Consultant for Legal Support to Women Candidates

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UN Women, established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges the efforts of four distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues, aiming for greater impact through a unified approach. The organization operates globally, advocating for women's rights and gender equality in various contexts, including political participation, economic empowerment, and protection against violence. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a respectful environment for all employees, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The position involves providing legal assistance to women candidates participating in upcoming legislative, regional, and municipal elections in the Central African Republic. The consultant will work to enhance the admissibility of their electoral petitions and reduce the instances of rejection related to electoral disputes. This role is crucial in the context of the Central African Republic's ongoing democratic consolidation process, which aims to improve women's representation in political decision-making. The consultant will collaborate with national electoral institutions and women's organizations to ensure that women candidates receive the necessary legal support and guidance throughout the electoral process, from candidacy validation to post-election disputes. The overarching goal is to promote equitable access to electoral justice for women, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and democratic governance framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include developing a guide for representatives of women candidates in polling stations, training delegates on the use of this guide, and documenting electoral irregularities legally. They will prepare and submit electoral petitions in compliance with legal requirements, represent women candidates in court during electoral disputes, and ensure that all actions taken are documented in comprehensive reports. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting training sessions for legal representatives and ensuring that women candidates are well-informed about their rights and the electoral process. Additionally, they will collaborate with legal professionals to provide technical support and ensure that women's voices are heard and represented in the electoral process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Law or an equivalent qualification recognized by the relevant authorities. They should have at least two years of relevant legal experience, particularly in electoral disputes or legal representation. Registration with the Central African Bar Association or the Order of Bailiffs is mandatory. Experience in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment is also required. The consultant should demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders in the electoral process.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Law or an equivalent qualification is required for this position. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of electoral law and the legal frameworks governing the electoral process in the Central African Republic. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of gender issues and the legal challenges faced by women in the political arena.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant experience in the legal field is required, with a preference for candidates who have worked on electoral disputes or legal representation in similar contexts. Experience in working with international organizations or NGOs focused on gender equality and women's rights will be considered an asset. The consultant should have a proven track record of successfully navigating legal processes and advocating for women's rights in electoral contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in French and Sango is mandatory, as these are the primary languages used in the Central African Republic. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be a consultancy role, with specific terms of engagement to be negotiated with the selected candidate. The consultant will be compensated according to the national consultant remuneration scale applicable within UN agencies in the Central African Republic. Travel and mission costs related to data collection in the field will be covered by UN Women. The evaluation of applications will be based on a weighted scoring system, considering educational qualifications, registration with relevant legal bodies, experience in electoral disputes, and commitment to gender equality.