POSITION: Policy Advisor on Legal Reform, Civil Society, and Access to Justice

The ABA-UNDP International Legal Resource Center (ILRC) has received a request from UNDP/Viet Nam for an expert provide advice on policies and trends and relevant linkages to UNDP programs in the area of rule of law, legal reform, access to justice, and support for civil society engagement. Viet Nam made the commitment to be a “socialist rule-of-law based state” in 1991, which became part of the current Constitution (last amended in 2001). This policy change opened up the path to institutional and legal reform. The legal framework is now comprehensive, with some 13,000 laws and sub-laws enacted since 1986, and the challenge is now to promote coherence, implementation and access, and to strengthen the application of rights-based norms. The use of law as a strategic tool for civil society has been increasing. The space for debate and advocacy on rule of law and human rights issues has also been expanding

The expert will serve as a Policy Advisor on Legal Reform, Civil Society, and Access to Justice working closely with national counterparts to conduct research, identify policy options, and enhance the policy impact of UNDP projects and programs. The expert will contribute to UNDP’s policy dialogue with the Government, National Assembly, civil society, academia and other national partners, media and donors, and facilitates knowledge building and sharing. Overarching responsibilities will include: a) providing advice to UNDP on governance reform in general, and on rule of law, civil society, and access to justice; b) building strategic partnerships and developing joint dialogue initiatives on rule of law, civil society engagement, and access to justice; and c) advocating and promoting UNDP’s mandate and mission.

S/he must have: a) an advanced degree in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, or related field; b) a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience from development cooperation with an emphasis on support to governance reform; c) an in-depth understanding of democratic governance issues, with a focus on processes related to rule of law, civil society development and access to justice, in Viet Nam, Asia, and/or countries in transition or similar context; d) extensive experience from policy-related work, planning and management of development cooperation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects and programs; e) experience with UNDP (other UN entities) or reputable international organizations in the field; h) fluency in written and oral English( working knowledge of Vietnamese is a strong asset).

Please find and in-depth summary of this request as an attachment. We would be most appreciative if you would review and determine whether you, anyone you know or any organization with which you are affiliated may have any knowledge of experts who might be good candidates. If you or members of your organization are interested in working with UNDP/Viet Nam, please email updated CV, financial proposal, P-11 form, and cover letter* (attached as word or PDF documents) by Wednesday January 30, 2013 at 5PM U.S. Eastern Daylight Time. As always, we appreciate your assistance and please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or if you have any questions.

Completed applications must be sent to Jacqueline.Gichinga@americanbar.org.