International Legal Specialist on Biosafety

Organizational Setting

The Legal Office of FAO ensures that FAO's activities are carried out in accordance with its Constitution and the other Basic Texts of the Organization, consistent with its status as an intergovernmental organization of the United Nations system, and that its relations with governments, organizations and individuals are based on a sound legal basis.

The Development Service of the Law Office (LEGN) provides legal advisory services to governments on food and agriculture and natural resources (including land, water, fisheries and aquaculture, plants, animals, food, forestry, wildlife, environment, climate change and biodiversity), as well as general agricultural issues (institutions, trade, economic reform).

Reporting Lines

The International Legal Specialist on Biosafety reports to the Chief, LEGN while day-to-day supervision is provided by a designated Legal Officer (LEGN).

Technical Focus

Legal research and advisory services to Governments in relation to food and agriculture and biosafety legislation.

Tasks and responsibilities

FAO, UNEP and the CBD Secretariat will implement a tripartite collaboration aimed at expanding knowledge and increasing the visibility around the role of legislation for biosafety, primarily through the development and broad dissemination of a diagnostic tool to analyze national legislation and identify gaps in the implementation of the CPB in addition to the provision of technical drafting assistance to a limited number of countries. Through the combined activities a total of four countries will receive direct technical legal assistance from FAO, while a larger group of countries will benefit from capacity-building, outreach and awareness-raising activities aimed at the development of biosafety legislation to ensure the full implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and, as applicable, the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress. Under the direct technical supervision of the project’s LTO and Legal Officer and in close collaboration with national consultants as well as the project task force members that include UNEP and SCBD, the International Specialist on Biosafety will undertake the following tasks: • Lead the development, consultation, and drafting processes of a diagnostic tool on biosafety legislation; • Advise, support and contribute to the work of the national consultants in the four target countries, especially in relation to national legal assessments, the formulation of drafting recommendations and the drafting of legislation or amendments; • Participate in and support national workshops on biosafety legislation; • Contribute to outreach and awareness-raising efforts; • Liaise with countries in the region (of each target country) to ensure their engagement (online) in relevant training activities throughout the project. • Oversee the establishment of informal partnerships between the four beneficiary countries and countries in their respective region interested in strengthening their biosafety legislation; • Undertake missions and prepare mission reports after each mission, with key recommendations; • Actively contribute to the reporting efforts.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced Legal degree (LLM) or university degree in an area closely related to biosafety. • At least five (5) years of relevant legal work experience. • Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

Applicants must have demonstrated interest in the technical areas listed above, as well as strong analytical, legal research and writing skills.

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable. • Degree of knowledge and experience in legal issues related to a relevant technical areas; • Degree of experience in developing national legislative and regulatory measures to implement international agreements, codes, guidelines or other instruments; • Experience in legal drafting and development in Africa and Asia; • Ability to conduct legal research and analysis; • Ability to write clear and concise reports and draft legal texts, legislative and regulatory instruments; • Experience working with international or regional organizations or other entities in a relevant field;

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Added 2 hours ago - Updated 2 hours ago - Source: fao.org