Legal Consultant - UNRWA REPAC Projects - ISP

Result of Service Successful Candidates will be placed on a roster to be assigned projects, as demands emerge.

Work Location UNRWA, Jordan Field Office, Legal Office

Expected duration - The duration of the consultancy is 11 months renewable up to the completion of the Project.

Duties and Responsibilities PROJECT BACKGROUND

The German Government through KfW Development Bank has been supporting the activities of UNRWA over the past 10 years. Up until now the German Government has provided EUR 95 million to the Regional Programme for the Improvement of the Living Conditions of Palestine Refugees in the Camps (REPAC), including Jordan. As part of REPAC Phase XI activities, KfW has provided financial support for the promotion of renewable energies in UNRWA facilities in Jordan. In concrete terms, this involves the financing of a 3 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant including 33 kV distribution medium voltage cable to connect the station to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition center SCADA with JEPCO, near the capital Amman (the “Solar PV Power Plant Project”) with the aim of making the energy supply of UNRWA facilities in the region (e.g. schools, health stations) more friendly to the environment, sustainable and cost-efficient. The PV Power Plant will supply electricity to UNRWA facilities in South Amman, North Amman and Zarqa areas (approx. 106 installations) under a wheeling mechanism. It will be built at UNRWA’s Amman Training Centre (ATC) in South Amman on public land leased by the Government of Jordan to JEPCO for 99 years. UNRWA will be responsible for the project management with the support an Implementation Consultant, the National Energy Research Center (NERC) in Jordan and the Field Legal Office of UNRWA in Jordan (FLO/J). Under the same contribution agreement, UNRWA intends to establish a Camp Improvement Plan (CIP) in Marka Camp, aiming to address the main priorities in the camp by mobilizing the refugee community and key stakeholders, and allowing camp residents themselves to identify the main priorities that need to be addressed. So far, UNRWA has established three CIPs in Husn, Talbieh and Jerash camps. One of the main interventions funded through the CIPs is shelter rehabilitation, being among the top priorities identified by the Palestine refugees. Since 2011, UNRWA has been gradually adopting self-help approach in its shelter rehabilitation interventions. The Self-help shelter rehabilitation refers to an active participation that gives beneficiaries a prime role in building their shelters through access to financial resources allocated for construction process. This provides an opportunity and flexibility to beneficiaries to maximise the value of the financial resources by lowering the cost per shelter unit, while not compromising on the quality and standards. Self-help shelter rehabilitation process consider the participation of beneficiaries, persons of all ages, people of disabilities and gender equality.

Under the supervision of the Head of FLO/J, the Legal Consultant shall:

1) Provide general legal support and advice to the Director of UNRWA Affairs, Jordan and project teams (including the Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme (ICIP) and the Donors Relations and Project Support Office) in relation to the Projects, including, without limitation:

(i) Review, analysis and interpretation of applicable UNRWA Rules and Regulations; (ii) Review and advice on the UNRWA Environmental and Social elements related to the projects in line with the Agency’s applicable frameworks and strategies; (iii) Review and advice on the compliance with donor’s requirements in relation to the Projects; (iv) Drafting of legal opinions and memorandums in consultation with the Department of Legal Affairs at UNRWA, HQ;

2) Provide direct legal advice and assistance on all legal, contractual and regulatory aspects of REPAC Projects, including, without limitation:

(i) Review and analysis of relevant Jordanian environmental, social and renewable energy laws and regulations, such as the latest wheeling regulations issued by Energy and Mineral Resources Commission (EMRC), the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law No. 33 of 2014 and its amendments, the Electricity Law No. 64 of 2002 and any regulations and instructions submitted pursuant to in order to implement these regulations in a way that ensures fulfilment of and adaptation to the project objectives; (ii) Review and advice on the entire Project contractual set-up, including but not limited to the Interconnection Agreement and Wheeling Agreement between UNRWA and grid operators (JEPCO) and the Connection Agreement, including the allocation of energy to UNRWA beneficiary institutions; (iii) Support UNRWA throughout the negotiation and signing process of the Interconnection Agreement and the Wheeling Agreement in compliance with the provisions of existing financial agreements between KfW and UNRWA in this regard; (iv) Review and advice on MoUs, agreements and other arrangements with the Government of Jordan (including the Department of Palestinian Affairs), as relevant; (v) In coordination with the UNRWA Central Support Services Division (CSSD), review and advice on the procurement of consultancy services for the Project for the UNRWA Jordan Field Office (JFO), including the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract in line with UNRWA procurement guidelines; (vi) Support in the application process and renewal of required permits and licenses for the Power Plant, in particular municipal construction permits, connection permit from the grid operator (JEPCO) and EMRC generating license in close cooperation with the ICIP teams and EPC Contractor; (vii) Support to the EPC Contractor on the legal aspects of all Project activities, including the review of relevant studies and reports, and the compliance of the CESMP (including its individual plans) with the legal framework of the host country; (viii) Prepare, review and enhance shelter rehabilitation self-help agreements to be signed between UNRWA and selected project beneficiaries and provide related follow-up legal support during implementation; (ix) Provide general legal advice and support in relation to the Marka Camp Improvement Plan Project, as may be required.

3) As required, provide direct legal advice and assistance on all legal, contractual and regulatory aspects pertaining to the implementation of (other/further) REPAC phases and KfW-funded projects, incl. review and drafting of contracts, lease agreements, memorandums of understanding, legal submissions, and other legal documents.

4) In addition, provide general legal advice and support in relation to the REPAC Projects and other BMZ/KfW funded projects as follows:

(i) UNRWA's official correspondence with Host Government, the donor and other counterparties; (ii) Claims made against the Agency and its staff member in their official capacity; (iii) Related administrative law matters which may give rise to staff claims and appeals; (iv) Drafting, review and negotiation of conditions of contract and other documentation of a legal nature for the purchase and sale of goods and services, the construction and maintenance of buildings, the conveyance, handover and use of land, and the provision of other services.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications:

• University degree in Law from an accredited educational institution (e.g. Juris Doctorate or LLM). preferably with specialization in private international law, Contracts and commercial law.

Experience:

• At least three years of progressively responsible legal work experience in (or legal consultancy services to) the United Nations, other international organizations, government service, the commercial/private sector or NGOs included two years outside one’s home country.
  • Strong knowledge of public international law, contracts, commercial law, and environmental/renewable energy law.
  • Experience communicating complex legal issues to audiences who do not have the technical background..
  • Experience drafting complex legal arguments.
  • Admission to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction.

Competency:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a diverse team environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and practical writing experience in a legal context, including ability to present information and data in a clear and instructive manner, combined with superior skills in legal writing, analysis and expression in form of drafting legal opinions, papers and positions.
  • Strong analytical and evaluative skills combined with sound judgment, including ability to apply legal knowledge and practice to strategic, policy and operational objectives.
  • Highly developed negotiation skills, with ability to positively influence others to reach mutually benefiting understanding.

Language:

Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Additional Information - The Legal Consultant will be required to reside in Amman

Conditions of Service

• Remuneration for this consultancy is USD 4,000 per month (full package).

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with the UN System and legal practice.
• Proficient command of written and spoken Arabic.
• Knowledge of UNRWA and prior experience with UNRWA.
• Knowledge of Palestine Refugee situation and the challenges they face.

Independence of Work

Application of guidelines The Legal Consultant applies his/her legal education, training, and prior work experience to the interpretation of international and local laws and UNRWA’s Rules and Regulations.

Supervisory control over work of the Legal Consultant Day-to-day activities are carried out and routine decisions are taken without reference to a higher authority. Major activities are under the overall supervision of HFLO.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.