CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: National Democratic Institute
Country: Somalia
Closing date: 10 Sep 2014

The National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) Somalia program is seeking a Legal Advisor and Constitutional Expert to support to the Ministry of Constitution, Federal Affairs and Democratization of Puntland in an advisory capacity. Based on the current strategic plan of the Ministry and aligned to Puntland’s 5-years strategy plan as well as the peace- and state-building goals of the New Deal Compact, the person in this position will assist the Ministry to take stock of the recent failed democratization experiment in Puntland as well as the desire of the leadership of Puntland for a clear review process that help to underpin the electoral processes at the local and national level. In doing so, the Constitutional Expert will research options for the review process in close coordination with the Ministry and other stakeholders designated to do the same. The Expert is expected to coordinate, plan with NDI staff and facilitate interventions and activities that support the mandate of the Ministry in the area of Constitutional Review.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The specific responsibilities and tasks that the Constitutional Expert will undertake include:

• Provide sound legal advice to the Minister and staff on matters pertaining to Puntland’s constitutional review process;
• Work with the Ministry of Constitution, Federal Affairs and Democratization in its review of Puntland Constitution and other legal instruments relevant to the Constitution in Puntland;
• Provide clear guidance and advice to the Ministry on constitutional matters;
• Provide legal advice, as requested, by drafting legal memoranda and other documentation for Ministry in collaboration with NDI;
• Assist the NDI team in identifying other capacity needs of the Ministry of Constitution, Federal Affairs and Democratization with regards to constitution-making and implementation and legislative drafting.

Deliverables of the Constitutional Expert include:

• Develop, in consultation with Ministry staff and NDI, a constitutional review plan with implementation timelines in line with Ministry’s strategic direction;
• Participate in the constitutional review with the Ministry and suggest measures and interventions that will assist the Ministry to achieve its goals;
• Undertake research as needed, and share with the Ministry comparative studies and results from similar contexts that have undertaken a constitutional review process;
• Submit bi-weekly progress reports to NDI on progress or challenges encountered with supporting the constitutional review process;
• At conclusion of the assignment, submit a summative report with achieved results, challenges and recommendations to NDI.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Law degree and Master in Law (LL.M.) in comparative law or constitutional law preferred.
• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant work experience, preferably with Constitution making bodies and very good understanding of constitution building processes, constitutional design and implementation.
• Experience in legal drafting and legal analysis.
• Experience with constitution implementation.
• Experience in post-conflict settings highly preferred.
• · Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
• · Fluency in English; Somali is preferred.

How to apply:

Kindly submit your application online to kssadmin@ndi.org no later than Wednesday, September 10th, 2014. The position is expected to be filled immediately. No phone calls please.