European Union Advisory Group to the Republic of Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia
Location: Yerevan, Armenia
Application Deadline: 10-Apr-13
Additional Category Democratic Governance
Type of Contract: Individual Contract
Post Level: International Consultant
Languages Required: English
Starting Date: (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-May-2013
Duration of Initial Contract: One year (100 working days)
Expected Duration of Assignment: One year with possibility of renewal
Background
The EU Advisory Group (EUAG) supports the Government of Armenia in its reform agenda as further detailed in the extended EU/Armenia Action Plan in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The overall objective of the project is to support the Republic of Armenia (RA) in the implementation of Armenia's reform agenda and relevant international commitments assumed by Armenia including through the implementation of the extended ENP Action Plan (ENP AP) and the upcoming EU-Armenia Association Agenda.
The EUAG will achieve these objectives through the continued delivery of an optimal mix of policy, legal and institutional advisory services. These services are targeted at assisting the national authorities to negotiate and conclude the EU-Armenian Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), implement the extended EU-Armenia ENP Action Plan and make effective use of European Commission (EC) external assistance instruments and programmes to support the implementation of core policy areas.
The EUAG will achieve these objectives through the continued delivery of an optimal mix of policy, legal and institutional advisory services. These services are targeted at assisting the national authorities to negotiate and conclude the EU-Armenian Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), implement the extended EU-Armenia ENP Action Plan and make effective use of European Commission (EC) external assistance instruments and programmes to support the implementation of core policy areas.
Goals and Specifics of Assignment
The Assignment will focus on the implementation of the 2012-2016 Strategic Programme for Legal and Judicial Reforms in the Republic of Armenia. Justice Reforms have been a key-component of the scope of work of the EU Advisory Group since its inception, as a follow-up to the formulation of the Strategic Programme by the Ministry of Justice.
Throughout this period the EUAG assisted the Ministry of Justice and other relevant Ministries and Agencies with the elaboration and implementation of specific actions and measures in the following fields:
Throughout this period the EUAG assisted the Ministry of Justice and other relevant Ministries and Agencies with the elaboration and implementation of specific actions and measures in the following fields:
- Policy and legal advising on implementation of Personal Data Protection Reform with consideration of EU best practices;
- Policy and legal advice on support of MOJ implementing measures aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the criminal justice and criminal punishment system;
- Policy and legal advice on promotion to the implementation of an effective Arbitration System in Armenia;
- Policy and legal advice on issues supporting the implementation of the Ministry’s strategy on judicial and legal reforms;
- Advice on the use of EU assistance instruments, including CIB, TAIEX, Twinning, BSP, Framework Contract, etc and coordination with other EU assistance in this area.
In continuation of the results achieved over the past 3 years, the EUAG will focus its activities on key issues such as policy, legal advice, support and the use of assistance instruments in the implementation of Justice Reforms.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the EUAG Management, and under the leadership of the EU Delegation in terms of policy dialogue, the Advisor on Justice Reforms is expected to:
- Support the direct beneficiaries in managing the process of identifying, prioritizing and selecting advisory needs through a comprehensive needs assessment and identification of gaps;
- Support the direct beneficiaries with advisory services in the field implementation of the 2012-2016 Strategic Programme for Legal and Judicial Reforms in the Republic of Armenia;
- Support the direct beneficiaries with advisory services in the field of improving RA legislation on Data Protection in line with the newly adopted EU Regulation;
- Support the direct beneficiaries with advisory services in the field of EU best practices and recommendations on criminal liability of legal entities, with drafting the part of the RA Criminal Code on the responsibility of legal entities for criminal offences;
- Support the direct beneficiaries with advisory services in the field of developing of arbitration in Armenia, including the formulation of a Strategy and an Action Plan, timetable for implementation;
- Support the direct beneficiaries with advisory services in the field of harmonization of operational rules of arbitration centres and on the provision of training and certification for arbitrators;
- Support the direct beneficiaries with advisory services in the field of advising on approximation of the provisions on the right of ownership, other property rights, general provisions on obligations, obligations arising from contracts and inheritance law, with the EU legislation;
- Support the direct beneficiaries with advisory services in the field of development of an efficient statistical system in the area of Justice, including for Notaries, Civil Status Registry, etc. To include the analysis of software, methodology and notification mechanisms used in EU member states;
- Support the direct beneficiaries with advisory services in the field of assistance in the preparation for the yearly JLS Sub-Committee meeting in cooperation with the Migration and LEA Advisors;
- Ensure close liaison and coordination with a designated Beneficiary counterpart, staff of the Ministry – to ensure transfer of knowledge, good practices and reinforce capacity building;
- Ensure close cooperation with the EU Budget Support programme in the Justice sector, including close cooperation with all EU funded projects and implementing parties like Council of Europe;
- Provide advice on the alignment of regulatory regimes and approximation of RA laws, regulations and directives related to justice reforms to appropriate EU best practices;
- Assist, and when requested, facilitate the consultative process between Government and civil society, professional associations etc.;
- Assist the beneficiaries to identify and access the appropriate EU financing mechanism to support the implementation of the policies (e.g. Twinning, TAIEX, BSP, CIB, Framework Contract, classical TA);
- Advise the beneficiaries on applicable policy-monitoring systems and processes;
- Ensure that the management and reporting timelines defined by the EUAG are adhered to and that outputs/results are delivered on time.
The performance of the Advisor will be regularly reviewed against the above provisions by the EUAG Management. The Advisor will adhere at all times to the provisions of the Code of Conduct. The Advisor will be based in the Office of his/her principal counterpart (Ministry of Justice).
Deliverables
- A comprehensive needs assessment and identification of gaps to be provided regularly (minimum twice a year) and serve as basis for work plans and other actions;
- Work plans are elaborated in close cooperation with the Beneficiary and the EU Delegation, approved by the EUAG Management and implemented accordingly;
- Implementation of the work plans is ensured through effective cooperation with other advisors in the JFS area, as well as coordination meetings with other relevant EU funded projects in the Justice area;
- Monthly, quarterly and annual EUAG reports have been delivered with comprehensive coverage of Justice-related activities and results;
- Advice to the implementation of Justice Reform through tailored briefings to the Minister of Justice and other senior officials of the RA on areas specified in the joint action plan;
- At least two written policy advisory papers to the RA beneficiaries on the implications of (i) and (ii) promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Armenia and Data protection in the framework of establishment of One-Stop-Shop/Public Service Halls;
- At least 2 EU high level public events and/or seminars supported;
- Six-monthly internal reports monitoring, analyzing and assessing ongoing reforms in the RA’s Justice sector;
- Evidence of advice on the use of other EU instruments for implementation of reforms, evidence of coordination with other EU funded projects;
- A final handover note with main information on the respective policy sector (key legislation and EU priorities, key issues, stakeholders, related external assistance projects and contact information) and mission results as well as future needs for assistance.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
- Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Functional Competencies
- A clear understanding of EU policies including the ENP framework, EU accession policy and experience with Community assistance programmes;
- Highly developed analytical, coordination and facilitation skills and the ability to negotiate complex agenda with a broad range of stakeholders;
- A good knowledge of the EU-Armenia relations would be an asset.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Master’s degree in European Law or other relevant discipline (notably public administration); a PhD would be an asset.
Working Experience
A minimum of 10 years experience in conducting reforms (judicial, legal, public administration), in providing advice to policy makers on judicial policy reform issues, or in capacity building in EU or ENP and candidate countries.
Languages
Excellent command of English. Some knowledge of Armenian or Russian would be an asset.
FC: 30079
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
FC: 30079
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
