National Rule of Law Specialist

FAO works closely with the Government of South Sudan to improve food and nutrition security and eradicate hunger in the country. FAO provides support in three priority areas\: sustainable increase in production and productivity, agriculture-based economic growth, and increased resilience of livelihoods to threats and crisis. Access to land and security of tenure are essential components of post-conflict development stability, food security, and economic growth. In 2019, FAO took the lead in the developing the United Nations Strategic Response Plan to Mitigate the Effects of Cattle-Raiding Related Violence (endorsed by UNCT in September 2019). Furthermore, FAO has been leading and coordinating projects relating to livestock and livelihoods across the country, including in Wau, Tonj, and Gogrial.

In January 2020, FAO launched a project to mitigate cattle-related violence in the tristate border areas of Tonj, Gogrial, and Wau funded by the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Reconciliation, Stabilization, and Resilience (RSRTF). The project aims to address key drivers of cattle-related conflict through activities that promote peaceful interaction; strengthen rule of law and accountability; support the change of harmful and inequitable social and gender norms; enhance commercial oriented livestock activities and alternative livelihoods; and enhance equitable access to water and natural resources.

The consultant will operate under the overall supervision of the FAO Program Coordinator, and in close technical collaboration with the FAO Natural Resource Management team, will support RSRTF project managers.

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the implementation of activities envisaged under Outcomes 4 and 5 of this project, specifically\: enhanced commercially oriented livestock activities and alternative livelihoods; and enhanced access to water and pasture.

• Provide on-the-ground support and assistance to coordinate rule of law activities identified in the RSRTF project and contribute to achievement of project results

1. Coordinate dedicated RSRTF support to national efforts to ensure accountability for recent and future cattle-related crimes
2. Coordinate with UNMISS and other actors to provide technical assistance to support the implementation of the Revised Marial Bai Agreement of 2019, with specific focus on dispute resolution and accountability mechanisms established thereunder
3. Identify and engage civil society organizations (CSOs) who will conduct outreach and provide legal aid services and assistance (e.g. South Sudan Law Society)
4. Organize consultative workshops and meetings with the goals of\: (1) building the capacities of personnel of formal and informal courts to resolve disputes and ensure accountability, including through the identification and development of pathways for the referral of cases to statutory courts; (2) increase awareness of traditional authorities and communities to make appropriate and effective use of the formal and informal justice institutions

• Collect and maintain information required for project reporting

1. Maintain records of workshops, trainings, and meetings held, including participant lists
2. Maintain data of cases investigated by fact-finding mission and adjudicated by mobile special courts
3. Support formal and traditional justice sector actors to maintain records of disputes resolved
4. Collect and maintain necessary data for project reporting requirements
5. Prepare draft reports on activities and project outcomes

• Perform any other related tasks, as assigned.

• Bachelor or advanced university degree in Law. Candidates with bachelor’s degrees in public administration, political science, or international relations with a legal component may also be considered.
• Working knowledge of English and Arabic. Candidates with knowledge of other local languages spoken in the region will get preference.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in law or paralegal work.
• National of South Sudan or resident in the country with a work permit

FAO Core Competencies

• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

• Good interpersonal, communications and facilitation skills.
• Sound knowledge and experience in writing reports.
• Strong computer, word processing, and statistical skills.
• Good knowledge of the UN system, procedures and operational activities would be an advantage.
• Ability to organize and implement directly project activities (workshop, mission, assessment, etc.), work in hardship context and guide implementing partners and beneficiaries organizations.
• Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.
• Practical experiences in paralegal work with an emphasis on South Sudanese criminal or civil or administrative procedure.
• Understand and adhere to FAO goals and principle and the FAO South Sudan strategy and objectives.Demonstrate familiarity with South Sudan national justice system and institutions ( police, prosecution, courts and corrections)