ThaiNGO

JOB SUMMARY

Job title: Project Manager – Model Prison Project (THAI NATIONAL ONLY)

Programme: Implementation of the Bangkok Rules and the Treatment of Offenders (IBR)

Responsible to: Chief Programme Officer

Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand, with frequent domestic travel

Duration: Full-time

Application deadline: 13 May 2018

ABOUT THE TIJ

Building on Thailand’s engagement in the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) was established in 2011 with the aim to promote excellence in research and capacity-building in the area of criminal justice. The institute serves as a bridge that transports global ideas to local practices. The primary objective is to promote the implementation of United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) as well as other United Nations standards and norms related to women and children in contact with the criminal justice system.

As a member of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network Institute (UNPNI), TIJ also gears its work towards important cross-cutting issues on the United Nations agenda such as the rule of law, sustainable development, human rights, peace and security. At the same time, it works toward enhancing domestic justice system and the rule-based community within the ASEAN region.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME / PROJECT

The Implementation of the Bangkok Rules and Treatment of Offenders Programme (IBR) supports the work of the TIJ in promoting and supporting the implementation of the UN standards and norms related to the treatment of offenders nationally, regionally and internationally. The core activities of IBR include 1) policy advocacy; 2) research; and 3) capacity building. We work to:

• Conduct high quality research and provide practical and evidence-based recommendations to inform and influence policies, practices and public debates;
• Provide capacity building trainings and enhance awareness on the importance of the UN standards and norms related to treatment of offenders; and
• Build network and partnerships with government agencies, international organizations and other United Nations Programme Network Institutes (PNIs) through academic and technical cooperation.

The Model Prison Project is one of the flagship projects under the IBR programme with the objective to support correctional facilities and correctional departments in Thailand and other ASEAN countries in improving and maintaining the prison management in line with international standards and norms, especially to meet the requirements of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).

In 2015, TIJ in cooperation with the Department of Corrections of Thailand established the “Model Prison Project” with the aim to enhance understanding of prison staff about the UN Bangkok Rules and the Nelson Mandela Rules, to encourage prisons/correctional institutes across Thailand to carry out their policies and practices on the treatment of women prisoners in line with Rules and to ensure that the Rules are implemented effectively and sustainably. Main focuses of the Model Prison Project include enhancement of prison staffs’ skills and attitudes, correctional facility improvement and promoting gender-sensitive correctional practices.

Correctional institutes around the country are invited to join the project and be evaluated in several aspects using the indicators developed by TIJ and the Department of Corrections. Prior to the evaluation, each prison is tasked to achieve gender sensitive operations in several areas within one-year period while technical support is provided by TIJ during the improvement process. Finally, each prison will be evaluated using the evaluation tool whereas prisons with satisfactory evaluation result are designated as the Model Prison.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Manager will mainly, but not exclusively, be involved in the overall management of the “Model Prison Project”. Her/his role will also include providing support and substantive inputs for other activities related to research and policy advocacy. This position involves frequent domestic travel and some international travel. 

Project management:

• Develop the strategic plan and manage all key activities under on the “Model Prison Project” in Thailand and the ASEAN region;
• Manage day-to-day project implementation and overall coordination of project outcomes;
• Coordinate and liaise with the Department of Corrections and local prison authorities to raise awareness about the international standards and norms related to the treatment of prisoners;
• Oversee an overall selection criteria and selection process of the Model Prisons;
• Design an appropriate programme / activities to enhance prison staff’s understanding about the international standards and norms and promote prisoners’ rehabilitation and reintegration;
• Ensure the effectiveness and high quality of prison assessment using existing tools and relevant UN guidelines;
• Provide academic support to IBR’s research projects and capacity building activities for prison staff;
• Provide direction and leadership in advocating project objectives and in ensuring that all interested parties are well informed about the project activities and goals.
• Present about the key achievements and process of the project to stakeholders and relevant organizations at various international and regional platforms including conferences, workshops, seminars and meetings;
• Draft an executive summary, interim report and annual report on the progress of the project; and
• Undertake some domestic travels to various provinces in Thailand for prison visits to follow up and conduct prison assessment.

Communication:

• Liaise with government and non-government partners and ensure effective communication throughout the project;
• Build network with private sector and civil society to ensure their involvement in appropriate activities of the project;
• Ensure proper professional relationships with relevant national and international partner agencies; and
• Provide substantial inputs for communication materials.

Admin/logistics:

• Oversee the budget plan as well as monitor and report on financial status of the project;
• Facilitate Model Prison study visit for delegations from various countries, including logistic arrangement of the trip;
• Provide inputs and prepare necessary documents required for project activities such as invitation letter and internal memos; and
• Supervise administrative work and procurement process related to the project;
• Other tasks as assigned by a Chief Programme Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

Experience and Knowledge

• Post-graduate degree in criminology, law, international relations, human rights, development studies, or other relevant discipline;
• Sound knowledge in UN standards and norms related to the treatment of offenders and international crime prevention and criminal justice related issues;
• At least 5 years of professional experience in project management.
• At least 3 years of work experience in the field of corrections, criminal justice, or other relevant areas;
• Experience in working in the field of corrections and conducting prison assessment;
• Proficiency in English and Thai languages;
• Experience working with data and writing high quality reports;
• Willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally, which may include overnight and weekends on occasion; and
• Willingness and ability to make a frequent visit and work inside prisons and with prisoners.

Skills / Abilities

• Excellent analytical and writing skills;
• Good presentation and networking skills;
• Excellent management skills;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
• Ability in team management and collaboration;
• Ability to work on own initiative and independently under minimal supervision; and
• Strong interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Previous experience in areas of corrections, human rights, gender empowerment, or international development;
• Previous experience in working closely with public sector and government agencies; and
• Previous experience in operating a project directly involving socially marginalized and vulnerable group

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Please note that this position is full-time and open to Thai National only.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants are required to send in the following documents and indicate their expected monthly salary to hr@tijthailand.org :

• Cover letter
• CV including three professional referees

Please indicate in the Subject Title: Application_Project Manager (Last Name)

Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and assessment at TIJ Office in Bangkok.

Contact : 021189400 Ext.117