STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE

TERMS OF REFERENCE

STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE GUYANA POLICE FORCE

BETTER POLICE READINESS IN CARIBBEAN LAW ENFORCEMENT ORGANISATIONS (B-PRO) PROJECT GUYANA

1.BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION:

The Better Police Readiness in Caribbean Law Enforcement Organizations (B-PRO) Project is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF). The initiative is designed to build and enhance the operational and professional capacity of officers within Caribbean law enforcement agencies, including the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

As part of B-PRO's broader police modernization agenda, the Project aims to strengthen internal affairs systems and civilian oversight mechanisms to enhance accountability, transparency, and public trust in policing. This aligns directly with B-PRO Objective 2: Internal Affairs Units in target countries have clear ethics, transparency, and accountability procedures.

In recognition of the critical importance of robust accountability mechanisms for effective policing, PADF and INL are seeking to engage a short-term consultant to work with the Guyana Police Force to strengthen the Office of Professional Responsibility and civilian oversight structures, including the Police Complaints Commission.

2. OBJECTIVE:

The general objective of this consultancy is to engage an individual consultant to assess, develop, and modernize institutional mechanisms for accountability within the Guyana Police Force. This assignment will directly support the Pan American Development Foundation in fulfilling B-PRO Objective 2, which aims to ensure that Internal Affairs Units in target countries have clear ethics, transparency, and accountability procedures.

This consultancy directly responds to the following activities under B-PRO Objective 2:

• Assess the operational, regulatory, and legislative capacity of the GPF's internal affairs functions
• Develop or update written standard operation procedures (SOPs) on internal investigation techniques
• Provide technical expertise on incorporating misconduct reporting, supervisor guidelines, and ramifications for impropriety
• Produce training curriculum based on new standard operating procedures for internal affairs bodies
• Train internal affairs officials who provide ethics, use of force, and anti-corruption training
• Mentor internal affairs officials

3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSULTANT:

Assess Current Internal Affairs Capacity and Practices:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the operational, regulatory, and legislative capacity of the GPF's Office of Professional Responsibility
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current civilian oversight structures, including the Police Complaints Commission
• Review existing policies, procedures, and protocols for handling misconduct complaints
• Analyze current systems for tracking misconduct complaints from initiation to resolution
• Assess alignment with international best practices and standards for police accountability
• Prepare a detailed diagnostic report with findings and recommendations

Develop and Update Standard Operating Procedures:

• Design comprehensive written standard operating procedures (SOPs) for internal investigation techniques
• Update existing protocols to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices
• Develop clear guidelines for misconduct reporting mechanisms
• Create supervisor guidelines for handling complaints and ensuring appropriate oversight
• Establish clear procedures outlining ramifications and disciplinary measures for impropriety
• Integrate procedural safeguards to protect both complainants and officers under investigation

Provide Technical Support for System Modernization:

• Provide technical support to overhaul and modernize the GPF's current system for tracking misconduct complaints
• Design mechanisms to ensure appropriate accountability, disciplinary actions, and timely resolutions
• Recommend technological solutions or database systems to improve case management
• Develop quality assurance mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of the accountability system
• Create reporting templates and documentation standards

Develop Training Curriculum and Materials:

• Produce comprehensive training curriculum based on new standard operating procedures for internal affairs bodies
• Develop training materials covering ethics, use of force policies, and anti-corruption measures
• Create electronic handbooks and resource materials for internal affairs personnel
• Design specialized training modules for different ranks and roles within the accountability system
• Incorporate case studies and practical exercises relevant to the GPF context

Deliver Training and Capacity Building:

• Conduct training sessions for internal affairs officials and oversight staff
• Provide specialized training on ethics, use of force, and anti-corruption to internal affairs units
• Train supervisors and middle management on proper complaint handling procedures
• Deliver workshops on investigative techniques and evidence management
• Facilitate sessions on maintaining professionalism and integrity in internal investigations

Provide Advisory and Mentoring Services:

• Provide ongoing advisory support to senior GPF leadership on accountability reforms
• Mentor internal affairs officials on best practices and professional development
• Offer guidance on implementation planning and change management
• Provide technical assistance during the pilot phase of new procedures
• Document lessons learned and provide implementation recommendations

4. LOCATION(S) OF ASSIGNMENT:

Remote & in Georgetown, Guyana, with possible travel to regional divisions as required.

5. CANDIDATE PROFILE:

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• An advanced degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Law, or related field
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in police accountability, internal affairs, or civilian oversight systems
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing police accountability mechanisms
• Strong knowledge of international best practices for police professional standards
• Experience working with Caribbean or similar law enforcement systems preferred
• Proven track record in training development and delivery for law enforcement
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills
• Strong command of written and oral English communication skills
• Experience working with international development organizations preferred

6. CONTRACTUAL MECHANISM: FIXED PRICE

(All applicable Taxes, Fees, and other costs should be included in the price proposal.)

Include the following information regarding your rate with your application:

Milestone 1: Prepare and submit Inception Report including Work Plan, Methodology and Schedule
Deliverable: Completed Inception Report developed and submitted
Percent of Total: 10% of the total amount including taxes

Milestone 2: Conduct comprehensive assessment of GPF's internal affairs and accountability systems
Deliverable: Assessment report documenting current capacity, gaps, and recommendations for the Office of Professional Responsibility and civilian oversight mechanisms
Percent of Total: 25% of the total amount including taxes

Milestone 3: Develop updated SOPs, guidelines, and system modernization recommendations
Deliverable: Complete set of standard operating procedures, misconduct reporting guidelines, and technical specifications for system improvements
Percent of Total: 25% of the total amount including taxes

Milestone 4: Develop training curriculum and materials for internal affairs capacity building
Deliverable: Comprehensive training curriculum, handbooks, and materials for internal affairs officials and oversight staff
Percent of Total: 15% of the total amount including taxes

Milestone 5: Deliver training sessions and capacity building activities
Deliverable: Training sessions conducted for GPF internal affairs personnel and oversight staff, with attendance records and evaluation reports
Percent of Total: 15% of the total amount including taxes

Milestone 6: Submit final report and provide ongoing advisory support
Deliverable: Final Consultancy Report documenting the process, outcomes, lessons learned, and implementation roadmap
Percent of Total: 10% of the total amount including taxes

Total = 100%

The consultant must provide a pricing model that totals no more than USD $35,000, encompassing all the deliverables. Travel expenses will be separate.

7. PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS TO INCLUDE:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating how you meet the TOR requirements
• Descriptions of similar projects or assignments, particularly in police accountability or internal affairs
• At least three professional references from relevant work
• Detailed daily rate and justification, including the pricing breakdown requested under section 6
• Technical approach outlining methodology for each phase of work

8. TERM OF THE CONTRACT:

The assignment will be implemented over a four-month period, with an estimated 30 working days allocated to assessment, development, training delivery, and reporting activities.

9. SUBMISSION DETAILS:

Applications must be received no later than November 21, 2025. All application materials are to be submitted to FHassan@padf.org, JGrant@padf.org, and bfelsen-parsons@padf.org following the guidelines listed in these Terms of Reference.

Validity of bid: Ninety days from the submission deadline.

Amendments: PADF may modify these Terms of Reference by amendment posted to the PADF website and/or communicated via email.

Clarifications: Questions may be submitted to addresses above with the subject line containing the title of this TOR.

10. TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Resulting Award: This TOR does not obligate PADF to execute a contract, nor does it commit PADF to pay any costs incurred in the preparation or submission of proposals. PADF reserves the right to reject any and all offers if such action is considered in the best interest of PADF.

Confidentiality: All proprietary information provided by bidders shall be treated as confidential and will not be shared during the solicitation process. This includes price quotations, cost proposals, and technical proposals. PADF's evaluation results are confidential.

How to apply

Applications must be received no later than November 21, 2025. All application materials are to be submitted to FHassan@padf.org, JGrant@padf.org, and bfelsen-parsons@padf.org following the guidelines listed in these Terms of Reference.