Legal Officer (Ministry of Justice)

Volunteering Legal Elections & Governance

Overview

Provide technical support to the Ministry of Justice under the EU-UNDP GREAT Project.

You have:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree combined with an additional three (3) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant legal experience in government, a law firm, a non-profit organization, or academia.
• At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in legal analysis, research, and writing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior government officials and development partners.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Solid computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, internet use, and familiarity with database management systems and office technology.
• Demonstrated interest in UNDP’s mandate, volunteerism as a mechanism for sustainable development, and the work of the UN System.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency in ending poverty, reducing inequality, and tackling climate change. Operating in over 170 countries, it partners with governments, institutions, and stakeholders to deliver sustainable, people-centered development solutions that benefit both communities and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow @UNDP_TheGambia.

UNDP plays a central role in supporting countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through institutional capacity building, strategic partnerships, policy support, planning, and resource mobilization. By aligning global priorities with national development strategies, UNDP ensures that investments generate measurable and lasting impact.

Committed to workforce diversity, UNDP encourages applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including minorities, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. It maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination, and all selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP has operated in The Gambia since 1975, providing technical assistance, global expertise, and financial support to national development frameworks. Its work aligns with The Gambia’s National Development Plan (2024–2028), the UNDP Country Programme Document (2024–2028), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Agenda 2063.

UNDP supports inclusive human development in The Gambia by strengthening transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. Key priorities include expanding citizen participation, particularly among women, youth, and the diaspora, and ensuring equitable access to justice for marginalized populations.

The “Gambia’s Responsive and Accountable Democratic Transition Project” (EU-UNDP GREAT Initiative) is a flagship programme supporting the country’s democratic transition. It reflects national priorities, including the Government’s commitment to transitional justice outlined in the 2022 White Paper following human rights violations during the former regime that ended in 2017.

The project contributes to national reform efforts through three core objectives: supporting constitutional and legislative reforms, enhancing transitional justice and human rights processes, and strengthening local governance for responsive and inclusive service delivery.

Aligned with SDG 16, NDP Strategic Priority 1, and UNDP Strategic Plan Outcome 2, the initiative promotes peaceful, just, and accountable governance systems.

Under the EU-UNDP GREAT Project, UNDP is recruiting a Legal Officer to provide technical support to the Ministry of Justice. The Legal Officer will be embedded within the Ministry, report to the Senior Legal Officer on substantive matters, and coordinate closely with the Project Manager to ensure timely and effective delivery of project outputs.

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, and in close coordination with the EU-UNDP GREAT Project Manager or his/her designated representative(s), the Legal Officer will:

• Assist in the development of concept notes, strategies, workplans, and the implementation of EU-UNDP GREAT Project activities.

• Support the preparation, filing, compilation, and dissemination of documents and materials related to project activities.

• Provide daily administrative and programmatic support to the Ministry.

• Participate in and support the organization of trainings 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 relevant national stakeholders.

• Provide timely, effective, and efficient programmatic, operational, and administrative support to the Ministry.

• Support the review and revision of key legislation and facilitate implementation processes, where applicable.

• Support the organization of workshops and training sessions for relevant stakeholders within the Ministry.

• Support sensitization and advocacy activities aimed at promoting the passage of relevant Bills.

• Undertake legal research and analysis as requested.

• Coordinate linkages and communication between the Ministry of Justice, the Gambia Bar Association, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat.

• Support record-keeping, data entry, organization, and presentation of information to ensure proper implementation of the EU-UNDP GREAT Project.

• Contribute to the development of capacity development tools, including training materials and resource packages.

• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the Senior Legal Officer and the EU-UNDP GREAT Project Manager.

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

Master’s degree or equivalent in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, or a related field.

A first-level university degree combined with an additional three (3) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

A minimum of three (3) years of relevant legal experience in government, a law firm, a non-profit organization, or academia.

At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in legal analysis, research, and writing.

Experience as a judicial/legal clerk, legal officer, or legal professional in a related field is desirable.

Technical and Professional Competencies

Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in legal and policy matters.

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, including in high-level professional settings.

Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior government officials and development partners.

Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to work inclusively with diverse stakeholders, including community groups, youth and religious organizations, and authorities at various levels.

Ability to work effectively in a challenging, multicultural, and fast-paced environment.

Solid computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, internet use, and familiarity with database management systems and office technology.

Self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision, and capable of meeting tight deadlines.

Strong sense of professionalism, integrity, and security awareness.

Demonstrated interest in UNDP’s mandate, volunteerism as a mechanism for sustainable development, and the work of 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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 5 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: unv.org