National Expert on legal frameworks for food security and nutrition as part of the COVID-19 response and recovery (Only for Ugandan nationals) Full Time

BACKGROUND

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are jointly implementing a pilot project to enhance the legal environment for food security and nutrition at global and national levels. The joint project aims to support decision-makers to comply with the progressive realization of the right to adequate food as part of the COVID-19 response and recovery by strengthening legal frameworks for food security and nutrition, with an emphasis on vulnerable groups, especially women and girls.

The national expert will be responsible for undertaking a review and analysis of relevant emergency laws and regulations pertaining to food security and nutrition adopted in response to COVID-19, to produce an assessment report and develop a country-tailored guidance note that will be disseminated among relevant stakeholders. These documents will be discussed and consolidated through public consultations with key stakeholders.

Finally, a capacity development plan will be developed, based on a capacity needs assessment and on the key findings and recommendations of the legal assessment. The main aim of the capacity development plan is to map out priority areas and potential interventions to strengthen the capacities of decision-makers to monitor the progressive realization of the right to food, in line with international existing methodological toolkits and the rule of law principles.

THE ASSIGNMENT

Under the supervision of the Food Security Program Lead at IDLO and in close coordination with the International Legal Expert of the project, as well as benefitting from technical guidance and support from experts of the Development Law Service of FAO, the National Legal Consultant will undertake the following responsibilities:

• In line with the methodological guidance developed by FAO and IDLO, develop a work plan for the legal assessment including tasks and delivery dates
• Develop a map of stakeholders and prepare the interviews for key informants and focus groups according to the interview template previously discussed and approved with FAO and IDLO.
• Develop a detailed outline of the legal assessment report and share it with IDLO and FAO for review and approval
• Conduct the desk review of the main existing legislation and regulations released during the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the availability and access to affordable and nutritious food (prices, access to credit, food assistance, employment, closure of markets, school food and nutrition etc.), following the methodological guidance developed by FAO and IDLO and informed by the global assessment undertaken under this project.
• Develop the first draft of the legal assessment report, in close coordination with FAO and IDLO
• Prepare a PPT presentation of the findings of the draft legal assessment
• Coordinate and organize public consultations with relevant stakeholders, and finalize the legal assessment based on the discussions and feedback received
• In close coordination with FAO and IDLO, develop a Guidance note for decision-makers based on the recommendations from the legal assessment report to support actions to strengthen the food security and nutrition legal environment and contribute to the realization of the Right to Adequate Food.
• Conduct a training needs assessment of key stakeholders (oversight institutions, committees, and commissions) and develop a capacity development plan, based on the gaps and training needs identified to monitor the access to affordable and nutritious food and the progressive realization of the right to adequate food.
• Prepare biweekly progress reports and participate in country office meetings.
• Support the country office in the overall logistic and administrative coordination of the project
• Undertake other duties as assigned
• Prepare a final report of activities

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

• University degree in Law, preferably with a specialization on topics related to food security and nutrition and/or human rights

Work experience

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in conducting legal assessments and training needs assessments on food security and nutrition.
• Experience in Food Security and/or Right to Food legal frameworks is an asset.
• Experience in analyzing legal frameworks in emergency or crisis situation is an asset.
• Previous experience in conducting research on the intersection between the rule of law and food security and nutrition, using mixed methods.
• Previous work experience with international/intergovernmental organizations.
• Extensive experience in project coordination is an asset.
• Proven experience in organizing and facilitating events involving a broad range of stakeholders (public institutions, international organizations, civil society, local communities).

 Languages

• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language will also be considered an asset

Technical competencies

• Excellent knowledge of the national policy and legal framework applicable to food security and nutrition.
• Good understanding of a human rights-based approach, and gender issues related to food security and nutrition.
• Excellent knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other ICT and internet software

 Behavioral competencies

• Works well with others and actively participates, works effectively across and within IDLO organizational boundaries.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, credibility, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.

Below is an overall timeline for the assignment:

HOW TO APPLY

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply via this website and submit resume and cover letter.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Contractor assigned to this work. This may not be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

The application deadline is 20 April 2021.

Tagged as: IDLO, Uganda