National Legal Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission includes improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. The FAO Representation in Georgia focuses on assisting the government in developing policies and programs to achieve these goals, particularly in the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors.

Job Overview:
The National Legal Specialist position is integral to the FAO Representation in Georgia, specifically under the UTF/GEO/034/GEO-F project, which aims to formulate and design land consolidation strategies in Georgia. The role involves leading legal and institutional assessments of Georgia's regulatory frameworks concerning agricultural land management and consolidation. The specialist will draft recommendations for legislative revisions, advise project beneficiaries on land disputes, and assist farmers with property registration and inheritance issues. The position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government authorities and international experts, to ensure the effective implementation of land consolidation activities. The incumbent will also engage in fieldwork to support landowners in understanding their rights and the legal implications of land consolidation, contributing to the development of a National Land Consolidation Strategy and related legal frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Legal Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: providing legal support for land consolidation activities under the GRAIL Project; contributing to the drafting of the National Land Consolidation Strategy; conducting comprehensive legal and institutional assessments of existing regulatory frameworks; drafting recommendations for new legislation or revisions of existing legal instruments; liaising with public authorities on legislation and operational procedures; supervising and coordinating the work of junior team members; providing guidance on legal issues related to land consolidation; supporting farmers in understanding their land rights; ensuring quality assurance from a legal perspective for all deliverables; providing legal advice in cases of land disputes; and contributing to capacity-building and training programs for stakeholders involved in land management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Law and have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in developing, reviewing, and implementing legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly in property rights, real estate, or land governance. A strong knowledge of legal frameworks related to land governance and property rights is essential, along with experience in legal analysis, drafting, and review of legislation. The ability to conduct legal assessments and provide practical recommendations is crucial, as well as experience in aligning legal inputs with national strategies. Candidates should also have strong analytical, problem-solving, and drafting skills, along with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in Law. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary legal knowledge and skills to perform the duties associated with the role effectively. The degree should be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the legal field, specifically in the development, review, and implementation of legal and regulatory frameworks related to property rights, real estate, or land governance. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, and development partners is considered an asset, as is experience in managing and supervising project teams. Proven experience in working on land law and with rural communities and farmers is also beneficial.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is required for this position, with a C-level proficiency in both speaking and writing. Knowledge of additional languages may be advantageous but is not mandatory. Candidates must be nationals of Georgia, which implies a strong understanding of the local legal context and language.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve fieldwork and requires the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government authorities and local communities. The appointment will be subject to security clearances and other necessary certifications.