Details
Mission and objectives
UNDP's mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Bangladesh ever since its birth and through its remarkable journey from a war-ravaged economy to a middle-income country. It remains a catalyst in Bangladesh’s journey from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UNDP assists in building institutions and helps strengthen institutional capacities through people-centric, pro-poor, inclusive and sustainable policy making and development governance.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Bangladesh ever since its birth and through its remarkable journey from a war-ravaged economy to a middle-income country. It remains a catalyst in Bangladesh’s journey from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UNDP assists in building institutions and helps strengthen institutional capacities through people-centric, pro-poor, inclusive and sustainable policy making and development governance.
Context
UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life.
Credible, inclusive and transparent elections are a cornerstone of peaceful and prosperous societies. Around the world, they underpin public trust in institutions, enable accountability and widen civic participation so that women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups can help shape decisions that affect their lives. Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals depends on such participation and on democratic processes that leave no one behind.
Bangladesh is navigating a period of political transition and has prioritized reforms that strengthen independent institutions, restore public confidence and safeguard fundamental rights. Within this context, forthcoming national elections are pivotal to stability, legitimacy and social cohesion. The Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) has committed to neutrality, professionalism and integrity in electoral management and has requested United Nations support to enhance preparedness, voter engagement and information integrity while ensuring accessibility for all voters.
UNDP’s Country Programme (2022–2026) places people‑centred, inclusive and accountable governance at its core. In line with the UNDP Strategic Plan and the United Nations’ commitment to “Leave No One Behind,” UNDP supports efforts that expand access to information and participation, strengthen rule‑of‑law‑based institutions and promote gender equality and inclusion—particularly for women, youth, first‑time voters and persons with disabilities. UNDP’s work in Bangladesh therefore focuses on helping national partners deliver responsive, transparent services and build resilience against risks that can erode public trust.
The BALLOT project (Bangladesh’s Advancement for Credible, Inclusive and Transparent, Elections) is UNDP’s programmatic response to the Election Commission’s request. Designed in two phases, it couples immediate election support with long‑term institutionalization. During Phase I (January 2025–June 2026), the project supports the Commission and the Electoral Training Institute to strengthen institutional, technical and operational capacities for election planning, staff training, field operations and election‑day readiness; to foster an enabling environment through civic and voter education, inclusive outreach and responsible information practices; and to convene multi‑stakeholder dialogue platforms that encourage peaceful participation and confidence‑building. Phase II (July 2026–December 2027) consolidates these gains by embedding standard operating procedures and continuous training, sustaining public engagement and supporting reforms that make future electoral cycles more credible, inclusive and resilient.
Within this broader vision, UNDP is seeking young talent with a passion for public service and inclusion to contribute to the BALLOT project’s delivery. The Legal Associate will provide targeted legal expertise to ensure that BALLOT activities and BEC processes are consistent with national constitutional provisions, electoral laws, and international commitments. The role will focus on reviewing and improving the legal frameworks that guide elections, enhancing compliance, and providing advisory inputs on electoral legal issues.
Credible, inclusive and transparent elections are a cornerstone of peaceful and prosperous societies. Around the world, they underpin public trust in institutions, enable accountability and widen civic participation so that women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups can help shape decisions that affect their lives. Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals depends on such participation and on democratic processes that leave no one behind.
Bangladesh is navigating a period of political transition and has prioritized reforms that strengthen independent institutions, restore public confidence and safeguard fundamental rights. Within this context, forthcoming national elections are pivotal to stability, legitimacy and social cohesion. The Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) has committed to neutrality, professionalism and integrity in electoral management and has requested United Nations support to enhance preparedness, voter engagement and information integrity while ensuring accessibility for all voters.
UNDP’s Country Programme (2022–2026) places people‑centred, inclusive and accountable governance at its core. In line with the UNDP Strategic Plan and the United Nations’ commitment to “Leave No One Behind,” UNDP supports efforts that expand access to information and participation, strengthen rule‑of‑law‑based institutions and promote gender equality and inclusion—particularly for women, youth, first‑time voters and persons with disabilities. UNDP’s work in Bangladesh therefore focuses on helping national partners deliver responsive, transparent services and build resilience against risks that can erode public trust.
The BALLOT project (Bangladesh’s Advancement for Credible, Inclusive and Transparent, Elections) is UNDP’s programmatic response to the Election Commission’s request. Designed in two phases, it couples immediate election support with long‑term institutionalization. During Phase I (January 2025–June 2026), the project supports the Commission and the Electoral Training Institute to strengthen institutional, technical and operational capacities for election planning, staff training, field operations and election‑day readiness; to foster an enabling environment through civic and voter education, inclusive outreach and responsible information practices; and to convene multi‑stakeholder dialogue platforms that encourage peaceful participation and confidence‑building. Phase II (July 2026–December 2027) consolidates these gains by embedding standard operating procedures and continuous training, sustaining public engagement and supporting reforms that make future electoral cycles more credible, inclusive and resilient.
Within this broader vision, UNDP is seeking young talent with a passion for public service and inclusion to contribute to the BALLOT project’s delivery. The Legal Associate will provide targeted legal expertise to ensure that BALLOT activities and BEC processes are consistent with national constitutional provisions, electoral laws, and international commitments. The role will focus on reviewing and improving the legal frameworks that guide elections, enhancing compliance, and providing advisory inputs on electoral legal issues.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), BALLOT Project, the UNV Legal Associate will:
• Conduct research and analysis on Bangladesh’s constitutional and electoral legal framework, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for reform.
• Provide technical advice and support in drafting, revising, and interpreting electoral laws, rules, and regulations.
• Support BEC in aligning electoral frameworks with international standards and good practices
• Contribute to the design and delivery of training programmes and capacity-building initiatives for election officials, political party representatives, and civil society actors on electoral law and compliance.
• Provide legal expertise during stakeholder dialogues, consultations, and roundtables organized under the BALLOT project.
• Draft briefing notes, background papers, and legal opinion pieces on emerging electoral issues such as technology use in elections, campaign financing, and voter rights.
• Build partnerships with legal experts, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to promote informed debates on electoral reforms and governance.
In addition to the specified tasks, the incumbent position would perform other need-based tasks assigned by the supervisor.
• Conduct research and analysis on Bangladesh’s constitutional and electoral legal framework, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for reform.
• Provide technical advice and support in drafting, revising, and interpreting electoral laws, rules, and regulations.
• Support BEC in aligning electoral frameworks with international standards and good practices
• Contribute to the design and delivery of training programmes and capacity-building initiatives for election officials, political party representatives, and civil society actors on electoral law and compliance.
• Provide legal expertise during stakeholder dialogues, consultations, and roundtables organized under the BALLOT project.
• Draft briefing notes, background papers, and legal opinion pieces on emerging electoral issues such as technology use in elections, campaign financing, and voter rights.
• Build partnerships with legal experts, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to promote informed debates on electoral reforms and governance.
In addition to the specified tasks, the incumbent position would perform other need-based tasks assigned by the supervisor.
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