is highly preferred.

· Strong understanding of the social, economic, and racial disparities within the criminal justice system.

· Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to translate findings into actionable policies and programs.

· Effective communication and presentation skills for engaging with diverse audiences.

· Knowledge of trends and innovations in adult education, instructional design, and training methodologies.

· Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, and community organizations.

· Passion for and commitment to promoting social justice and equity.

· Fluency in English is required; fluency in Arabic and / or French is highly desirable.