VAC-11436 Legal Expert

Organizational context

• Our client is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian & development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, our client provides sustainable project management, procurement & infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors & United Nations organizations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, our client offers its partners the logistical, technical & management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for their partners at any given time, our client makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Background information: Somalia Country Office (SOCO):

• Our client has been operating in Somalia since 1995. The Somalia Country Office (SOCO) forms part of the Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC) & manages & coordinates a diverse portfolio across a variety of sectors, including health, rule of law, crisis recovery & security & justice reform. Located in Mogadishu, SOCO works with multiple partners including the governments of Somalia, bilateral & multilateral donors, United Nations agencies, funds & programs.

Specific context:

• Our client will provide technical assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) for the transparent, efficient & sustainable planning & execution of a competitive tender process for contracting a passport services supplier in accordance with international best practices, standards & security regulations as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

• The Legal Expert will work alongside the PPP expert during the tender phase to ensure that the tender documentation is fully compliant with the Somali Procurement Act.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Program & in close communication with the technical teams of the Immigration & Naturalisation Directorate (IND) of the Ministry of Internal Security, the procurement department of the Ministry of Finance, the Legal Expert will draft, review & negotiate contractual documents for a government’s passport production tender, ensuring legal compliance & smooth procurement in line with Somali law & international best practices. S / He will collaborate with technical experts & the PPP team, providing crucial legal guidance throughout the tender process and contract lifecycle. Overall responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Tender documentation:

• Draft & review tender documents, including solicitation documents, contract terms & conditions, ensuring full compliance with the Somali Procurement Act.

• Advise on legal aspects of international procurement standards & applicable trade agreements.

• Collaborate with technical experts & the PPP team to ensure alignment of legal aspects with technical specifications.

Tender process:

• Provide continuous legal guidance & oversight throughout the tendering process, guaranteeing fairness & transparency.

• Review & assess bids for legal compliance & completeness.

• Participate in the evaluation of bids & preparation of bid evaluation reports.

• Prepare legal opinions & recommendations on the selection of the preferred bidder.

Contract negotiation & management:

• Negotiate the contract terms & conditions with the selected bidder, ensuring alignment with the government’s objectives & legal framework.

• Draft & review the final contract agreement, addressing all legal considerations & risks.

• Provide ongoing legal support during contract implementation, including addressing unforeseen issues or disputes.

Communication & Reporting:

• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, including government officials, technical experts & the procurement team, on all legal matters related to the tender.

• Prepare clear & concise legal reports & memoranda summarizing key findings & recommendations.

• Stay updated on relevant legal developments & regulations pertaining to international procurement & government contracts.

This role will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Program & in close communication with the technical teams of the Immigration & Naturalisation Directorate (IND) of the Ministry of Internal Security, the procurement department of the Ministry of Finance.

• MAsters degree preferably in law from a recognized law school is required or a bachelor’s degree in law with a combination of two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the masters degree.

• Minimum of five of experience in international procurement law & government contracts.

• Minimum of five of experience in Somali procurement law & government contracts.

• A minimum of three years of experience relevant to federal member states & FGS cabinet level immigration & political agreements.

• Membership of the Somali Bar Association & an active Lawyer with experience in Somali & International immigration laws is a plus.

• Strong understanding of relevant Somali Immigration & Citizenship Agency (ICA) legislation, regulations, policies, court proceedings & interpretations.

• Strong understanding of Immigration & Citizenship Agency (ICA) procedures in the information, communication & technology systems.

• Proven experience in drafting & reviewing complex legal documents, including tender documents & contracts.

• Excellent negotiation & communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters to non legal professionals.

• Ability to work independently & as part of a team in a fast paced environment.

• Knowledge of UN systems is an asset.

• Professional working proficiency in spoken & written English is required & proficiency in Somali language is a plus.

• Develops & implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term & externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates & perceives the impact & implications of future decisions & activities on other parts of the organization.

• Treats all individuals with respect, responds sensitively to differences & encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational & ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity & inclusion.

• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates & supports the development of others. Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs & inspires others to succeed, utilising appropriate leadership styles.

• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners & always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds & maintains strong external relationships & is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self & / or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities & takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our clients impact on their beneficiaries.

• Open to change & flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences & modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

• Evaluates data & courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions.

• Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation & creativity to problem solving.

• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise & open manner.

• Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings & needs of others. Actively listens & proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflicteffectively, by overcoming differences of opinion & finding common ground.

This role has no team management responsibility.

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.