373 - National Legal Expert (Gender) - Ramallah

Application Type : External Vacancy
Job ID/Title : 373 - National Legal Expert (Gender)
Category : Management
Brand : UNDP
Post Level : Consultant
Application Deadline : 15-Nov-10
Duty Station : Ramallah
Type of Contract : SSA,
Post Number :
(for 100 Series Contracts)
Languages Required :
Arabic, English,
Starting Date :
(date when the selected canditate is expected to start)
Duration of Initial Contract : 40 working days
Expected Duration of Assignment :
Background:
Access to justice and the rule of law in the occupied Palestinian territory are both complex and challenging, in part due to the protracted occupation by Israel. The implications of the occupation are far-reaching and have restrained the ability of the Palestinian National Authority in its efforts to advance democratic governance and socio-economic development. Despite gradual progress made to date, the justice system still requires further development.
Access to justice for women has particular challenges, especially with respect to domestic violence and “honour killings”. Penal law in force in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip related to rape, adultery, domestic violence, and so-called “honour killings” continue to display unambiguous discrimination against women.
Palestinian legislation fails to provide adequate protection for women. Lack of awareness of women’s rights coupled with limited representation of women at the policy-making level continues to contribute to impede the advancement of women’s rights and gender justice. Various efforts have been made by civil society to review and debate points of contention in legislation; however, significant legislative gaps remain in terms of providing justice and security to women.
 
Description of Responsibilities:
Objectives of Assignment
As part of UNDP/PAPP’s Rule of Law & Access to Justice Programme in the occupied Palestinian territory, UNDP is commissioning a review of existing Palestinian legislation in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip from a gender perspective.
Focusing on, inter alia, constitutional law (Basic Law), criminal law, civil law, family law, and labour law, the study is aimed at supporting the Palestinian National Authority in its efforts to advance gender justice (i.e. provide justice and security for women) and to promote gender equality, but also to provide UNDP/PAPP’s Rule of Law & Access to Justice Programme with recommendations on possible programmatic interventions.
As women’s rights must be included and enforced within the broader legal framework, the study will provide a comprehensive overview of relevant provisions of existing Palestinian legislation, measured up to international standards and best practices. In addition, the process will require comparison with national legislation from other countries in the region.
Scope of Work
Working very closely with the International Legal Expert (Gender), the incumbent will provide a comprehensive overview of relevant international standards and compile existing Palestinian legislation, providing a thorough analysis of relevant provisions. Consequently, the consultant will develop key recommendations on Palestinian legal reform and identify entry points for UNDP/PAPP’s Rule of Law & Access to Justice Programme in the occupied Palestinian territory.
In close conjunction with government institutions, women’s rights organizations, human rights coalitions, and universities, the consultant will draw from and integrate existing and ongoing studies, such as UNDP/PAPPS’ review of the draft Penal Code conducted in conjunction with the Palestinian Ministry of Justice and ILO’s review of the Palestinian Labour Law.
Under the direct supervision and guidance of the International Legal Expert (Gender), the expert is to meet with a wide range of national and international actors and stakeholders to ensure their buy-in and involvement. Subsequently, the final draft will be shared and discussed in a series of stakeholder consultations.
 
Deliverables
In conjunction with the International Legal Expert (Gender), the consultant will produce a report on the above objectives of the assessment, totalling 50 pages plus annexes, with an executive summary of not more than 5 pages describing key findings and recommendations. The study should provide, inter alia:
 
  • A clear and concise overview of international standards and best practices on women’s rights and gender justice;
  • A comprehensive analysis of existing Palestinian legislation, focusing on, inter alia, constitutional law (Basic Law), criminal law, civil law, family law, and labour law;
  • Concrete recommendations on Palestinian legal reform; and
  • Possible entry points for UNDP/PAPP’s Rule of Law & Access to Justice Programme in the occupied Palestinian territory.
 
In addition, the expert is expected to hold a series of stakeholder consultations to share and discuss the final draft with key actors and stakeholders.
 
The incumbent will be required to provide ad hoc translation and interpretation services.

 
Competencies :
Qualifications :
Education
Advanced university degree in law.
Experience
At least 10 years of progressive experience in gender justice and law reform.
Extensive knowledge of international human rights law and instruments, particularly on women’s rights.
Expert knowledge of existing Palestinian legislation; great affinity with the local NGO sector.
Proven experience in review and analysis of Palestinian legislation, with a special focus on gender justice.
Familiarity with the UN system; previous experience working in conflict/post conflict situations constitutes an advantage.
The above should be reflected in the CV.

Language Skills
Excellent command of both Arabic and English.
Evaluation and Submission information
The award will be made to the lowest evaluated offer of technically qualified consultants.
 
Candidates are requested to submit the following documents:
• CV & P11, including all qualification, work experience and contact details of  3 referees
• Covering letter explaining why they consider that they are the most suitable person for the work
• Financial proposal of daily rate in USD
Please note that if a candidate has any immediate family members working in the UN system, this should be declared in their application.
"UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer: applications from men and women will be considered equally”