Location : Vientiane, LAO PDR
Application Deadline : 15-Oct-10
Additional Category Democratic Governance
Type of Contract : SSA
Post Level : International Consultant
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 30-Oct-2010
Duration of Initial Contract : 10 working days over a 6 weeks period
Expected Duration of Assignment : 10 working days over a 6 weeks period
Customary practices remain a crucial source of law for many people in Lao PDR, especially among its ethnic groups and those in the most remote areas of the country. To date, no comprehensive study has been undertaken on this topic.
This need is reflected in the draft Legal Sector Master Plan, which calls for the implementation of a research project on application of customary rules as source of law by collecting local and customary rules, especially among ethnic groups, to ensure the application of a more efficient legal framework. , especially among ethnic groups, to ensure the application of a more efficient legal framework. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ), supported by the UNDP, plans to carry out such a survey as part of its Customary Justice Practices Project (the Survey). The data collected will result in a report highlighting the main findings of the Survey and will be compiled into the first accessible database on customary practices in Laos. by , especially among ethnic groups, to ensure the application of a more efficient legal framework. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ), supported by the UNDP, plans to carry out such a survey as part of its Customary Justice Practices Project (the Survey). The data collected will result in a report highlighting the main findings of the Survey and will be compiled into the first accessible database on customary practices in Laos.
The Legal Specialist will assist an anthropologist ("Team Leader"), a National Consultant and the project team to draft and finalize a report on the findings from the field work and all data collected during the survey.
Duties and Responsibilities
Working closely with the Ministry of Justice, UNDP and all relevant stakeholders, the Legal Specialist shall:
* Assist in the delivery of a detailed final report exposing the findings of the field work and highlighting the most relevant elements.
* The consultant will provide in particular a legal analysis of implications for the recognition of customary law with respect to procedural aspects, substantive content of customary law and further implications in terms of legal pluralism.
Detailed Terms of Reference can be downloaded at www.undplao.org/vacancies/procurement
Competencies
* Demonstrates a deep understanding of law and legal principles
* Demonstrate exposure to policies in the related areas
* Excellent analytical skills and proficiency in writing rigorous legal documents
* Fluency in spoken and written English including excelling drafting skills, particularly in being able to write documents (such as reports and the questionnaire) concisely and in simple-to-understand English that is easy to translate into another language.
* Understanding of development issues in Lao PDR including legal, cultural and socio-economic environment is an important asset.
* Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN?s values and ethical standards.
* Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
* Master degree in Development, Law, Legal Pluralism or other relevant fields of study with strong background in legal research.
Experience:
* At least 7 years experience in applied research and strategic planning in legal pluralism and other sectors of legal development.
* Previous involvement in field surveys on access to justice, judicial or legal related work, including relevant experience in the region is essential.
* Experience with various survey methodologies and approaches
* Experience in working with governments and institutions (UN experience highly desirable).
Language Requirments:
* Fluency in spoken and written English including excelling drafting skills, particularly in being able to write documents (such as reports and the questionnaire) concisely and in simple-to-understand English that is easy to translate into another language.
Requirements for submission of applications:
All interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP website at
http://www.undplao.org/vacancies or http://jobs.undp.org. The UNDP will only accept applications submitted on-line.
Please ensure that before making on-line application, you have completed the UNDP Personal History Form (P11). The electronic version of the P11 can be downloaded from Please ensure that before making on-line application, you have completed the UNDP Personal History Form (P11). The electronic version of the P11 can be downloaded from http://www.undplao.org/vacancies (Current Vacancies Section). The completed P11 form further should be uploaded while applying on-line;
a) Proposal:
Explaining why they are the most suitable for the work
Provide a brief methodology on how they will approach and conduct the work (if applicable)
b) Detailed financial offer: Lump sum offer with clear cost breakdown (international travel, consultancy fee and per diem).
c) P11 and personal CV including past experience in similar project and at least 3 references
It is recommended that all documents shall be submitted in one electronic file in PDF or Word format.
Note:
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.?Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more detailed information about UNDP Lao PDR please visit our website at http://www.undplao.org
Apply Now at https://jobs.undp.org/cj_apply.cfm?job_id=19428