Alternative Dispute Resolution Project

Terms of References for Mediators’ Training Consultant 

1. 1.      Project Overview

Legal Aid Society (LAS) is implementing a project on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Sindh. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) instruments are universally accepted time and cost effective support mechanisms to the judicial system, with increased user satisfaction. The Pakistani justice system is besieged with numerous delays resulting in lack of access to justice for all, particularly women and other vulnerable groups. ADR has the potential to provide an assistive mechanism to the courts for appropriate civil cases. There are, however, a number of issues hindering the utilization and spread of ADR in Pakistan including: lack of buy in of ADR from key stakeholders such as judges, bar associations, lawyers etc, lack of effective training of persons currently providing this service and a general unawareness amongst the public and hence low demand for this mechanism.

Keeping in view the importance of ADR, LAS intends to enhance the demand and supply of ADR in the province of Sindh by garnering increased levels of support from key stakeholders and preparing a highly trained cadre of mediation and ADR practitioners to support Court Annexed ADR mechanisms to support government to guarantee quality services and client satisfaction.

1. 2.      Consultancy Scope:

The objective of this consultancy is to train LAS- staff as certified mediators so as to provide improved ADR Services and augment referrals to ADR away from court dockets.

1. 3.      Deliverables

The consultant/ firm  is expected to deliver the following:

Deliverable 1

Customized training material will be developed by the consultant for training of LAS staff to certify them as mediators. The material will be designed for five full days (40 hours) training of LAS staff required for their certification as accredited mediators. 

Deliverable 2

35 LAS staff members will be trained by the Consultant /firm in 2 batches of training through 5 full days (40 hours) of trainings for each of the 2 batches and arrangements for the training facility (including provision of lunch and tea) shall be provided by the consultant /firm. 

Deliverable 3

Certification of 35 LAS staff through assessment at the end of training of each batch. The consultant/firm will also award the certificate of a recognized Mediation Institute or Mediators’ Association for their accreditation as mediators. 

1. 4.      Timeline and Payment

Time period for this consultancy will start from December 15, 2022 to January 31, 2022. Timelines and payment for each output is given in the following table.

Timelines and Payment Schedule

No.	Output	Timelines	Payment Percentage
1	Customized training material developed for 05 full days (40 hours) mediators training	December 15 – 30, 2021	30%
2	35 LAS Staff are trained through 2 batches of 5 days training	January 01 -  January 31, 2022	30%
3	Certification of 35 LAS staff through assessment at the end of training of each batch from an accredited institutions	January 01 -  January 31, 2022	40%

 

1. 1.      Potential Applicants

Individuals, firms, training and academic institutions with 5 years’ experience in training mediators. 

1. 2.      Eligibility
2. The individuals/organizations should have previous experience of training mediators (at least 5 years) and shall be accredited mediator(s)
3. The individuals/organizations should have track record or permission of certifying the trainee as mediators
4. Minimum of 05 years’ experience specifically in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolution
5. Proven competency and experience in developing training manuals on ADR

1. 3.      Location

The training will be conducted in Karachi.

1. 4.      Time Period

The time period for this assignment is 45 days from the date of signing of the contract.

1. 5.      Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Previous Relevant Experience
• Technical Proposal
• Financial Proposal
• CVs of the trainers (certified mediators)

1. 6.      Application Process:

Application can be submitted via online or courier on the given address. The applicants are required to submit a formal proposal by clearly outlining the curriculum of 40 hours training and the budget clearly mentioning budget line items separately.  

 

Legal Aid Society

Head Office: Spanish Homes Apartment, Mezzanine Floor

Plot A – 13, Phase – 1, D.H.A.,

Karachi, Pakistan

Tel:                021 – 35390133 – 35

Email:           [email protected] / [email protected]

Website:      www.las.org.pk