1. Background

The Legal Aid Society (LAS) is a not-for-profit organization working on its mission to connect vulnerable & disempowered end users of justice with effective and expedient services for justice delivery. LAS’s interventions have been aimed at increasing access to justice for poor & marginalized communities, particularly women, across the province of Sindh and at the Federal level.

In line with the mission of expediting justice delivery, LAS is implementing a project to strengthen the State’s response to sexual violence as a technical partner, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of Pakistan, under the Awaaz II Program.

LAS initiated the project to provide technical assistance to the Government of Pakistan in improving Criminal Justice Actors’ response to sexual violence and to enhance coordination between stakeholders.

This consultancy seeks to conduct a comprehensive gap analysis of the investigation and prosecution processes in rape cases. The study will assess existing legal frameworks, institutional responses, survivor experiences, and systemic barriers that hinder effective case resolution. The findings will inform policy recommendations to enhance accountability, improve case management, and ensure justice for survivors.

B.     Scope of Consultancy Scope and Expected Outputs

The scope of work and corresponding outputs/deliverables will be as follows:

• Development of the first draft of the report. 

 C.    Project Timeline & Payment Schedule

 D.    Required expertise and qualifications

• Background in gender expertise with excellent knowledge of the justice system in Pakistan and its mechanisms

• Advanced degree in law, criminology, human rights, gender studies, or related fields.

• Demonstrated experience in legal analysis, criminal justice system assessments, and GBV research.

• Strong knowledge of rape laws, judicial processes, and prosecutorial procedures in Punjab.

• Proven ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews with law enforcement, prosecutors, and survivors.

• Experience working with justice sector institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations.

• Excellent analytical, report-writing, and presentation skills.

• Understanding of survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches to legal research.

EEO Statement:

At LAS, our commitment to diversity and equal opportunity extends to all aspects of our work, including consulting engagements. We ensure that all qualified consultants are given fair consideration regardless of sex, age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. LAS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is treated equitably, acknowledged for their unique contributions, and encouraged to excel. We value and respect the diverse perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our projects. Every member of the LAS team, including consultants, shares the responsibility of supporting and advancing a diverse and respectful work environment. 

Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse:

Legal Aid Society (LAS) is committed to the prevention and protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). LAS explicitly prohibits its
staff, associates, partners, consultants, or any other representatives associated with the delivery of its work from:

• Engaging in any form of sexual exploitation or abuse;
• Sexual activity with children (persons below the age of (18) irrespective of a mistaken belief of the age of the child which shall not amount to a defense);
• Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favors or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance;
• Sexual relationships between LAS staff and beneficiaries of assistance, since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics,undermine the credibility and integrity of the work of LAS and are strongly discouraged.