National Legal Specialist

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. REU also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region. The regional project TCP/RER/3802 is implemented in four countries of Europe and Central Asia Region including Tajikistan where the consultancy is based.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Tajikistan, the administrative and operational supervision of the Budget Holder (REU), the technical supervision of the Legal Officers (LEGN), and in close collaboration with the project Lead Technical Officer (REU), the International Legal and technical consultants and the respective national authorities

Technical Focus

Support the elaboration of a national policy for improvement/ development of sustainable seed system and certification in Tajikistan.

Tasks and responsibilities

• • In collaboration with the International Legal Consultant, draft a joint work plan, and submit the same to the Legal Officers (LEGN);
  • Collect the relevant texts and documentation related to the legal, policy and institutional aspects of seed;
  • Get familiar with any documentation previously or currently developed on seed legislation;
  • Under the guidance of the International Legal Consultant, fill in a matrix for the evaluation and analysis of seed laws and regulations then collected; submit the matrix to the International Legal Consultant for review, and improve the same as per her comments;
  • Develop a thorough gap analysis of the legal framework on seed with a view to complying with applicable international and regional instruments and best legal practices;
  • Prepare a legal report detailing the results of the analysis, with conclusions and recommendations to strengthen the national legal framework (this should include a nomenclature of legal instruments to be drafted and adopted to address the gaps); submit the report to the International Legal Consultant for review, and improve the same as per her comments;
  • Consolidate a final report including the narrative report and the matrix, and submit it to the Legal Officers, LEGN for technical clearance;
  • On the basis of the legal assessment report, support the elaboration of the national policy for improvement/ development of sustainable seed system and certification;
  • Prepare monthly reports.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Lawyer with advanced university degree in law or related subject
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in the field
• Working knowledge of English and Tajik or Russian languages.
• National of Tajikistan or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.