National Legal Specialist

Organizational Setting

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.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict. 

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The National Legal Consultant will be under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in the Philippines and technical supervision of the Legal Officer. He/she will work in close coordination with the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in the Philippines, the ECTAD RAP Laboratory focal points and other members of the project team.

Technical Focus

Legal research, review, drafting, and support in relation to legislation on veterinary services, animal health, veterinary laboratories and related subjects.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Collect, review and assess the legal framework relevant for veterinary laboratory services, including general laboratories legislation, legislation of the Department of Agriculture (DA), and legal instruments adopted at the decentralized (provincial) level;
•    Provide recommendations towards the harmonized and sustainable provision of veterinary laboratory services of the DA, based on documents provided by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), FAO, or their respective authorized representatives.
•    Using the guidance document provided by Development Law Service (LEGN), prepare a report with an analysis of veterinary laboratory services including recommendations for legal and structural reform;
•    Under the supervision of the national project team, participate in meetings, workshops, and similar engagements and/or authorized representatives of the BAI, to resolve issues related to the animal health sector's legal framework and key policy recommendations, including on veterinary laboratories;
•    If so requested, prepare a proposal to revise existing legislation or draft new legislation and other recommended legal actions in accordance with the decisions made on the basis of the recommendations for legal reform and feedback collected from relevant agencies and stakeholders;
•    Under the supervision of the national project team, provide legal support, including drafting of legal documents, summaries,; 
•    Under the supervision of the national project team, participate in negotiations and consequent legal revisions on existing or draft legislative and/or administrative issuances, if so requested; 
•    If so requested, under the supervision of the national project team, participate in regional discussions, travel missions and online meetings to harmonized animal health regulatory responses;
•    Carry out any other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as may be requested by the FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University degree in Law. An advanced law degree (LLM or Juris Doctor) is an advantage 
•    At least 5 years of relevant practical experience working in legal analysis, legal drafting, implementation compliance and enforcement.
•    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English
•    A national of the Philippines or a legal resident with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•    In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•    Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•    Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Selection Criteria

•    Experience with legal issues related to veterinary, laboratory, food, agriculture, environment and health sectors would be an asset.
•    Experience in drafting legal instruments and implementing national projects would also be an asset.