Ukraine
Consultant for updating the guidance note of investigating cases of CRSV at the Prosecutor`s Training Center of Ukraine
Organization
- Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation
Posted 1 Sep 2026 Closing date 13 Sep 2026
Title: Consultant for updating the guidance note of investigating cases of CRSV at the Prosecutor`s Training Center of Ukraine (a division of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine)
Assignment Location: remote work with possible in-person meetings in Kyiv (Ukraine)
Period: September-December, for a period of 21 days
Background
The Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation is an international, survivor-centred, rights-based organisation working to change the response to conflict-related sexual violence. We support survivors’ demands for a world where sexual violence as a weapon of war is no longer tolerated, and bears consequences for individual perpetrators and states. We work for a future where survivors receive the holistic care and compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We create opportunities for survivors to speak out and be heard, and where they can organise to create change, influence policies, and demand justice and accountability. We are working towards a future where sexual violence in conflict is no longer seen as inevitable, but is recognised for what it is: a crime that should have serious consequences for both the perpetrators as well as states that tolerate or condone it. We want the international community to draw a red line against wartime sexual violence and strengthen accountability for states and perpetrators.
See also www.mukwegefoundation.org.
Country Programme in Ukraine
In Ukraine, conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) has been a prevalent issue in the conflict in the East of Ukraine and occupied Crimea since 2014. Since 2018, the Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation (MF) has been engaged in Ukraine, supporting the development of SEMA Ukraine, the Ukrainian Network of Women Affected by Violence.
In April 2022, following the February 2022 full scale invasion by Russian Federation Forces in Ukraine, under the invitation of Ukraine’s Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy, a joint scoping mission was conducted by the Global Survivors Fund (GSF) and the Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation to assess how best the sister organisations could support Ukraine in strengthening a holistic approach to the prevention and response to CRSV.
On July 19, 2022, the Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, the Global Survivors Fund and Dr Denis Mukwege Foundation signed a Framework Agreement on the partners’ cooperation aimed at supporting the implementation of a holistic response to conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine, including access to justice and reparations, inspired by the Panzi model of holistic care, developed by Dr. Mukwege and his team at Panzi Hospital and Foundation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Under The Framework Agreement, In 2022 The Parties Agreed To 5 Objectives, And In 2024 Signed An Amendment, According To Which The MF Is Focused On The Following Strategic Objectives
- SO1: Inform, sensitise and mobilise the international community for timely, adequate and coordinated response to conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine.
- SO2: Contribute to strengthening knowledge on, and capacities for, quality, survivor-centred, holistic care for CRSV survivors.
- SO3: Strengthen survivor’s knowledge of the availability of holistic care services and support the integration of survivor-centered approach in the roll-out of a holistic response to CRSV in Ukraine.
- SO4: Contribute to strengthening the delivery of quality, holistic care for CRSV survivors, based on the Panzi OSC holistic care model in prioritised regions to be identified in collaboration with regional authorities and the Parties to the Framework Agreement and Amendment.
Description Of Assignment
Related to Strategic Objective 2, MF provides support to the Prosecutor’s Training Center of Ukraine (PTC), which is a state institution established to enhance the professional competencies of prosecutors and civil servants within the Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine. The establishment of the Center is an integral part of the prosecution system reform, aimed at improving qualification mechanisms, introducing professional attestation, and ensuring continuous learning.
The PTC Provides
- Continuous professional trainings for prosecutors and civil servants of the prosecution system to develop and strengthen their professional skills;
- Initial training for candidates for the position of prosecutor, including internship programs for individuals who have successfully passed the selection process;
- Continuous professional development for civil servants of other governmental and non-governmental institutions and organisations. The Training Center applies international best practices in professional education and needs-based learning approaches. It pays particular attention to developing personal competencies and fostering a modern professional culture among prosecutors.
MF collaborates with PTC to strengthen the capacity of prosecutors in effectively investigating conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), including through the development, adaptation, and updating of practical guidance tools in line with national legislation and international standards.
Scope of work
The Consultant Will Be Responsible To
- Review the existing guidance note on investigating cases of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), developed in 2023, considering its structure, content and practical applicability.
- Analyse the findings of the needs assessment conducted among prosecutors, including survey data and analytical summaries, to identify key gaps, challenges and priority areas for updating.
- Consult relevant stakeholders (e.g. representatives of prosecution bodies, PTC, Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy, and MF) as needed to validate the identified needs and ensure the updated content is relevant.
- Update and revise the guidance note to reflect:
- current legal and procedural frameworks in Ukraine;
- practical challenges faced by prosecutors in investigating CRSV cases;
- survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches;
- international standards and best practices related to CRSV documentation and investigation;
- the specific features of carrying out certain investigative (detective) measures necessary to ensure the effective investigation of offences relating to CRSV;
- the specific features of conducting the public prosecution in court in criminal proceedings concerning CRSV offences;
- mechanisms for referring victims and witnesses to the relevant services and institutions to receive legal, psychological, medical, social and other necessary assistance.
- Ensure the integration of clear, practical and user-friendly guidance, including step-by-step recommendations, and guidance on the procedures that prosecutors should follow when interacting with the ICC and national survivor compensation mechanisms.
- Align the updated tool with existing national training materials and institutional frameworks, including those used by PTC.
- Propose improvements to the structure, format and usability of the guidance note to enhance its practical application by prosecutors.
- Submit a draft version of the updated guidance note for review and incorporate feedback from the MF and PTC.
- Deliver a final, revised version of the guidance note within the agreed timeframe (up to 21 working days).
Expected deliverables
The Consultant Is Expected To Deliver The Following
- An inception note (ENG & UKR), including the proposed methodology, work plan and timeline, to be submitted within the first three to five working days of the assignment.
- An analytical summary (ENG & UKR) of key findings based on a review of:
- the existing 2023 guidance note;
- the results of the prosecutor's survey and analysis of needs, including identified gaps and priority areas for updating.
- First draft (UKR) of the updated guidance note/tool on investigating CRSV cases, including:
- revised and updated content;
- improved structure and format;
- practical guidance (e.g. checklists, step-by-step recommendations);
- A revised draft (UKR) of the guidance note incorporating feedback from the Mukwege Foundation and PTC. Final version of the updated guidance note, ready for use and potential publication. This includes:
- proofread and edited content;
- clear, user-friendly formatting.
- A short summary note (3-5 pages) (ENG) outlining the key updates introduced, the rationale behind the changes and recommendations for further use or integration into training processes.
The revised draft and a short summary note should be submitted by
November 30th, 2026.
Timeframe
- Inception phase: Review of assignment materials; development and submission of inception note including methodology and workplan (3 days)
- Desk review and analysis: Review of the 2023 guidance note and analysis of survey findings and needs assessment results to identify key gaps and priorities (4 days)
- Drafting of updated guidance note: Revision and update of content, including integration of legal updates, practical challenges, survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches; improvement of structure and usability (7 days)
- Revision phase: Delivery of the first draft of the updated guidance note for review by Mukwege Foundation and PTC; incorporation of feedback received from Mukwege Foundation and relevant stakeholders (4 days)
- Final deliverables submission: Final editing, proofreading, and formatting of the guidance note. Submission of final version of the guidance note and summary note outlining key updates and recommendations by the 30th November 2026 (3 days)
Profile And Key Qualifications Required
- A Master`s degree in law, criminal justice, human rights, gender studies or a related subject.
- A minimum of five years' relevant professional experience in criminal justice, prosecution, investigation or legal analysis, preferably in the context of conflict-related crimes.
- Demonstrated experience of working on issues relating to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), gender-based violence (GBV) and/or human rights violations.
- Proven experience in developing, reviewing or updating practical guidance materials, toolkits or training resources for legal or law enforcement professionals.
- Strong knowledge of the Ukrainian legal and procedural framework relating to the investigation and prosecution of CRSV or war crimes.
- Familiarity with international standards and best practices for documenting and investigating CRSV, including survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
- Experience of collaborating with prosecution bodies, law enforcement agencies or judicial institutions in Ukraine would be a significant advantage.
- Excellent analytical and writing skills with the ability to translate complex legal and procedural information into clear, practical and user-friendly guidance.
- Working proficiency in Ukrainian; professional English skills are an asset.
- The ability to work independently, meet deadlines and incorporate feedback in a timely and professional manner.
Remuneration
The Foundation is offering a flat gross-rate of 3000 EUR for this consultancy.
How to apply
Please send your cover letter and CV no later than 13th September 2026 23h55 CET, to Lucy Shanahan at: vacancies@mukwegefoundation.org. Kindly include “UKR: Consultant — Prosecutor`s Training Center of Ukraine” in the subject line of your email. Applications can be submitted in either English or Ukrainian and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may be closed earlier if a suitable candidate is identified, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Job details
Country
Source
- Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation
Type
Career category
Years of experience
Theme
- Protection and Human Rights
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