UNDP Jobs - 47503- Legal Consultant - Support to the 2010-2012 Liberi

Legal Consultant - Support to the 2010-2012 Liberian Electoral Cycle

Location :

Monrovia, LIBERIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

22-Sep-2014

Application Deadline :

30-Jun-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

40 working Days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

40 working Days

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP Liberia has been engaged in providing electoral assistance aimed at institutional strengthening of the NEC, the preparation for the 2014 special senatorial elections, as well as enhancing the role of women in political participation and supporting the electoral law reform process. Liberian Special senatorial elections for fifteen seats in the Senate are scheduled to be held on 14 October 2014.

In follow up to the implementation of the NEC strategic plan, in early 2013, the NEC, supported by UNDP, initiated an electoral legal reform process which has provided the opportunity for an on-going unprecedented dialogue between key stakeholders including the NEC, Civil Society Organizations, political parties, the general Liberian public and international partners. It has also established a collaborative working relationship between the NEC and the two legislative elections committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Amendments to the law introduce a significant change for the administration of elections in Liberia therefore careful and continue implementation and harmonization of the new provisions are required.

UNDP election project seeks international legal consultant to work closely with the NEC legal and hearing offices in reviewing regulations, guidelines and other legal documents as necessary for the 2014 Special Senatorial electoral operation and assist in the election complaint adjudication process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected:

Legal consultant will be responsible for the achievement of the project output relating to the assistance to the NEC to provide inputs into necessary election related issues during 2014 elections. The Consultant will be under the direct supervision of the UNDP election project acting CTA and working closely with the NEC Chief legal section and Chief hearing officer.

Legal Specialist will:

Assist NEC in drafting and revising regulations, guidelines and other legal documents as necessary for electoral operations and also to align with the existing constitutional and statutory requirements;
Assist newly established hearing office of NEC in staff capacity and resource development. Train election magistrate and hearing officers on hearing procedures and duties related to legal activities according to election law;
Provide expertise and necessary training for training and procedures section, hearing office and election magistrates on various election and election operation related issues;
Assisting NEC hearing office and the board of commissioners during the complaint adjudication process and in drafting of decisions;
Assist NEC legal section and hearing office in dealing with the legal issues during the 2014 special senatorial elections.

Deliverables/Outputs:

More specifically, the following are the deliverables which are linked to the payments as per below table:

Assist NEC in drafting and revising regulations, guidelines and other legal. Prepare and conduct the training for the Training, Legal and Hearing sections – 20 working days;
Assist NEC Legal section and hearing office in election complaint adjudication during the 2014 Special Senatorial Elections. Prepare weekly update of Election hearings in the field and headquarters – 15 working days;
Submit final mission report to the acting CTA – 5 working days.

Payments will be made in installments after successfully completion of each deliverable. The start date of consultancy is 22 September 2014

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Extensive knowledge and work experience of electoral administration and management with specific experience in legal assistance;
Experience in assisting election dispute resolution process;
Experience in drafting regulations and guidelines for election process;
Experience in legal advisory role (knowledge of Liberian electoral legal framework is advantage);
Experience in running the election administration trainings based on BRIDGE interactive methodology;
Good knowledge of cross-cutting democratic governance issues, such as constitutional reform, capacity development and aid effectiveness;
Excellent training and presentation skills;
Excellent drafting and analytical skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters degree (or equivalent) in Law.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of experience working in the areas of electoral assistance or democratic governance;
Excellent command of English.

Language:

Excellent written and spoken English.

Criteria for Shortlisting:

Relevance of Education/ Degree - 20 points;
Years & Relevance of Experience - 30 points;
Proposed workplan & Approach- 50 points.

NB:

Only shortlisted candidates will be forwarded the UNDP Procurement Notice.