Legal Consultant for Access to Information Law

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. It was founded in 1973 and has since been working to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals through various initiatives and programs. UN-ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on enhancing governance frameworks, promoting transparency, and facilitating regional cooperation. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by member states in the areas of economic and social development.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Consultant for Access to Information Law involves providing specialized advisory services to support the development of national access to information legislation in Yemen. The consultant will be responsible for drafting a comprehensive report that aligns with international best practices while addressing the specific needs and context of Yemen. This role requires a deep understanding of legal frameworks governing access to information, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to gather insights and feedback. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology (MTIT) and UN-ESCWA to ensure that the proposed legislation is coherent with other related legal instruments being developed simultaneously. The consultant's deliverables will include a detailed report in Arabic, an executive summary, and a draft law that incorporates stakeholder input and best practices from regional and international contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a range of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a benchmarking analysis of current national laws related to digital technologies in Yemen and reviewing best practices in access to information law from at least two regional and two international cases.
• Engaging with national stakeholders through interviews and meetings to gather insights and document findings related to access to information needs and challenges.
• Performing a situational analysis of existing legislation and conducting a comprehensive gap analysis to identify areas for improvement.
• Drafting a suggested access to information law that reflects national needs, incorporates international best practices, and aligns with ESCWA templates for cyber legislation.
• Presenting the draft law to national entities for validation and consultation, updating the draft based on feedback received.
• Finalizing the report and law, including a summary of activities and recommendations for phased implementation, while ensuring gender-sensitive language and considerations are integrated throughout the work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law or a related field, with a Ph.D. degree being desirable. A minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in drafting, reviewing, or providing advisory assessments on access to information, freedom of information, or transparency legislation is required. Previous experience in cyber legislation is also necessary, along with familiarity with the Yemeni legal system or civil law systems in the Arab region. Experience in delivering research papers is considered an asset. All candidates must submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in law or a related field. A Ph.D. is preferred, indicating a high level of expertise and knowledge in legal matters related to access to information and transparency legislation. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least five years of relevant experience in the field of access to information legislation, including drafting and advisory roles. Experience in cyber legislation is essential, as the consultant will be working on laws that intersect with digital governance. Familiarity with the Yemeni legal context or civil law systems in the Arab region is desirable, as it will aid in tailoring the proposed legislation to local needs and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of a language is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas, which indicates a good level of proficiency.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 16 weeks, and the work location is remote. The consultant must adhere to strict guidelines regarding the confidentiality and ownership of the report's content, which will be the sole property of ESCWA. The consultant is prohibited from publishing or discussing the report's content without prior authorization from ESCWA and the Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology. Additionally, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.