UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, Results

For more information about UNICEF Sri Lanka and its work visit: http://www.unicef.org/srilanka

How can you make a difference? 

Purpose and Background:

Under the supervision of the Chief of Child Protection, the Consultant will provide high-quality technical assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka in advancing the above priorities. The consultant will work with the Ministry of Justice, Mediation Boards Commission, Attorney General’s Department, Sri Lanka Police and Department of Probation and Childcare Services as the key government agencies that deal with children who are in conflict with the law.

Activities and Tasks: 

Scope of Work:

The purpose of the assignment is to provide high-level technical expertise in the following areas:

1. Comprehensive overview of current options: Conduct a review (legal framework, practical application and administrative data) of existing alternatives to penal criminal justice pathways and alternatives to deprivation of liberty for children, including formal/ informal police warning and discharge, use of mediation through the Mediation Boards and other measures.

- Analyze existing laws, policies, and regulations related to alternatives to penal criminal justice pathways, including formal/ informal police warning and discharge and Mediation Boards-based settlements; assess alignment with international standards and best practices – UNCRC and Beijing Rules.

- Relying on existing administrative data (to be provided by UNICEF), prepare a visualisation indicating the flow of juvenile justice cases in the criminal justice chain and application of various custodial and non-custodial measures at various stages of proceedings.

- Conduct Focus Group Discussions with the relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Justice, Mediation Boards Commission, Sri Lanka Police and Department of Probation and Childcare Services to gather information of existing alternatives to criminal justice proceedings and alternatives to deprivation of liberty.

2. Strengthening existing options: Support the Mediation Boards Commission to strengthen its capacity to handle mediation cases related to children effectively and in a child-friendly manner; identify further opportunities for expanding mediation to children in conflict with the law who are currently not covered; and options for further specialising this option for children.

- Conduct a Rapid Needs Assessment of the application of mediation for children who are referred to Mediation Boards.

- Develop a roadmap for increased use and quality of mediation for children.

- Develop a special training module on children and mediation to improve the capacities of mediators when handling cases of children and conduct a TOT programme for Mediation Trainers.

- Provide technical guidance to the Mediation Boards Division in developing awareness materials: (a) for the public informing them of the mediation for juvenile offenders and (b) for police and other justice sector stakeholders to improve the utilization of the practice.

- Provide technical guidance to the Mediation Boards Commission to introduce data formats, enabling the Commission to collect and maintain data on children and track the outcomes of cases that have been subject to mediation. Advise how to track recidivism as part of data collection.

- Provide technical expertise, informed by data overview and feasibility considerations, to propose options/recommendations specifically for potential reforms to the Mediation (Special Categories of Disputes) Act, No. 21 of 2003 for the establishment of Special Mediation Boards for Children.

3. Advising on the feasibility of new non-custodial measures: Advise on the feasibility of using diversion or other non-custodial options for children in conflict with the law and support develop a roadmap.

- Based on legal analysis, data overview and focus group discussions (under Objective 1), prepare a paper with a set of feasible options for introducing new alternatives to penal criminal justice pathways (especially considering the feasibility of introducing diversion).

- Present the proposed options to all relevant stakeholders.

- Provide input to a technical dialogue and advocacy towards the inclusion of provisions related to diversion and other alternative measures into the proposed Child Protection and Justice Bill by the Ministry of Justice.

- Provide necessary technical guidance to identify a country that can host an international exchange visit regarding diversion and alternatives to deprivation of liberty/alternatives to criminal proceedings for children in conflict with the law.

4. Improving services for children in conflict with the law: Propose modalities for rehabilitation and reintegration of child offenders based on global evidence of models that are effective.

- Conduct an overview of the existing rehabilitation and reintegration services available for children in conflict with the law in Sri Lanka and identify gaps, through consultations with government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, children and families.

- Review existing guidelines, regulations and laws defining the services for convicted children and their alignment with international standards.

- Draft a policy brief with recommendations for framing services for children in conflict with the law (with a focus on child-centered services promoting comprehensive services and community reintegration).

 

Working days, travel and timeline

The consultant is expected to work approximately 60 days from 15th August 2025 to 15th March 2026, providing remote expertise (46 days) and in-country support (14 days). The consultant needs to be available on 15th August 2025, for an intensive remote support and one mission during the month of September/October 2025. Overall, the consultant is expected to travel to Sri Lanka twice: for a 7-day mission in September/October 2025, and for another 7 days in February/March 2026 (dates and the duration of each visit can be negotiable and will be subject to discussion during the consultancy inception). Please refer to the deliverables below for more details. Remuneration of the consultant will be based on deliverables (see below)

 

Task 1: Comprehensive overview of current options: Conduct a review (legal framework, practical application and administrative data) of existing alternatives to penal criminal justice pathways and alternatives to deprivation of liberty for children, including formal/ informal police warning and discharge, use of mediation through the Mediation Boards and other measures

1. Analyze existing laws, policies, and regulations related to alternatives to penal criminal justice pathways, including formal/ informal police warning and discharge and Mediation Boards-based settlements; assess alignment with international standards and best practices – UNCRC and Beijing Rules.

2. Relying on existing administrative data (to be provided by UNICEF), prepare a visualisation indicating the flow of juvenile justice cases in the criminal justice chain and application of various custodial and non-custodial measures at various stages of proceedings.

3. Conduct Focus Group Discussions with the relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Justice, Mediation Boards Commission, Sri Lanka Police and Department of Probation and Childcare Services to gather information of existing alternatives to criminal justice proceedings and alternatives to deprivation of liberty.

1.1. A comprehensive analytical report on existing laws, policies, and regulations related to alternatives to penal criminal justice pathways, including formal/ informal police warning and discharge and Mediation Boards-based settlements – following Focus Group Discussions as well (remote work and in-country)

1.2. A detailed and user-friendly visualization (such as a flowchart or infographic) that clearly maps the journey of juvenile justice cases through the Sri Lankan criminal justice system (remote work).

1.3. Brief recommendations for the Ministry of Justice, Mediation Boards Commission, Sri Lanka Police and Department of Probation and Childcare Services regarding alternatives to criminal justice proceedings and alternatives to deprivation of liberty (remote work).

 

20th September 2025 – Deliverables 1.1. to 1.2.

15th October 2025 Deliverable 1.3.

20 days of work, including 13 days remote work and one in-country mission (7 days in September/October 2025).

40% of the entire budget

 

Task 2: Strengthening existing options: Support the Mediation Boards Commission to strengthen its capacity to handle mediation cases related to children effectively and in a child-friendly manner; identify further opportunities for expanding mediation to children in conflict with the law who are currently not covered; and options for further specialising this option for children.

1. Conduct a Rapid Needs Assessment of the application of mediation for children who are referred to Mediation Boards.

2. Develop a roadmap for increased use and quality of mediation for children.

3. Develop a special training module on children and mediation to improve the capacities of mediators when handling cases of children and conduct a TOT programme for Mediation Trainers.

4. Provide technical guidance to the Mediation Boards Division in developing awareness materials: (a) for the public informing them of the mediation for juvenile offenders and (b) for police and other justice sector stakeholders to improve the utilization of the practice.

5. Provide technical guidance to the Mediation Boards Commission to introduce data formats, enabling the Commission to collect and maintain data on children and track the outcomes of cases that have been subject to mediation. Advise how to track recidivism as part of data collection.

6. Provide technical expertise, informed by data overview and feasibility considerations, to propose options/recommendations specifically for potential reforms to the Mediation (Special Categories of Disputes) Act, No. 21 of 2003 for the establishment of Special Mediation Boards for Children.          

2.1. Brief report on the diagnostic meetings or small workshop with the Mediation Trainers, Mediators, Sri Lanka Police (in-country work) and draft roadmap for increased use and quality of mediation for children 

2.2. Rapid Needs Assessment report on the application of mediation for children who are referred to Mediation Boards (remote work).

2.3. A special training module on children and mediation to improve the capacities of mediators when handling cases of children (remote work).

2.4. Trainings for Mediation Trainers conducted (in-country work)

2.5. Guidance provided and draft awareness material prepared in partnership for (a) public and (b) police and other justice stakeholders (remote work).

2.6. Guidance provided and draft data formats prepared for Mediation Boards Commission to collect and maintain data on children and track the outcomes of cases that have been subject to mediation, including closure and recidivism. (remote work).

2.7. Draft technical content for potential reforms to the Mediation (Special Categories of Disputes) Act, No. 21 of 2003 for the establishment of Special Mediation Boards for Children, expanding the scope of offences that can me mediated, when committed by a child(remote work)

20th September 2025 – Deliverable 2.1

15th November 2025 Deliverables 2.2, 2.3,2.5

15th February 2026 Deliverables 2.4, 2.6, 2.7

20 days of work, including 13 days of remote work and 2 country mission with 7 days each (part of the same trip as for Taks 1 and 7 days in February 2026).

30% of the entire budget

 

Task 3: Advising on the feasibility of new non-custodial measures: Advise on the feasibility of using diversion or other non-custodial options for children in conflict with the law and support develop a roadmap.

1. Based on legal analysis, data overview and focus group discussions (under Objective 1), prepare a paper with a set of feasible options for introducing new alternatives to penal criminal justice pathways (especially considering the feasibility of introducing diversion).

2. Present the proposed options to all relevant stakeholders.

3. Provide input to a technical dialogue and advocacy towards the inclusion of provisions related to diversion and other alternative measures into the proposed Child Protection and Justice Bill by the Ministry of Justice.

4. Provide necessary technical guidance to identify a country that can host an international exchange visit regarding diversion and alternatives to deprivation of liberty/alternatives to criminal proceedings for children in conflict with the law.

3.1. Brief paper on the Focus Group Discussions to introduce new alternatives to penal criminal justice pathways (remote work and in-country work)

3.2. A paper with a set of feasible options for introducing new alternatives to penal criminal justice pathways (especially considering the feasibility of introducing diversion) (remote work)

3.3. Brief report following a consultative workshop to present new alternatives to penal criminal pathways and propose potential suggestions for the draft Child Protection and Justice Bill (in-country work)

3.4. Concept note on international exchange visit regarding diversion and alternatives to deprivation of liberty/alternatives to criminal proceedings for children in conflict with the law (remote work).     

15th September 2025 Deliverables 3.1. and 3.4

15th January 2026 Deliverable 3.2

15th February 2025 – Deliverable 3.3.

10 days of work, including 10 days of remote work and in-country as necessary (part of both in-country visits)

15% of the entire budget

 

Task 4: Improving services for children in conflict with the law: Propose modalities for rehabilitation and reintegration of child offenders based on global evidence of models that are effective.

1. Conduct an overview of the existing rehabilitation and reintegration services available for children in conflict with the law in Sri Lanka and identify gaps, through consultations with government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, children and families.

2. Review existing guidelines, regulations and laws defining the services for convicted children and their alignment with international standards.

3. Draft a policy brief with recommendations for framing services for children in conflict with the law (with a focus on child-centered services promoting comprehensive services and community reintegration).

4.1. A brief report on the desk review of the existing rehabilitation and reintegration services available for children in conflict with the law in Sri Lanka (remote work).

4.2. A brief report containing findings following diagnostic/consultative meetings with the relevant stakeholders (in-country work).

4.3. A policy brief with recommendations for framing services for children in conflict with the law (remote work)         

05th September 2025 Deliverable 4.1

15th September 2025 Deliverable 4.2

15th October 2025 Deliverable 4.3

10 days of work, including 10 days of remote work and in-country as necessary (part of both the first-in-country visit)

15% of the entire budget

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum Qualifications required:

Advanced degree in law, human rights, child rights, development studies or other relevant domain in social sciences and legal studies required.

Experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

Minimum 7- 10 years of relevant professional experience of working with government agencies, CSOs and other relevant institutions on mediation and diversion measures and improve the quality of services for children in conflict with the law required.

1.   Experience in providing technical assistance to government and NGOs/CSOs internationally.

2.   Experience in strengthening mediation and diversion measures and improve the quality of services for children in conflict with the law

3.   Solid knowledge on mediation, diversion measures, rehabilitation and reintegration of children who are in conflict with the law. 

4.    Experience of working in common law countries and knowledge of diversion and mediation options in such contexts is a strong asset.

5.    Proven experience of developing guidance documents and tools for strengthening mediation, diversion, rehabilitation measures.

6.           Proven experience in preparing and conducting capacity building sessions on mediation, diversion, rehabilitation of children, including with TOT approaches.

7.    Experience working one or more developing countries would be an advantage.

8.    Prior work experience with UNICEF is an asset.

9.    Ability to work independently, good planning and coordination

10.  Effective oral and written communication in English

 

How to apply:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a resume and other relevant documents

Please complete your profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system. https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_consultancy_assignments.html

** Please note:

 Consultant fees should be provided as a lumpsum in USD, inclusive of all fees and costs associated with the consultancy, such as daily fees, travel to Sri Lanka (two trips), accommodation, and other related costs. UNICEF will directly cover consultant’s in-country travel from Colombo to other locations as relevant, therefore, such costs do not need to be included in the price proposal submitted by the candidate.

Applications submitted without a fee/rate will not be considered  

 

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

  

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

 TOR_Consultant_Diversion_Final_advert.docx

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. 

If you think this position might be for you, please take the time to review our Country Office Mutual Agreements before you apply.

If you believe you can team member that can uphold these everyday, then we look forward to receiving and reviewing your application.