The Gambia's legal system is based on a tripartite system: (1) English law, including the common law and principles of equity and statute law; (2) customary law, which is administered by district tribunals; and (3) Islamic/Sharia law on matters relating to marriage, divorce and inheritance, which is administered by a Cadi Court system. The latter two systems apply only to Gambians and/or Muslims.

The result is a strong need for comprehensive interventions to improve the rule of law by extending support to enhance the institutional capacities and capabilities of justice institutions while also strengthening the demand side by increasing legal awareness and empowering weak and marginalized communities.

The Prisons Service works to manage 3 prisons with an approximate detention rate of 230 (Mile 2), 38 (Janjanbureh) and 20 (Jeswang). There are a number of remand prisoners in Mile 2 which has led to overcrowding and a difficult detention environment. The Prisons is underfunded and overworked. The Prisons Service currently uses a paper filing system and as a result, files have been mis-located. This has led to prolonged detentions as prison personnel are unable to provide documents demonstrating why a particular person is being detained.

While an upgraded modern system would be ideal, given the current personnel capacity, power issues, infrastructure and available assets, there is first a need to improve the current system and build gradually to a more modern computerized system.

Scope of Work

The International Consultant for Prisons Case Management Specialist, (hereinafter, “the Consultant”) will work closely with the Prisons Service to:

A. Complete an assessment on the current case management system

The Prisons Service includes a Headquarters and 3 prisons located in Banjul, Jeswang and Janjanbureh. While Mile 2 and Jeswang are not far in distance, Janjanbureh prison is located approximately 300 kilometers from Banjul. The distance and current capacity of the Prisons Service is challenging. It is important for the consultant to understand the capacity of the personnel, existing ICT equipment, power and what its work requires.

A preliminary assessment of the current case management system should provide a comprehensive overview of how it works, what are its flaws, and how it can be improved. The assessment should also include recommendations on immediate changes to improve the current system.

B. Development of a new case management system (short, medium and long-term)

The consultant, ideally in coordination with the ICT Specialist Consultant, will develop a new case management system in 3 phases: short-term (immediate to 1 year), medium-term (2-3 years), and long-term (5 years). This gradual upgrading is meant to ensure that changes are internalized, in alignment with building capacity of personnel and results in a sustainable and efficient case management system tailored to the Prisons Service’s needs and challenges.

C. Training and mentorship of Prisons Personnel Case Management Unit

The consultant will develop a training program for the prisons personnel who manage the case management system for the Prisons Service in all 3 prisons. This should include but is not limited to: a Training of Trainers, curriculum and guiding documents for future trainings. Again, to ensure that changes are internalized, the project is requesting the consultant to provide day-to-day mentorship to the Prisons personnel on the case management system in all 3 prisons.