National Legal Expert Roster Call

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) is dedicated to supporting the Kyrgyz Republic in various areas including the rule of law, administration of justice, legal and institutional reforms, cybersecurity resilience, counter-terrorism, and the promotion of digital transformation within public institutions. Established to enhance the effectiveness of governance and legal frameworks, the POiB operates with a mission to foster stability and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in the region. The office employs a diverse team of professionals and collaborates with national authorities to provide technical assistance in legislative development and review. The organization is committed to upholding international standards and best practices in its operations, ensuring that its initiatives are aligned with the needs of the Kyrgyz Republic and the broader OSCE objectives.

Job Overview:
The position of National Legal Expert is crucial for the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek as it aims to establish a roster of qualified legal experts who can provide specialized legal and policy expertise. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in various tasks that support the development, review, implementation, and evaluation of legislation, policies, and institutional reforms. This role is particularly focused on areas such as cybersecurity, digital evidence, legal reform, counter-terrorism, and preventing violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism (VERLT). The expert will work under the supervision of the National Counter-Terrorism Officer and will be involved in conducting legal assessments, drafting legal documents, and facilitating consultations among stakeholders. The assignment is expected to last a maximum of nine months, during which the expert will contribute to enhancing the legal framework and institutional capacities in Kyrgyzstan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Legal Expert will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities including: conducting legal and regulatory assessments related to cybersecurity, digital evidence, and criminal justice reforms; reviewing existing legislation to identify gaps and inconsistencies; drafting and revising laws, bylaws, regulations, and policies; supporting the development of national programmes and strategies; facilitating consultations and expert meetings; preparing analytical papers and policy briefs; developing training materials and delivering capacity-building activities; providing expertise on digital evidence management; and preparing final consultancy reports as required. The expert will also be responsible for ensuring that all deliverables meet the OSCE's standards and requirements, including assessment reports, legislative review reports, and training packages.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in Law or Jurisprudence. Additional qualifications in fields such as cybersecurity, international relations, public administration, or criminal justice are considered an asset. A minimum of five years of professional experience in legislative drafting, legal reform, cybersecurity legislation, counter-terrorism frameworks, and public administration reform is required. Demonstrated experience in drafting legal documents and knowledge of the legal framework of the Kyrgyz Republic and international standards is essential. Experience working with government institutions and international organizations is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's Degree, specifically a first-level university degree in Law or Jurisprudence. Additional qualifications in related fields such as cybersecurity or international law would enhance a candidate's profile and are viewed favorably.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass areas such as legislative drafting, legal reform, and familiarity with cybersecurity and counter-terrorism legislation. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government institutions and international organizations, particularly in contexts that involve donor-funded projects.

Languages:
Professional fluency in the Russian language, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of English and Kyrgyz is considered an asset and would be beneficial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the OSCE.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is classified as a consultant role at the national professional level. The contract duration is part-time and is expected to last for a maximum of nine months. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and integrity among its officials, ensuring that all actions reflect the values of impartiality and objectivity. Remuneration will be based on the qualifications and experience of the selected consultant, in accordance with OSCE established rates. The OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.