Consultancy- Legal Drafters

Overview & Responsibilities

Somalia faces one of the world’s most complex migration landscapes, shaped by prolonged conflict, climate shocks, humanitarian crises, and evolving migration routes. With more than 3.5 million internally displaced persons, significant mixed migration flows, and a large diaspora, Somalia is simultaneously a country of origin, transit, return, and destination. To address these challenges, the Federal Government of Somalia has established a National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM) under the Office of the Prime Minister, marking a significant step toward a whole‑of‑government migration governance framework. However, the NCM is still in early stages of operationalization and requires strengthened legal, policy, and institutional foundations.

IDLO, in close collaboration with IOM, is implementing a three‑year EU‑funded programme to strengthen Somalia’s migration governance systems, particularly its legal and policy frameworks.

Purpose of the Roster

To support current and future migration-related initiatives, IDLO is seeking Expressions of Interest from qualified Legal Drafters for inclusion in an Open Expert Roster. Experts included in the roster may be engaged on an as-needed basis, subject to project requirements, funding availability, and operational needs. Inclusion in the roster does not constitute an offer of employment or consultancy engagement.

Potential Areas of Technical Support

Experts included in the roster may be called upon to provide technical support in one or more of the following areas:

• Drafting, reviewing, and revising migration-related laws, regulations, policies, and legal instruments;
• Supporting the development of legislation relating to migration governance, migrant return and reintegration, trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, border management, and related areas;
• Conducting legal gap analyses and legislative reviews;
• Ensuring alignment of draft legislation with Somalia's legal framework and applicable regional and international standards;
• Preparing explanatory memoranda, legal opinions, briefing notes, and supporting documentation;
• Providing technical advice to government institutions, technical committees, and working groups;
• Supporting stakeholder consultation and legislative validation processes; and
• Facilitating legal drafting workshops and capacity development initiatives.

Education and Professional Experience

• Postgraduate degree in Law (LL.M or equivalent).
• Minimum 10 years of proven experience in legislative drafting, legal reform processes, or public law development.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies

• Demonstrated experience drafting legislation on human trafficking, migrant smuggling, migration governance, or protection frameworks.
• Strong familiarity with international and regional legal standards, including UNTOC, TIP Protocol, Smuggling Protocol, AU frameworks, and human rights instruments.
• Proven ability to produce high‑quality legal texts, including amendments, consolidated versions, explanatory memoranda, and regulatory instruments.
• Experience engaging with government institutions, justice sector actors, or legislative bodies.
• Prior work experience in fragile or developing contexts, including Somalia, is an asset.

Languages

• Outstanding written and verbal skills in English.
• Somali language skills are an advantage

Core Skills and Competencies

• Advanced legal research, analysis, and drafting skills.
• Strong understanding of legislative processes and government policy cycles.
• Ability to work with senior officials, legal working groups, and technical committees.
• High attention to detail and ability to meet tight drafting deadlines.
• Strong communication, consultation, and advisory skills.