Overviewlegal specialist – law and policy assessment and review at fao.the food and agriculture organization of the united nations (fao) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 agenda through the fao strategic framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. This assignment falls under project gcp/plw/002/gcr “developing an enabling environment for low emission and climate smart and resilient agriculture in palau”.responsibilitiesfamiliarise herself/himself with the gcf project proposal and palau policy documents relevant to agriculture, climate change, agricultural development and adaptation to climate change.undertake a review of all current legislation in force in palau that touches upon the above issues, using the faolex online database and other authoritative local sources, including meetings with relevant government stakeholders.prepare a draft legal assessment report (to be cleared by legn) covering: national policy context, legislation and institutional frameworks, assessment of existing legislation and institutional structures and mandates related to agriculture, climate change and natural resources management, and connections to policy considerations from project activities 2.2.5.1 and 2.2.6.1.participate in project workshops (inception workshop and workshop on presentation of the legal assessment report).undertake consultations with stakeholders on the results of the legal assessment and on recommendations for amendment/new legislation during two one-day workshops.prepare a second legal report (to be cleared by legn) containing detailed draft proposals for new/revised legislation informed by stakeholder feedback and other palau projects described in the gcf readiness proposal.participate in final validation workshop for legislative recommendations with government stakeholders and incorporate their input into the final version of recommendations.respond to ad-hoc questions and perform other duties as required.qualificationsminimum requirementsbachelor of law degree (llb or equivalent) from a recognized institution with an additional two years of relevant work experience. Master’s in law and/or ph.d. will be an asset.minimum of 5 years of experience in practical legal or research work on development law, environmental law, natural resources law or related fields of agriculture and climate change law. Experience in legislative drafting is an asset.working knowledge of english.fao core competenciesresults focusteamworkcommunicationbuilding effective relationshipsknowledge sharing and continuous improvementtechnical/functional skillsability to carry out focused legal research and legislative assessments, providing technical legal advice on national legislation and making recommendations for legal reform.knowledge of national and international laws and regulations related to climate change, including agriculture and environmental law.experience in developing and advising on implementation of climate-related policies, including those related to agriculture and land use.strong communication and collaboration skills to engage with diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society.ability to work with a cross-section of stakeholders, including senior government officials in small and vulnerable states (sids and ldcs).knowledge of legal systems in palau or pacific region is an advantage.strong writing skills and language proficiency.extensive experience (minimum 3 years) in providing legal assessments, including climate change policy review, legal policy and legislation review and recommendations.experience in working in palau, the pacific region or in sids is an advantage.job detailsposting: 02/sep/2025closure date: 23/sep/2025, 11:59 pmorganizational unit: sapjob type: non-staff opportunitiestype of requisition: consultantgrade level: n/aprimary location: palauduration: 11 monthsseniority level: mid-senior levelequal opportunity and noticesfao is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of under-represented members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.all applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
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