Junior Legal Specialist

Mission and objectives

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. FAO works with governments and other partners to support the transformation of agrifood systems towards greater efficiency, inclusiveness, resilience and sustainability. In Jordan, FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Jordan, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as other national institutions, development partners, United Nations agencies, civil society, academia and the private sector. The FAO Jordan Country Office provides technical and policy assistance and implements a diverse portfolio of development and emergency projects addressing national priorities related to agriculture, food security, natural resource management, climate resilience, rural livelihoods and sustainable agrifood systems.

Context

FAO’s “Strengthening Jordan Veterinary and Paraveterinary Services and Updating Veterinary Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks” project supports the integration of veterinary services into Jordan's efforts to strengthen health security and One Health surveillance systems. As part of the project, a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing animal health and veterinary services was undertaken. The review found that the current framework relies heavily on secondary legislation, particularly Instructions issued under Agriculture Law No. 20 of 2013. While the Law provides an overarching legal basis, many operational and technical requirements are regulated through secondary legislation. This structure raises challenges for the strength and stability of the veterinary legal framework. The findings and recommendations of the legal review support the development of primary legislation addressing animal health and animal production. The next phase of the project involves the establishment of a Legal Drafting Working Group (LDWG). The LDWG will bring together representatives of the MoA, AHVSD and other relevant local stakeholders to support the development of draft legal texts to strengthen the framework governing animal health and animal production in Jordan. National UN Specialist Volunteers (Part-time) in Jordan are entitled to:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 593.16;
• Annual and learning leaves;
• Free Medical and life insurance;
• Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Task Description

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Jordan, the technical supervision of the Legal Officer, and in close collaboration with the international and the (senior) national legal consultant the UN Volunteer shall undertake the following tasks: A. Project Team Communication: Organize periodic internal update meetings with the project team, and keep the project team informed of major developments via emailed updates. B. Support to the Legal Drafting Working Group (LDWG): Participate in LDWG meetings as well as other meetings with government counterparts and other stakeholders, including where necessary: . B1. Support the preparation and development of the Legal Drafting Working Group (LDWG)

• Support coordination with the LDGW members, MOA Project Focal Point and other relevant government counterparts regarding the scheduling, agenda and substantive preparation of LDWG meetings.
• Support preparation of the agenda and compile the background documentation for each LDWG meeting.
• Support the translation of short documents and working materials (Arabic/English and visa versa)
• Provide assistance for the preparation or the translation of PowerPoint presentations, briefing materials and other materials required to facilitate LDWG deliberations.
• Participate in LDWG meetings, take detailed and structured minutes of each meeting, accurately recording the main issues discussed, positions and comments raised by participants, decisions reached, matters requiring further consideration and agreed follow-up actions.
• Prepare draft minutes promptly following each meeting along with a short report of the meeting and share that with project team
• Maintain an organized record of successive drafting proposals, comments, decisions and agreed amendments to ensure traceability of the legislative drafting process In the shared project folder of the Project in FAO One Drive B2. Follow-up between LDWG meetings
• Follow up with the project team, LDWG members and relevant stakeholders on actions agreed during LDWG meetings.
• Undertake additional legal research arising from questions or issues identified during LDWG deliberations, as needed.
• Support the National and International Legal Consultants in preparing the substantive documentation for the subsequent LDWG meeting.
• Systematically compile and organize comments received from the project team, LDWG members and FAO/LEGN.
• Maintain clean and tracked-change versions, as appropriate, and a clear record of substantive amendments made between successive drafts. B3. Final draft preparation
• Prepare a final report summarising the inputs provided by the LDWG with recommendations to develop the draft legislation. C. Bilateral consultations and stakeholder engagement: When requested, participate in bilateral meetings with relevant other government institutions and relevant stakeholders, take minutes and prepare concise records of discussions, findings, agreements and follow-up actions.

Competencies and values

• Ability to prepare accurate meeting minutes, action trackers, briefing notes, presentations and other technical documentation
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior legal experts, technical specialists and government officials
• Professional discretion and respect for the confidential nature of draft legislation and government deliberations.

Living conditions and remarks

Amman, the capital, is a peaceful city with over four million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health and communications are easily available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken among the majority of the population, especially in Amman. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in Amman is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are a number of shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; however, it is worth noting that prices in Amman have generally increased in the past few years. There are no specific security threats. Amman is a very easy city in which to live; large, many amenities, very modern and serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) Jordan is a family duty station (category A hardship). As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the insurance plan.