National Consultant for Advancing Inland Waterways Transport

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which was established in 195

• UNECA's mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance the competitiveness of African economies. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent, focusing on various sectors including trade, transport, and sustainable development. UNECA employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to supporting African nations in achieving their development goals.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Advancing Inland Waterways Transport will play a crucial role in enhancing the maritime administration systems of South Sudan. This position is vital as South Sudan possesses significant inland water resources, particularly the River Nile and the Sudd Wetland, which are currently underutilized due to various policy, institutional, and governance challenges. The consultant will work closely with the government to assess the existing legal and regulatory frameworks governing inland waterways transport and navigation. The consultant's primary functions will include conducting a comprehensive review of South Sudan's maritime and inland waterways regulatory framework, identifying gaps in compliance with international maritime standards, and supporting the development of legislative and regulatory instruments necessary for the domestication of International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder consultations to gather insights and recommendations for legal reforms and institutional strengthening, ultimately contributing to the effective integration of inland waterways into the national transport system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of duties aimed at strengthening maritime governance and inland waterways transport in South Sudan. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting a legal and regulatory assessment by compiling and reviewing all relevant national legislation, regulations, policies, and institutional mandates related to inland waterways transport.
• Supporting the assessment of South Sudan's legal framework against the requirements of priority IMO conventions and identifying gaps that may hinder compliance.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including government agencies, legal experts, and private sector representatives, to facilitate consultations on the implications of IMO accession and domestication.
• Documenting stakeholder recommendations to inform the legal reform process.
• Assisting in the development of legislative and regulatory instruments, including drafting acts, regulations, and amendments to support the domestication of IMO conventions.
• Organizing stakeholder consultations and technical validation workshops to gather feedback on proposed legal instruments.
• Preparing an endorsement package for government consideration, which includes finalized legal instruments and recommendations for implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Law, Maritime Law, International Law, Legislative Drafting, Business Law, Public Law, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in one of these disciplines, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in legal and regulatory analysis, legislative drafting, public policy, or regulatory reform. Demonstrated experience in reviewing and analyzing national legislation and drafting legal instruments is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Law, Maritime Law, International Law, Legislative Drafting, Business Law, or Public Law. A first-level university degree in these areas, along with additional qualifying experience, may also be acceptable. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of maritime law and regulatory frameworks necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as legal and regulatory analysis, legislative drafting, public policy, or regulatory reform. Candidates should have a proven track record of reviewing and analyzing national legislation, regulations, and institutional frameworks, as well as experience in drafting or reviewing legal instruments and policy frameworks. This level of experience is crucial for effectively assessing South Sudan's legal landscape and providing actionable recommendations for improvement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is the second working language. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders and for the preparation of legal documents and reports.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is three months, and the position is based in Juba, South Sudan. The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, or training stages. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.