Legal Officer

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help build resilient nations and improve the livelihoods of people. UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks to boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2021 which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. To deliver on its mandate, UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, support to evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, support to national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP partners with key government institutions and employs different means of actions including institutional capacity strengthening, harnessing strategic linkages, supporting evidence-based policy formulation, planning and implementation, resource mobilization, supporting national planning processes and mainstreaming of relevant issues to deliver its mandate. UNDP Gambia was established in 1975 as a development partner to provide technical assistance through advice, access to its global knowledge networks and financial support to implement government development frameworks to boost capacity development and promote national efforts to eradicate poverty and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In The Gambia, UNDP supports national efforts for sustainable human development in line with the Gambian National Development Plan (NDP) 2024 – 2028 which is aligned with the Country Programme Document (2024-2028), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development/SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063. UNDP in The Gambia is working to strengthen and provide a broad response to the people of The Gambia’s aspirations for a transparent, accountable, and responsive transition to democracy. It seeks to ensure equal access to justice, particularly for women and marginalized groups across the country, working in close collaboration with a range of partners and Stakeholders and justice sector institutions.

The objective of “The Gambia's Responsive and Accountable Democratic Transition Project (EU-UNDP GREAT initiative)” is to enhance The Gambia's democratic system. Drawing on past experiences and lessons learned, this Project aims to contribute to The Gambia's democratic transition through three specific objectives:(i) Supporting constitutional and legislative reforms to strengthen checks and balances and safeguard human rights, including those of minorities and vulnerable populations. (ii) Enhancing the ongoing transitional justice process, rule of law, and human rights. (iii) Strengthening the effectiveness of local governance structures. The Project also aligns with the NDP Strategic Priority 1, which aims to restore good governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law and empower citizens through decentralization and local governance. It supports UNDP's Strategic Plan Outcome 2 by ensuring that citizen expectations for voice, development, the rule of law, and accountability are met through stronger democratic governance systems.

1. Task description:
Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer in
coordination with the EU-UNDP Project Manager or his/her designated mandated
representative(s), the Legal Officer will:
 Assist in the development concept notes, strategies, workplans and implementation of
the EU-UNDP Great Project activities.
 Assist in preparation, filing, compilation, and dissemination of documents/materials
relating to the Project activities
 Provide other daily administrative support to the Ministry
 Participate in the training/s for the Ministry on continued professional development
issues.
 Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice
 Ensure timely and effective coordination of all project activities with other relevant
national stakeholders
 Ensure timely, effective, and efficient programmatic, operational, and administrative
support to the Ministry.
 Support the review and revisions of key legislations and facilitate the process for
implementation where applicable
 Supporting the organization of workshops and trainings for the relevant parties within
the Ministry
 Supporting the sensitization activities to promote the passage of relevant Bills
 Undertaking legal research as requested
 Coordinate linkages and communication between Ministry of Justice, Gambia Bar
Association, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat
 Support record keeping, organization, data entry and presentation of information will
ensure EU- UNDP Great proper project implementation.
 Contribute to the development of capacity development tools, including training
materials and packages;
 Any other relevant responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Legal Officer and EUUNDP GREAT Project Manager