UNDP Jobs - 31857- International consultant to review the legislation

International consultant to review the legislation regulating the Parliament of Moldova's oversight mechanisms of the security sector

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 :

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.

In accordance with constitutional rules Parliament is the highest representative body of the people and is the sole legislative authority in the state. The parliamentary oversight function is one of the cornerstones of democracy. Oversight is a means for holding the executive accountable for its actions and for ensuring that it implements policies in an effective manner. However, to enable parliament to effectively and efficiently exercise its oversight and legislative functions, it is important that the legal framework is offering enough tools and mechanisms to do that.

The Parliamentary Rules of Procedure and other regulations defining functions and competencies of parliamentary committees are outdated and do not reflect the reality anymore. In order to identify gaps and deficiencies within the current legal framework regulating the parliamentary oversight function over security sector, there is a need to make a thorough assessment of its correspondence to international and European regulations. Within the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova a special standing committee is primarily responsible for systematically overseeing the government in the areas of national security, defense and public order. The results of the expected expertise will help the Committee on national security, defense and public order to better define its activities, plans and adjust the legal framework regulating the security sector.

Duties and Responsibilities

The expected output for the national consultant’s assignment is to review the legislation regulating the Parliament of Moldova oversight mechanisms of the security sector.

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 oversight of the security sector;
Analyze similar regulations, experiences in other national European Parliaments, look for recommendations developed by international organizations (i.e. IPU/DCAF)
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 the legislation regulating the Parliament of Moldova oversight mechanisms of the security sector. Develop a Report containing findings and specific recommendations for follow-up activities;
Overview the current capacities and practices of the parliamentary oversight and identify key challenges and recommendations for an efficient and reliable comprehensive oversight of the security sector;
Actively participate in the discussion of the delivered results (developed documents) with Parliament and advocate for them;
Provide One day training on parliamentary oversight mechanisms over security sector;
Coordinating with the Parliamentary Committee on national security, defense and public order during the process of drafting;
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;
Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University / Master degree in Law.

Experience:

At least 7 years of relevant professional experience related to security sector and oversight mechanisms;
In-depth knowledge and understanding of the security sector in general and in Moldova specifically;
Experience in comparative analysis, research, assessment on the implementation of the international legislation and policies;
Experience in working with government institutions, international organizations (successful experience in working with UN agencies is an asset);
Knowledge of the parliament or government institutions.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English. Knowledge of Romanian or Russian will be an asset.