National/International Legal Consultant - MIDAS Legal Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing services and advice to governments and migrants, and aims to better harness the full potential of migration while strengthening its support to people on the move. IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required.

Job Overview:
The position of National/International Legal Consultant involves conducting a comprehensive legal assessment of the legislative, regulatory, policy, and institutional framework governing border and migration management in Lesotho. The consultant will assess the adequacy of the legal basis for the collection, processing, storage, retention, sharing, and protection of personal and biometric data within the context of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS). The consultant will evaluate compliance with applicable regional and international obligations, human rights standards, and data protection principles. The role requires a thorough examination of existing national legislation, including the Data Protection Act, and the identification of legal, regulatory, and operational gaps that may affect the implementation of MIDAS. The consultant will also develop recommendations and a roadmap for strengthening the legal framework governing border management data in Lesotho, ensuring alignment with national legislation and international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a detailed review of the legal and regulatory framework governing border management and migration governance in Lesotho. This includes assessing the adequacy of the legal basis for the collection, processing, storage, retention, sharing, and protection of personal and biometric data. The consultant will evaluate the alignment of the national framework with constitutional protections, international human rights obligations, and data protection principles. Additionally, the consultant will assess institutional arrangements and data governance frameworks, including the mandates and responsibilities of institutions involved in border management data governance. The consultant will conduct stakeholder consultations to map institutional mandates, identify existing practices, and validate preliminary findings. The consultant will also analyze information-sharing arrangements and assess the adequacy of data protection and privacy safeguards. Finally, the consultant will identify legal, regulatory, and operational gaps and provide recommendations for strengthening the national framework, including legislative reforms and institutional strengthening measures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Law, International Law, Public Law, Human Rights Law, Information Technology Law, Data Protection Law, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in legal and regulatory analysis is required, along with experience conducting legal assessments for government institutions. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of migration governance and border management, as well as experience in data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, or ICT regulation. Experience working with international organizations or development agencies is essential, and experience in the Southern Africa or SADC region is highly desirable. Knowledge of biometric identification systems and border management information systems is an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Law, International Law, Public Law, Human Rights Law, Information Technology Law, or Data Protection Law. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complex legal frameworks governing border management and migration governance.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in legal and regulatory analysis, with a strong emphasis on conducting legal assessments for government institutions. Experience in migration governance and border management is essential, as well as familiarity with data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity regulations. Candidates should also have experience working with international organizations or development agencies, particularly in the Southern Africa or SADC region, which is highly desirable. Knowledge of biometric identification systems and border management information systems will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this consultancy, and candidates will be evaluated on their language skills during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will cover occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. However, IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational accidents and illnesses, and consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance. The appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.