Terms of Reference for Conducting Research Study on Utilization of Community Services as an Alternative to Custodial Tendering at Justice Defenders
Sentencing in Uganda, specifically Mubende, Kakumiro, Kagadi and Kibaale

Application Deadline: 6th December, 2023

OBJECTIVE
In partnership with the Uganda national community service programme, the research aims to identify, articulate, and document the existing situation regarding the utilization of community service as an alternative to custodial sentences in the country. The research findings will provide the benchmarks on which any changes resulting from the interventions and achievements could be measured.

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The outcomes will also inform any modifications that may be made in this area.
Specifically, the research will seek:
▪ To assess the current state and trends of the alternatives to custodial sentencing (community service): Understand the existing practices and conditions within the custodial sentencing system in the selected districts in the region, including the prison population, resources, challenges and recommendations.

▪ To collect stakeholder perspectives: Gather opinions, experiences, barriers and challenges of key stakeholders, including judges, law enforcement, social workers, offenders, and the communities in which the programs are being implemented. And thus understanding the communities’ attitudes and perceptions towards community service.

▪ To investigate the impact and outcomes of community service as an alternative to custodial sentencing, including recidivism rates, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders into society. Thus helping us evaluate the effectiveness of a community service program to representatives of the Judiciary, community, victims, offenders and families of victims and offenders.

▪ To develop recommendations: Based on the research findings, propose recommendations for improving and expanding the use of community service as an alternative to custodial sentencing in these districts, taking into account legal, social, and economic factors.

Scope of Work
In partnership with the National Community Service Programme, the consultant will conduct a research study on utilization of community service as an alternative to custodial sentencing in Mid-central regions (Mubende, Kibaale, Kagadi and Kakumiro Districts).

RESPONSIBILITIES
This should present the approach and methodology to be used, data collection tools and study implementation plan.
Hold a briefing with The Directorate of Community service and the JD team:
These meetings will provide the consultant an opportunity to gain more in-depth knowledge of the current trends on community service in Uganda and scope of this research.
Data collection tools and data collection methods to be employed will be reviewed by the team for purposes of the study.
Train field team to undertake fieldwork exercise:
The consultant will train a team of data collectors on use of data tools prior to field deployment. The consultant will be required to involve the relevant stakeholders and JD team in this training.
Prepare report based on the survey findings:
This should include concrete recommendations in terms of the objectives as described above. The Consultant will document survey activities, findings, conclusions and recommendations and present a draft report to the JD team and Directorate of Community Service for review and the comments will be included in the final report.
The final report will be submitted to the JD team and the Directorate of Community Service, not more than 1 week after receipt of comments. The Consultant will at that time arrange for a half day debriefing meeting with the teams to share the final report, with key focus on final recommendations.

Methodology
The Consultant will be required to design the methodology for the survey. It is expected that the survey will be participatory, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The process will involve but not be limited to collection of quantitative and qualitative data through desk reviews of provided documentation, in-depth interviews and discussions with beneficiaries and stakeholders. The methodology, tools and scheduling used must be gender and target group sensitive. Criteria for analysis
In order to capture genuine views, the following principles should be taken into account:
▪ Neutrality: The survey team needs to remain neutral and should avoid bringing in guiding influences.
▪ Confidentiality: Respondents should be assured in advance of absolute confidentiality. Data will not be attributed to specific respondents and permission is sought by the survey team when using anonymous quotations or stories to present the findings.
▪ Evidence based: Views and perceptions should be based solidly on demonstrated experience of working in partnership with JD.
▪ Cultural appropriateness: Care and considerations should be taken to balance sensitivities around local and organizational culture and practices to gain a true insight on matters pertaining to the partnership.

Outputs
Intermediate outputs
▪ A detailed implementation plan for the survey.
▪ A concept note outlining the interpretation of the TORs, methodology to be applied, resources needed and the data collection tools to be used for the survey. Final output
▪ 4 copies of a well written and edited research paper in English. The final reports should be presented in soft copy and 4 bound hard copies to be submitted one week upon receipt of comments and after the validation meeting. The final report should not exceed 40 pages including annexes and should conform to the following format:
1) Executive summary
2) Introduction
3) Methodology
4) Results/findings
5) Conclusions and recommendations
6) Annexes-including data collection tools, list of research team and any other relevant documents.
▪ At least 3 case studies providing an in-depth understanding of the situation in relation to the objectives stated above.
▪ During the assignment the consultant will give weekly briefings on progress of work to the project team and Directorate of Community Service. List of relevant documentation
▪ Uganda Ministry of Internal affairs annual reports.
▪ JLOS secretariat annual reports and documents.
▪ Uganda Police reports.
▪ Uganda Prisons Service reports and documents.
▪ Any other relevant documents.

Reporting Arrangements
For day to day operations, the consultant will report to the JD Monitoring and Evaluation Team with consultations from the Directorate of Community Service in the Uganda Ministry of internal affairs. They will provide the necessary support as required.

YOUR PROFILE
▪ Advanced degree in statistics, law, criminal justice, developmental economics, epidemiology, or other relevant field.
▪ Significant experience in leading studies or surveys of humanitarian programs especially in the areas of Community-Driven Development (CDD), leadership, and access to justice.
▪ Strong analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesize and present findings, draw practical conclusions, make recommendations and to prepare well-written reports promptly.
▪ Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, especially in development programming.
▪ Experience, knowledge and clear understanding of criminal justice in Uganda.
▪ Good interpersonal skills and understanding of cultural sensitivities.
▪ Documented experience in participatory project assessments and surveys.
▪ We strongly encourage applications from firms and/or individuals with past experience working in or conducting assessments in the justice law and order sector to apply.

Application Process
Interested parties should follow the link below to submit their expression of Interest while attaching the information requested. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Expression of Interest should include:
▪ CV(s) of the Consultants with details of qualifications, experience, address, telephone number and names of three referees (preferably those having worked for recently in similar assignments);
▪ Technical proposal that summarizes understanding of the ToRs, methodology and tools to be used.
▪ Work plan clearly indicating the activity schedule for covering the assignment period.
▪ Financial proposal providing cost estimates of daily consultancy fees in UGX. Daily consulting rate is negotiable, although should be commensurate to JD consultancy terms and standards.
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