Consultant for Personal Data Protection Law Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 197

• Its mission is to promote economic and social development in the Arab region through regional cooperation and integration. UN-ESCWA works with member states to enhance their capacities in various sectors, including governance, social development, and sustainable development. The organization operates in 18 member countries across the Arab region and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing regional challenges and fostering sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing a personal data protection law for Yemen, which is aligned with international standards and best practices. This position requires a deep understanding of the legal and institutional context in Yemen, especially considering the ongoing conflict and the need for a realistic implementation strategy. The consultant will be responsible for drafting a comprehensive report that includes a detailed analysis of existing laws, stakeholder engagement, and the development of a new legal framework that addresses the challenges of digital transformation and data protection. The consultant will also ensure that the report adheres to the highest standards of quality and clarity, with a focus on gender-sensitive language and inclusivity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include conducting a thorough review of existing national laws related to digital technologies in Yemen, benchmarking against regional and international best practices, engaging with key stakeholders through interviews and workshops, performing a situational analysis of current legislation, drafting the personal data protection law, and presenting the draft for validation and consultation. The consultant will also be responsible for finalizing the report, ensuring that it includes a comprehensive summary of activities and a phased roadmap for implementation. Throughout the process, the consultant must pay attention to gender considerations and the needs of youth, ensuring that the report reflects these dimensions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law or a related field, with a Ph.D. being desirable. A minimum of 5 years of experience in drafting or providing regulatory advisory assessments of personal data protection legislation is required. Familiarity with the Yemeni legal system or civil law systems in the Arab region is preferred, along with expertise in digital technology and digital identity issues. Previous experience in delivering research papers is also desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to produce high-quality written work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in law or a related field is mandatory for this position. Candidates are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, and incomplete applications will not be considered. A Ph.D. degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field of law and data protection.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of demonstrated experience in the drafting or regulatory advisory assessment of personal data protection legislation. This experience should include familiarity with the legal frameworks governing data protection, as well as practical knowledge of the challenges and best practices in the field. Candidates with experience in the Yemeni legal context or civil law systems in the Arab region will be at an advantage, as will those who have worked on similar projects in the past.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations and ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be remote and will last for approximately 16 weeks. The consultant will be required to submit all deliverables in Arabic, ensuring that the final report meets the specified quality standards. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.