National Legal Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of child protection and community support.

Job Overview:
The National Legal Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Government of Albania, specifically the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MoHSP), in the implementation of the Law on Family-Based Alternative Care. This position involves drafting necessary sub-legal acts and providing legal analysis and policy recommendations to ensure compliance with international standards. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, and professional practitioners, to develop a coherent and rights-based legal framework that promotes family and community-based care for children without parental care. The consultant's work will directly contribute to the advancement of child protection systems in Albania, aligning with national policy frameworks and international best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's key responsibilities include drafting sub-legal acts such as Decisions of the Council of Ministers (DCMs) and Ministerial Instructions, ensuring that each act is implementable and aligns with the primary law. The consultant will also be responsible for stakeholder consultation and coordination, working closely with MoHSP, State Social Service, and civil society organizations to gather input and ensure the sub-legal acts reflect practical needs. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate validation workshops, revise drafts based on feedback, and submit final versions of the legal documents. Specific deliverables include a mapping and work plan for drafting sub-legal acts, documentation of stakeholder consultations, and finalized sub-legal acts with explanatory memoranda.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Law, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field, with a specialization in child protection law, family law, or human rights preferred. A minimum of 7 years of proven experience in legal drafting and policy development, particularly in child protection and alternative care, is required. Candidates should have extensive experience with national and international legal frameworks related to child rights and social protection, as well as demonstrated ability to work with government stakeholders and civil society organizations. Previous experience in drafting laws or legal documents in the field of alternative care is an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Law, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field. A specialization in child protection law, family law, or human rights is preferred, indicating a strong foundation in legal principles relevant to the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in legal drafting and policy development, particularly in the areas of child protection and alternative care. This experience should include working on national and international legal frameworks, conducting legal gap analyses, and engaging with government and civil society stakeholders in the development of legal reforms and policy frameworks.

Languages:
Knowledge of English and Albanian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the legal and policy development process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be home-based, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined for the submission of drafts and documentation. The position requires a commitment to UNICEF's core values and competencies, including partnership building, ethical awareness, and strategic thinking. UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.