Legal Specialist

Overview

Provide legal and technical support for food technology projects

You have:

• At least a university degree in law or other equivalent and relevant qualification from an accredited law institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in legal analysis and research and legal drafting in biosafety law or related areas.
• For Consultants, working knowledge of English and French.
• For PSA, working knowledge of English.

Organizational Setting:

The Food Technology Laboratory (FTL) was set up in line with the policy of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (MOAIFS) to be the body ensuring the highest standards of food safety and consumer protection and facilitating growth in the sector. The Bio-Molecular Laboratory (BML) is one of the laboratories falling under the FTL and designated to play a frontline role in molecular analytical activities of food and animal feeding stuffs in Mauritius. Additionally, the BML was assigned by the MOAIFS to be the Official Laboratory to carry out Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) testing in Mauritius.

FAO Representative in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles.

Reporting Lines:

Under the direct managerial and administrative leadership of the FAO Representative in Mauritius as the Budget Holder, the technical supervision of the Legal Officer (LEGN) and in close collaboration with the national team.

Technical Focus:

Legal framework for food technology.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Mauritius (Budget Holder), the technical supervision of the Legal Officer (LEGN), and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator (NPC), and the Ministry of Agro-Industry & Food Security the consultant will undertake the following activities to provide technical and functional support to the project TCP/MAR/3901:

• Work in collaboration with the State Law Office of Mauritius to provide the legal recognition for the Bio-Molecular Laboratory for GMO testing to achieve its objectives for molecular testing of foods and feeds (including GMO testing)(for Consultants only); • Review the legal framework and existing draft legal instrument to assess how GMO testing is currently addressed in the existing legislation, identify gaps and provide appropriate recommendations. • Advise and assist in the planning the workshops, consultative and validation meetings. • Participate consultative meetings with stakeholders to discuss findings and recommendations from the legal review (for Consultants only). • Assess the comments from the stakeholders meeting and revise the draft legal instrument accordingly. • Conduct a national validation workshop to present and discuss the draft bill. • Incorporate comments, inputs and recommendations from the stakeholders in the validation workshop into the draft legal instrument to produce a final document with explanatory notes to submit through the FAO to the Government of Mauritius for adoption. • Provide regular/weekly updates and advice to the National Project Coordinator, the local FAO representative as well as other personnel from the Ministry of Agro-Industry & Food Security regarding the project activities. • Perform any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• At least a university degree in law or other equivalent and relevant qualification from an accredited law institution. • The candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in legal analysis and research and legal drafting in biosafety law or related areas. • For Consultants working knowledge of English and French. • For PSA working knowledge of English.

Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Relevance of qualification. • Extent of relevant working experience and legal experience on biosafety and GMO issues. • Personal skills: Self-driven, team player, patient, self-confident, reliable and empathetic. • Demonstrated organisational, communication and organizational skills. • Quality of oral and written communication skills in English and French. • Committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and confidentiality in all legal matters • The candidate should be able to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including scientists, policymakers, and government officials.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org