National Legal Expert

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FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline 3 years ago: Sunday 7 Feb 2021 at 22:59 UTC

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Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Eswatini have partnered since the country joined the Organization in 1971. FAO assistance has covered the formulation and implementation of food security and nutrition policies, including risk reduction and management strategies, and activities to increase agricultural productivity. More recently, cooperation has included a focus on market access and agricultural competiveness, with support to smallholders’ transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Emphasis is also given to the sustainable management of natural resources.

FAO Eswatini is implementing a number of Technical Cooperation Programmes (TCP) projects and Emergency programmes. The TCP provides assistance in all areas pertaining to FAO’s mandate and competence that are covered by the Strategic Framework to respond to governments’ priority needs. These short-term, catalytic and sustainable projects are driven by the demands and priorities of member countries, addressing critical gaps in hunger and malnutrition eradication, sustainable production, rural poverty reduction more efficient and inclusive food chains and building resilience to crisis. TCP projects catalyze change, foster capacity development and assist countries in mobilizing resources, in line with the Country Programming Frameworks agreed to with governments. Currently FAO Eswatini is supporting a number of TCPs with the Ministry of Agriculture and jointly collaborating with other Ministries as related to projects.

The position is located in Mbabane in Eswatini. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Eswatini focuses its efforts on poverty reduction, food security, sustainable livelihoods and rural development. FAO has partnered with the Government of Eswatini on research and development, training, extension services and strengthening of the staff capacity in planning and policy making. FAO has supported improvements in agricultural policy analysis, strengthened institutions. Enhanced integrated area development and expanded participation of marginalized and vulnerable communities in sustainable development.

Moreover, with the current situation regarding COVID-19, it is expected that all FAO projects will also contribute towards addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 disease in the relevant thematic areas.

Reporting lines

The consultant reports directly to the International Legal Expert and the Chief of the Development Law Service of the FAO Legal Office (LEGN) or his nominated responsible LEGN Officer. Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Eswatini (FAOR) and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR/Programmes. Guidance will come from the Eswatini National Nutrition Council and the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the project.

The post is located in the FAO Eswatini office.

Technical Focus

The National legal Consultant will work in close collaboration with the Eswatini National Nutrition Council (ENNC) of Eswatini, FAO Nutrition Experts at the Regional and HQ Levels, the Legal Officers and Experts of LEGN (FAO Legal team) and other Government agencies to support in the consultation and preparation of all legal instruments related to food and nutrition including the Food and Nutrition Bill and any subsidiary legislation. The Legal Expert shall:

Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Develop/update and implement Eswatini National Nutrition Strategy, in line with FAO and global corporate strategy and assist and supervise with the development of the Food and Nutrition Bill.
  • Based on guidance to be provided by LEGN and in close collaboration with an International Legal Consultant, compile all policy and legal instruments relating to food and nutrition and prepare a comprehensive legal assessment report;
  • Organize a multi-stakeholder workshop to discuss and validate the legal assessment report in collaboration with FAO office;
  • Present the findings and recommendations of the draft legal assessment report to relevant stakeholders with a view to gathering inputs and revise the report as per the recommendations received;
  • Play a leading role in the formulation of the legal components of strategic documents and drafting a bill on food and nutrition
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned by the supervisor

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

  • An advanced degree in law, expertise in drafting legislation experience at the national /regional or international levels in a related field.
  • At least five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible work
  • A good knowledge of the English language and ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential.
  • National of Eswatini

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

  • Experience in drafting laws (Bills) and strategy development documents
  • Ability to synthesize complex information and present ideas and recommendations in a clear and understandable manner.
  • Ability to work independently, strong analytical skills and problem-solving
  • Strong writing & communications skills.

Selection criteria

  • Extent and relevance of experience in drafting bills and other legal documents.
  • Extent and relevance of experience in strategy and bill formulation and technical backstopping and leading multidisciplinary teams for technical implementation.
  • Capacity to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Excellent communication (both written and oral) and presentation skills in English and Siswati
Added 3 years ago - Updated 3 years ago - Source: fao.org