Organization Mission

Our Mission and Vision:

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

Our Development Objectives:

UNDP’s work, adapted to a range of country contexts, is framed through three broad development settings.

1- Eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions
2- Accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development
3- Building resilience to crisis and shocks

Our Strategic Solution

UNDP is implementing six cross-cutting approaches to development, known as Signature Solutions. A robust, integrated way to put our best work – or ”signature” skillset – into achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
1. Keeping people out of poverty
2. Governance for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies
3. Crisis prevention and increased resilience
4. Environment: nature-based solutions for development
5. Clean, affordable energy
6. Women’s empowerment and gender equality

Context

UNDP is supporting the Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the Bar Associations of Beirut and Tripoli, and UNHCR, in developing and piloting a shared vision for comprehensive legal aid service delivery to the most disadvantaged in Lebanon. As part of this vision, five legal aid desks have been established across the country, piloting four different service delivery models. By piloting different models, the sustainability and efficiency of the different initiatives can be assessed and further developed to promote the institutionalization of the provision of legal aid in Lebanon. One model in Tripoli is operated by the Tripoli Bar Association through its Judicial Assistance and Legal Aid Center; another model that is delivered through the municipalities of Saida and Baalbek is operated by NGO partners. A third model has been established in collaboration with a university clinic, while a fourth model is starting
to operate within the prison context. The models offer comprehensive legal services: awareness raising sessions, legal information provision, legal counselling, administrative assistance, representation before courts and alternative dispute resolution.

Additionally, UNDP has contributed to efforts towards the drafting of the recently adopted judiciary independence law. The administrative judiciary independence would be an upcoming priority in parallel with the mediation law to declutter the justice system and improve access to justice.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for one of Online Volunteers who have experience in research with excellent writing skills. The task will include the following responsibilities:

1) Comparative research study on legal aid systems around the world with funding mechanisms (state funded, bar associations funded, tax funded etc.): Focus on 3 to 5 countries proven to have some of the most successful legal aid systems around the world. (i.e. Canada – Netherlands – etc.)

2) Research on mediation international standards and best practices reflected in various laws around the world organizing mediation practice: focus on 3 to 5 leading countries in mediation practices and standards and summarize what their laws include such as France and Italy, etc.

The Online Volunteer/s will have the opportunity to build connections with the Rule of Law team at UNDP Lebanon

Required Skills and Experience

Candidates should have strong Legal research and analytical skills.
Background knowledge and working experience in Lebanese context is Mandatory.
A Masters degree in Law
Previous experience with NGOs or INGOs or UN organizations in Lebanon