Improving Justice Delivery through Computerisation of the Cameroon Ministry of Justice

Reference: PAD/PCMR/0506
Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Duration: 45 person days over three months
Closing Date: 21 Oct 2011

Background

The Cameroon Ministry of Justice (MoJ) master plan for the computerisation of the MoJ was developed in 2005. In response to a request from the Government of Cameroon for assistance in the implementation of said master plan, the Commonwealth Secretariat accepted to assist the Ministry in raising funds for the development of a website for the MoJ and the computerisation of the courts and prisons system through the provision of high-speed internet access and email facilities.

This consequent project – which is expected to culminate in the computerisation of the courts and prisons system – is aimed at minimising delays in the hearing of cases; expediting decision-making and contributing to the more efficient and transparent delivery of justice. The provision of internet access and email facilities is to ensure key officers associated with the delivery of justice are able to access the website and information that could enhance their knowledge and support their improved implementation of the applicable laws.

As a smaller component of this broad project, Commonwealth experts have already developed a Database of Detainees (DoD) for the Penitentiary Administration (which is under the Ministry of Justice), and will be establishing the Kondengui Central Prison as the pilot site for the DoD in August/September 2011. The DoD will greatly assist in monitoring and tracking detainee movements through Cameroon’s prisons and justice system.

The computerisation of all the courts and prisons will provide a sound IT infrastructural base which will facilitate the rolling out of the DoD pilot to other prisons.

Scope and Purpose of Assignment

Computerising Cameroon’s justice system as a vehicle for enhancing the transparent, effective and equitable delivery of justice will require significant donor assistance due to the capital intensive nature of such a project. In order to assist the MoJ in enlisting the support of donors for the IT intensive aspect of this project, as well as the accompanying justice reform initiatives, the Commonwealth Secretariat proposes to engage a suitable expert for an estimated period of three months.

The expert, who will be based in the MoJ, will interface between the MoJ, UNDP and the international and donor community in Cameroon, as well as work closely with appropriate Commonwealth Secretariat desk officers. He/she will assist the MoJ in preparing a project proposal on the computerisation of the courts and prisons in Cameroon as part of the broader reform of Cameroon’s courts and prisons. This will involve assisting the MoJ to identify ‘justice reform’ priorities, and translating these priorities into a project proposal that meets donor requirements in order to justify the significant ICT expenditure required to computerise the courts and prisons system. This project proposal will be launched at a donor conference in Yaoundé, with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat and partners, with a view to securing donor contributions.

Outputs of Assignment

• A project proposal to enhance transparency and efficient delivery of justice in Cameroon through information technology systems.
• A conceptual framework accepted by the MoJ for the holding of a multi-donor conference to raise sufficient interest and funding for implementation of the computerisation project.

Expert’s Tasks

• Conduct a Needs Assessment, in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice, of what is necessary to enhance the transparency and accountability of the courts system, including the manner in which courts and prisons manage information.
• Assist the MoJ in identifying ‘justice reform’ initiatives linked to justice programming priorities and translating these into a project proposal that takes into account the requirements of prospective donors.
• Consult with UNDP and other potential donors and facilitate dialogue and broker partnerships between the Ministry of Justice and potential donors (including UNDP).
• Develop a full project proposal to enhance the overall transparency and efficiency of the administration of justice in Cameroon through a sound IT infrastructure and through institutional capacity to sustain them.
• Support the MoJ to launch the proposal at a donor conference in Yaoundé with a view to securing donor contributions for the project. The donor conference will be jointly organised by the MoJ and the Commonwealth Secretariat with the support of interested donors.

Consultant Profile

• Experience in developing project proposals to major donors, ideally including both technical and governance/justice requirements
• Political acumen and understanding of the intricacies of donor and developing country relations. Experience with resource mobilisation will be a strong asset
• Experience of working in Africa, preferably in Cameroon, and knowledge of the political, social and economic dynamics of the region. The incumbent must have a good grasp of issues and opportunities in the justice sector
• An understanding of the nature of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s role as a provider of Technical Assistance and Capacity Building to member countries upon request
• An understanding of the international political profile of the Commonwealth Secretariat, its comparative advantages and its core values and principles
• Experience in dealing, and willingness to interface on a regular basis, with donors in Cameroon, Commonwealth Secretariat officers, and MoJ staff, with a view to developing a project proposal for the benefit of the MoJ and has the buy-in and support of all stakeholders
• Demonstrable knowledge of and familiarity with information technology systems, especially in implementing reform initiatives
• Proficiency in both English and French languages.
  

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