National Legal Specialist

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 global Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by the FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. The support is based on the guidelines as provided by the Country Programming Framework (CPF). The CPF articulates FAO’s collective response in support of Tanzania’s national priorities and pathway to 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It embodies the spirit of partnerships to leverage strength and drive transformative change, making real our collective promise to leave no-one behind. The CPF results framework is also aligned with FAO’s regional thematic priorities: I) COVID-19 impacts on agrifood systems in Africa, policy priorities for inclusive- and resilient recovery; ii) Investing in ecosystem restoration for a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems transformation in Africa; iii) Promoting investment and trade for competitive agrifood systems; and iv) Placing women, youth, and the poor at the forefront.

The Development Law Service of the Legal Office of FAO (LEGN) provides advisory services to governments on their legislation on food and agriculture and natural resources (including land, water, fisheries and aquaculture, plants, animals, food, forestry, wildlife, environment, climate change and biodiversity), as well as on general agricultural issues (institutions, trade, economic reform).

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Tanzania, as well as the technical supervision of the Chief of the Development Law Service (LEGN). The incumbent will work in close collaboration with ECTAD Tanzania and other national and the international consultants, Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (PMP-TAB) and other members of the project team.

Technical Focus

Legal research, review, drafting, and support senior colleagues in relation to legislation on veterinary services, animal health, and related subjects.

Tasks and responsibilities

It is anticipated that the incumbent will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:
• Get familiar with the different policy and technical documents of the project relevant to animal health and veterinary services legislation.
• Collect and prepare a legal analysis of the main legislation governing veterinary health in the country, including but not limited to animal health, terrestrial animal biosecurity, animal welfare, food safety, the establishment of animal enterprises, slaughterhouses and meat inspection, the import and export of animals and products of animal origin, animal genetic resources, feed, veterinary medicinal products, and the provision of veterinary services. The collection of the legislation must encompass all animal species, including wildlife and aquatic animals.
• Complete a matrix of assessment questions on veterinary legislation provided by LEGN.
• Investigate the extent to which the main pieces of legislation governing veterinary health are implemented in practice.
• At local levels, the focus of the investigation might include to what extent are a) main pieces of legislation known among officials, b) procedures to involve local governments in legislative and policy development, c) existing resources at local level to implement them (financial, workforce, etc.), d) the degree and effectiveness of their implementation and e) existing procedures for disseminating and socializing legislation.
• Following the guidance of LEGN, prepare a report on relevant legislation identifying the main opportunities for strengthening the Animal Diseases Act, 2003 (Cap 156) and the Veterinary Act, 2003 (Cap 319). The report will also explain the elements that must be taken into consideration in the revised Animal Diseases Act and the revised Veterinary Act and propose a list of priority regulations to be developed or amended.
• Recommend opportunities to strengthen the existing legislation as well as the proposal for the reform of the Animal Diseases Act.
• Recommend opportunities to strengthen the existing legislation as well as the proposal for the reform of the Veterinary Act.
• Prepare short note with feedback from meetings
• Based on the feedback collected, prepare revised and commented versions for a new Animal Disease Act and new Veterinary Act.
• If applicable, during missions of the International Legal Consultant, support the preparation of his/her mission agenda and accompany him/her to all meetings. Collaborate on the revision of the drafts and the definition of next steps.
• Prepare a final report with commented versions of the two draft Acts and concrete recommendations for their approval and implementation, including identification of the priority implementing regulations.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Law (Masters/PhD is an advantage).
• At least 5 years of relevant practical experience working in the legal field.
• Experience with legal issues related to veterinary, food, agriculture, environment and health sectors would be an asset.
• Experience in legal drafting and implementing international projects would be an asset.
• Working knowledge of English.
• National of the United Republic of Tanzania or resident with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated interest in the technical areas described above, as well as strong analytical, legal research and writing skills.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in conducting legal research and analysis.
• Knowledge and experience in legal issues related to veterinary, food, agriculture, environment and health sectors.
• Experience in legal drafting and development.
• Experience in managing processes for stakeholder consultation and participation.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports and draft legal texts, legislative and regulatory instruments.
• Experience working with international or regional organizations or other entities in a relevant field.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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