Consultant for Legal Support to Women Candidates

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. It consolidates the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to advocate for women's rights and gender equality, providing support to various initiatives aimed at empowering women and ensuring their participation in political processes. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, striving to create a respectful environment for all individuals regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Legal Support to Women Candidates is aimed at 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 efforts to promote gender equality in political representation, especially in light of the challenges faced by women candidates in previous elections. The consultant will collaborate with various stakeholders, including UN Women, to ensure that women candidates receive the necessary legal support and guidance throughout the electoral process, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and equitable political landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Developing a comprehensive guide for representatives of women candidates in polling stations, ensuring they are equipped to monitor the electoral process effectively.
• Training and orienting delegates of women candidates on the use of the guide and tools for documenting electoral irregularities.
• Legally documenting any irregularities that may arise during the candidacy validation period, the electoral campaign, and on election day.
• Producing detailed reports for lawyers to assist in the preparation of electoral petitions.
• Preparing and submitting electoral petitions in accordance with legal requirements, ensuring timely filing with the Constitutional Court.
• Conducting legal advocacy on behalf of women candidates during the electoral dispute process, including presenting oral and written observations before the relevant judicial authorities.
• Following up on decisions and judgments related to petitions filed by women candidates and compiling a final report summarizing actions taken, results achieved, challenges faced, and recommendations for future legal assistance to women candidates.

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 experience in the legal field, particularly in electoral disputes or legal representation. Additionally, candidates must be registered with the Bar Association of the Central African Republic or the Order of Bailiffs. Experience in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment is also required, as well as a strong understanding of electoral law and procedures.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Law or an equivalent qualification is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary legal knowledge and skills to provide effective support to women candidates during the electoral process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in the legal field, with a preference for candidates who have worked on electoral disputes or legal representation. Experience in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment is also highly valued, as it aligns with the mission of UN Women to enhance women's participation in political processes.

Languages:
Fluency in French and Sango is required for this position. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage in broader discussions regarding women's rights and electoral processes.

Additional Notes:
The consultant's fees will be established according to the remuneration scale for national consultants applicable within UN agencies in the Central African Republic, and negotiations will take place with the selected candidate. Travel expenses and costs associated with field data collection will be covered by UN Women. The evaluation of applications will be based on a weighted scoring system that considers educational qualifications, registration with relevant legal bodies, experience in electoral disputes, and commitment to gender equality.