Legal Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, supporting evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, supporting national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues to deliver its mandate. UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks to boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP) 2024 – 2028 which is aligned with the Country Programme Document (2024-2028), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. UNDP in The Gambia is working to strengthen and provide a broad response to the people of The Gambia’s aspirations for a transparent, accountable, and responsive transition to democracy. It seeks to ensure equal access to justice, particularly for women and marginalized groups across the country, working in close collaboration with a range of partners and Stakeholders and justice sector institutions.

The objective of “The Gambia's Responsive and Accountable Democratic Transition Project (EU-UNDP GREAT initiative)” is to enhance The Gambia's democratic system. Drawing on past experiences and lessons learned, this Project aims to contribute to The Gambia's democratic transition through three specific objectives:(i) Supporting constitutional and legislative reforms to strengthen checks and balances and safeguard human rights, including those of minorities and vulnerable populations. (ii) Enhancing the ongoing transitional justice process, rule of law, and human rights. (iii) Strengthening the effectiveness of local governance structures. The Project also aligns with the NDP Strategic Priority 1, which aims to restore good governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law and empower citizens through decentralization and local governance. It supports UNDP's Strategic Plan Outcome 2 by ensuring that citizen expectations for voice, development, the rule of law, and accountability are met through stronger democratic governance systems.

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer in coordination with the EU-UNDP Project Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Legal Officer will:  Assist in the development concept notes, strategies, workplans and implementation of the EU-UNDP Great Project activities.  Assist in preparation, filing, compilation, and dissemination of documents/materials relating to the Project activities  Provide other daily administrative support to the Ministry  Participate in the training/s for the Ministry on continued professional development issues.  Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice  Ensure timely and effective coordination of all project activities with other relevant national stakeholders  Ensure timely, effective, and efficient programmatic, operational, and administrative support to the Ministry.  Support the review and revisions of key legislations and facilitate the process for implementation where applicable  Supporting the organization of workshops and trainings for the relevant parties within the Ministry  Supporting the sensitization activities to promote the passage of relevant Bills  Undertaking legal research as requested  Coordinate linkages and communication between Ministry of Justice, Gambia Bar Association, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat  Support record keeping, organization, data entry and presentation of information will ensure EU- UNDP Great proper project implementation.  Contribute to the development of capacity development tools, including training materials and packages;  Any other relevant responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Legal Officer and EU- UNDP GREAT Project Manager.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Law, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, or related field. • A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree; • Minimum of three 3 years of legal experience in a government, law firm, non-profit organization, or academia • A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in legal analysis, research and writing is required • Experience as a judicial/legal clerk, legal officer or legal professional in a related field is desirable. • Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge • Demonstrated analytical skills, particularly in legal matters. • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English • Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively and work well under pressure. • Ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations and to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including high-level officers and government officials.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at various levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in UNDP’s volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.