Legal Advisor JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

The goal of the Government of South Sudan: Strengthening Governance Project (GOSS GOV) is to assist the Government of South Sudan to develop more effective and accountable governance. This includes improved management capacity in priority areas that need immediate assistance, such as Executive Leadership, Legal Framework and the Rule of Law and Public Service capacity building.

Pact Inc. is an international non-governmental organization based in Washington, DC, which currently operates in 29 countries. Globally, Pact targets three strategic areas: health, livelihoods and natural resource management. Pact’s mission is to contribute to the growth of a civil society where citizens acting together can express their interests, exchange information, strive for mutual goals and influence governments worldwide in pursuit of economic, social and political justice. The organization achieves its mission through provision of Grants to selected Civil Society Organizations and the provision of Technical Support. Pact in South Sudan focuses specifically on achieving these goals through peacebuilding, justice, governance and water access projects. Pact is partnering with Deloitte on GOSS GOV program.

The GOSS GOV program has three primary objectives:

1) Executive level of government at the GOSS and targeted state government levels are able to develop and articulate a shared vision, plan strategically, define policy, ensure implementation of plans and policies, lead effectively across ministries and level of government, engage citizens, and manage development partners

2) Executive and legislative institutions at the GOSS and targeted state government levels are able to develop and effectively execute a harmonized legal system

3) Executive and human resource institutions at the GOSS and targeted state government levels are able to guide and facilitate human capital development across the government

The GOSS GOV Program has two aims specifically regarding the GOSS legal framework and the rule of law:

1) The Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development (MOLACD) and state Legal Administration Departments require a legal framework that is both internally consistent and consistent with government policies;

2) The process of drafting, passage, and implementation of legislation across ministries and levels of government must be substantially overhauled such that it is efficient, effective, and consistent. Success will depend upon effective linkages horizontally across government institutions as well as vertically between national and state levels of government.

To achieve the aims and objectives described above Pact seeks to engage 3 Legal Advisors, to be based in Bor, Malakal, and Bentiu. These advisors will work with the state governors, council of ministers, Ministry of Legal Affairs, and state legislative assemblies to develop and effectively execute a harmonized legal system.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Legal Advisors will be expected to:

A. Support development of a consistent legal framework

a. Provide specialized training to MOLACD office staff;

b. Increase office capacity to print and distribute all laws, rules, regulations and legal forms;

c. Support donor efforts to disseminate passed laws to the state levels and other relevant actors, to ensure that laws are understood and implemented at these levels.

B. Support the development of the GOSS legislative process

a. Train newly selected South Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) members dealing with finance and legal affairs how to analyze priority laws that are submitted for approval;

b. Strengthen the capacity of Legal Administration Departments so they can undertake tasks such as the registration of companies and organizations;

c. Improve and institutionalize the legal drafting skills of MOLACD through a training program;

d. Provide technical assistance to the legal drafting team regarding the passage of priority laws;

e. Enhance the capability of the ministry to draft specialized laws, rules and regulations through a training program;

f. Initiate and institutionalize a legislative tracking system across the GOSS;

g. Train appropriate MOLACD staff to deliver technical briefings on new laws;

h. Sensitize decision makers to legislation needed to achieve strategic governance priorities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• Master’s Degree or equivalent in a relevant area, preferred
• Experience in advising on the development of legislative affairs institutions at a national level preferred
• Experience with technical and legal legislative drafting
• Proven facilitation skills appropriate for both local and state level organizations
• Understanding of programming and project management concepts, including gender analysis and conflict sensitivity
• Previous experience working in remote areas in post-conflict settings, preferably South Sudan
• Previous knowledge of South Sudan’s constitution, development plan, government policies, laws and programs preferred
• Fluency in English required

Functional Competencies

• Demonstrated experience working with host country governments, counterparts, and international donors
• Experience with technical and legal drafting regarding legislative issues
• Progressive experience analyzing and advising on national legal processes and systems
• Knowledge of training measurement and evaluation techniques
• Excellent planning, facilitation and training skills
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Strong interpersonal, team and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint
• Knowledge of gender- and conflict-sensitive project planning and monitoring for gender equitable results

Other Considerations

• The Legal Advisors must be willing to live and work in Malakal, Bentiu and/or Bor for 2-3 years

Please provide a cover letter describing your suitability for this position in your application.

To apply for this position, please visit our website at www.pactworld.org