UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help build resilient nations and improve the livelihoods of people. 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) 2018 – 2021 which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues.

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.