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.
LanguagesNo
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: