IMO Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to promote safe, secure, and efficient shipping on clean oceans. The organization was founded in 1948 and has since been instrumental in developing a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that addresses safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, and technical cooperation. The IMO operates globally, with member states from around the world, and focuses on ensuring that the maritime industry adheres to international standards. The organization engages consultants to support various projects, particularly those that enhance maritime safety and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The IMO Consultant position is a consultancy role designed to provide expert legal support to strengthen Ukraine's legal framework concerning marine pollution preparedness and response. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Director of Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division and will be involved in a project that includes conducting a legislative gap analysis, developing actionable legal instruments, and aligning Ukraine's regulations with international conventions such as the OPRC Convention and the OPRC-HNS Protocol. The consultant will also facilitate workshops, provide legal advice, and support the drafting of national legislation to ensure compliance with international maritime laws. This role requires a deep understanding of international maritime law and the ability to work collaboratively with national authorities and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend the Project’s inception workshop in Ukraine to understand the project's scope and objectives.
• Conduct a comprehensive legal gap analysis to evaluate Ukraine’s existing legislative framework, institutional capacity, and resource allocation related to marine pollution preparedness and response.
• Identify and document the ratification process for Ukraine to become a party to IMO instruments, detailing the legislative steps and stakeholders involved.
• Review and support the implementation of recommendations from the feasibility study conducted by IMO regarding Ukraine’s accession to the OPRC Convention and OPRC-HNS Protocol.
• Facilitate workshops and deliver lectures to enhance understanding of marine pollution preparedness and response conventions, providing legal support for drafting national legislation.
• Advise on the development of maritime legislation and regulations to address current and emerging needs in marine pollution.
• Provide legal support for drafting national legislation that incorporates the provisions of the OPRC Convention and OPRC-HNS Protocol into domestic law, clarifying institutional responsibilities.
• Identify sustainable arrangements for the Ukrainian government to maintain and update its marine pollution legislation in the future.
• Prepare a detailed work plan with milestones for reviewing and updating Ukraine’s national marine pollution legislation, including drafting necessary amendments and new regulations. 1
• Organize and participate in meetings with national authorities to provide feedback and guidance on drafting implementing legislation. 1
• Regularly report on project developments, progress, and challenges to project staff, ensuring transparency and effective communication throughout the consultancy.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of international maritime law, particularly IMO conventions such as the OPRC Convention and OPRC-HNS Protocol.
• Experience in maritime environmental protection frameworks, especially regarding oil pollution preparedness and response.
• Proven ability to assess and analyze legal and institutional frameworks effectively.
• Excellent legal drafting and advisory skills, with a focus on clarity and precision.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with national governments and international organizations on legal matters.
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in all responsibilities, ensuring accuracy in implementation.
• Ability to coordinate activities and manage resources effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, essential for working in diverse environments.
• Capacity to adapt and maintain high-quality work under challenging conditions, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in maritime law, environmental law, international law, or a closely related field is essential for this position. Additional training in emergency response planning or maritime policy would be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to address the complexities of marine pollution legislation.

Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of progressive working experience in legal consulting, regulatory reform, or legislative drafting is essential for this role. Previous involvement in projects related to environmental protection or marine pollution preparedness is highly desirable. Experience in capacity-building and providing legal advisory services in developing countries will be considered an asset, as it demonstrates the consultant's ability to navigate the unique challenges faced by such nations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both written and oral, is essential for effective communication in this role. A working knowledge of Ukrainian or one of the UN languages would be advantageous, as it would facilitate collaboration with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the Ukrainian context.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is for a 30-day period, with remuneration set at US$500 per day. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant is expected to engage actively with national authorities and stakeholders, ensuring that the project objectives are met within the specified timeframe.