Project Context and Scope
Victims of human trafficking who participate in criminal, civil, or administrative court proceedings are often exposed to secondary victimization, retraumatization, and systemic barriers that undermine their rights, dignity, and effective access to justice. Judicial processes frequently fail to adequately account for the psychological, social, and cultural impacts of trauma, particularly in cases involving sexual exploitation, forced labor, child victims, and survivors affected by conflict and displacement.
In the framework of Project “Enhancing protection of vulnerable populations in Ukraine by combatting human trafficking, promoting safe migration and ensuring survivors access to assistance” that is aimed to enhance the protection and resilience of vulnerable people in Ukraine by preventing human trafficking as well as promote effective regional responses to trafficking in persons in the context of the war in Ukraine IOM Ukraine will organize three-day training for representatives of National school of judges of Ukraine, that will enhance understanding of the trauma-informed approaches among the professionals involved in court proceedings with victims of human trafficking, with a particular focus on courtroom practices, evidentiary processes, questioning techniques, and inter-institutional coordination.
The purpose of this assignment is to design and deliver specialized training modules on victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches when working with victims of human trafficking during court hearings, including preparation, testimony, and post-hearing stages.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Protection Unit
Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment
Develop a training curriculum tailored specifically for judges, reflecting:
The Criminal Code of Ukraine;
The Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine (CPC);
Relevant Supreme Court of Ukraine practice and ECtHR jurisprudence.
Integrate international standards and best practices, including:
Victim-centered approach;
Trauma-informed principles;
Do no harm;
Confidentiality and informed consent;
Gender- and child-sensitive justice;
The training shall cover, at minimum:
Legal qualification of trafficking in human beings under Article 149 CCU;
Procedural status and rights of victims under the CPC of Ukraine;
Trauma, complex trauma, and their relevance to judicial assessment of evidence;
Trauma and memory: implications for credibility, consistency, and demeanor;
Preventing secondary victimization during court hearings;
Judicial management of adversarial proceedings in trafficking cases;
Use of protective and supportive measures, including:
Closed hearings
Remote or video testimony
Presence of a support person or psychologist
Special measures for child victims
Gender-sensitive and child-sensitive adjudication
Impact of war-related trauma and displacement on trafficking victims
Judicial self-awareness and prevention of professional burnout
Prepare training materials, including presentations, case studies, role plays, and practical tools.
Conduct interactive training sessions during 3 days of offline training in Kyiv in cooperation with another consultant.
Lead practical exercises focusing on:
Judicial control of questioning and cross-examination
Assessment of testimony affected by trauma
Use of special procedural measures under the CPC of Ukraine
Courtroom communication that preserves dignity and authority while minimizing harm
Prepare the trainer’s report for observation on the group engagement, key discussion points and challenges.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Deliverable 1 by 10 April 2026 – 1050 USD (United States Dollars One Thousand and Fifty)
Judicial training curriculum and agenda developed and agreed with IOM.
Training materials (presentations, checklists, case scenarios) developed and agreed with IOM.
One three-day training for judges is conducted in March 2026.
Pre- and post-training assessment carried out.
Final training report with recommendations for judicial practice submitted to IOM.
The payment of the Consultant’s fees shall be initiated within 10 days after IOM’s receipt and approval of the outputs outlined above.
University Degree in Psychology, Law or related field, with five years of professional experience in the area of countering human trafficking and victim-centered and trauma-informed approach.
Demonstrated experience in delivering judicial trainings.
In-depth knowledge of:
Ukrainian criminal and criminal procedural law
International anti-trafficking and human rights standards
ECtHR case law relevant to victim protection and fair trial;
Excellent written and oral communication skills in Ukrainian; knowledge of English will be an asset;
Ability to work independently and as a team member;
Self-discipline and the ability to work according to set time limits.
Languages
- Ukrainian (Knowledge of English is an advantage)
Travel required
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at
this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
- Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
- IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
- IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
- IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
- IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
This position is no longer open.
