Individual Consultant: Development of a Simplified Framework for Legal Aid

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network established in 196

• UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience. UNDP aims to empower lives and build resilient nations by supporting countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant for the Development of a Simplified Framework for Legal Aid is aimed at creating a user-friendly and legally accurate operational framework that aligns with the Legal Aid Act and existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the framework is accessible in both English and siSwati, catering to the needs of legal aid beneficiaries and frontline staff. The consultant will review and harmonize legal provisions, simplify complex legal content, and enhance the framework's accessibility and inclusivity. This role requires a deep understanding of legal aid operations and the ability to translate legal jargon into plain language that is actionable and comprehensible for users. The consultant will also be tasked with ensuring that the framework is culturally and contextually appropriate for the Emaswati people.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks including:

• Review and Mapping of Existing Frameworks: Analyze current legal aid frameworks and identify gaps or inconsistencies.
• Drafting, Harmonization, and Simplification: Create a simplified legal aid operational framework that aligns with the Legal Aid Act and SOPs.
• Translation and Quality Assurance: Ensure that the framework is accurately translated into siSwati and that the legal intent is preserved.
• Enhance Accessibility: Develop visual and process-based tools to aid understanding and application of the framework by legal aid staff and beneficiaries.
• Engage with stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure the framework meets the needs of its users.
• Provide training or guidance to legal aid staff on the implementation of the new framework.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a postgraduate qualification in a relevant field such as Law, Languages, or Social Sciences, or have equivalent professional experience. Additionally, the candidate should have at least 6 years of relevant professional experience in legal aid, translation, or related fields. A professional certification in writing/editing or translation is also required. Strong analytical, editorial, planning, and organizational skills are essential, along with proven experience in developing simplified documents and translations. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to analyze legislation and SOPs for alignment with international human rights standards and possess drafting and plain language proficiency.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a postgraduate degree in Law, Languages, Social Sciences, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education. A professional certification in writing/editing or translation is highly desirable, indicating a recognized level of expertise in these areas.

Experience:
A minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience is required, particularly in the fields of legal aid, translation, or document simplification. Experience in drafting operational manuals and understanding the socio-legal context of Eswatini is crucial. The candidate should have a proven track record of analyzing legal documents and SOPs, as well as experience in creating user-friendly content that maintains legal accuracy.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as the framework must be accessible in this language. Knowledge of siSwati is also essential, as the framework needs to be translated accurately to cater to local beneficiaries. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The period of assignment is set for 35 days. Proposals must be submitted directly through the UNDP supplier portal by the specified deadline. The position encourages diverse consultants and service providers, promoting inclusive approaches that reflect gender equality and disability inclusion. The consultant will work under the procurement process as an individual contractor, and any requests for clarification must be submitted in writing through the portal's messaging functionality.