UNDP Jobs - 31856- International consultant to support the Parliament

International consultant to support the Parliament of Moldova in drafting Rules of Procedure

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

21-Aug-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

August - November 2012

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The “Support to Parliamentary Development in Moldova” Project aims to enhance parliamentary capacity in carrying out its core functions, thus contributing to viable democracy and open society in Moldova. The project adopts a comprehensive, long-term approach to parliamentary development including strengthening of the legislatures law-making, representation and oversight roles.

The Parliamentary Rules of Procedure are an important tool that organizes the work of Parliament. These are Parliament’s internal organizational and operational rules. Due to the dynamics of institutional change and institutional practices, policies, the current parliamentary rules of procedure needs to be updated, in order to clearly define duties and competences of parliament’s structures and actors, aiming at creating an effective and efficient functioning of the Parliament. Thorough consideration of Parliamentary procedures to a large extent determines the quality of its performance as well as the high level of decisions made and laws adopted.

The current rules of procedure of Parliament of Moldova are ambiguous, outdated and do not reflect the reality anymore. That is why, on 23 May 2012 the Parliament of Moldova Standing Bureau approved the decision to start the process of developing new rules of procedure, taking into consideration the best practices and recommendations in the field. In this context, the UNDP Parliament Project is seeking to hire an international consultant who will support the Parliament of Moldova in drafting new rules of procedure, based on democratic standards and transparency of legislative process.

Duties and Responsibilities

The expected output for the international consultant’s assignment is to review the existing parliamentary rules and procedures and develop a new version of Parliament of Moldova Rules of Procedure, taking into consideration the best practices and recommendations in the field.

In order to achieve the stated objective, the Consultant will have the following responsibilities:

Undertake a comprehensive desk review of the relevant national legal framework, relevant studies, researches, reports, EU/international best practices regarding parliament’s activity;
Analyze similar regulations, experiences of other national European Parliaments, look for recommendations developed by international organizations/experts;
Analyze all the legislative initiatives requesting the amendment of parliamentary rules of procedures, registered in Parliament (from particular MPs and from different parliamentary committees);
Prepare a detailed work plan to be applied for respective assignment;
Undertake and facilitate interviews with the key stakeholders, Members of the Parliament and with parliamentary staff;
Review and analyze the existing parliamentary rules and procedures and develop a Report containing findings and specific recommendations;
Develop a new version of Parliament of Moldova Rules of Procedure (the legal text), taking into consideration the best practices and recommendations in the field;
Actively participate in the discussion of the delivered results (developed documents) with Parliament and advocate for them;
Coordinating with the Legal Committee and the Parliamentary Working Group of MPs and parliamentary staff, which has been established to oversee the process of development of Rules of procedure;
Conduct a Roundtable discussion with MPs, parliamentary staff.

Competencies

Strong analytical and drafting skills;
Ability to analyze, plan, communicate effectively orally and in writing, draft report, organize and meet expected results, adapt to different environments (cultural, economic, political and social);
Availability to work with UNDP and Parliament during the indicated /approved period;
Demonstrated interpersonal and diplomatic skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders and to present ideas clearly and effectively;
Fluency in English. Knowledge of Romanian or Russian will be an asset;
Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University / Master degree in Law, Public Administration or related field.

Experience:

At least 7 years of relevant professional experience related to parliamentary development;
At least 5 years of experience in legislative drafting;
Experience of advisory work on parliamentary development in transitional or emerging democracies, including CIS countries is a strong advantage;
Proven technical experience in parliamentary processes, including experience in the field of lawmaking processes, legal analysis and research and functions of the parliament;
Experience in working with government institutions, international organizations (successful experience in working with UN agencies is an asset).