Legal and Policy Specialist

Job Description & Specifications

Title:    Legal and Policy Specialist (LPS)
Reports to:Director of Democratic Governance
Location:Tetra Tech Communities Thrive Ramallah Office

BACKGROUND

The USAID/WBG Communities Thrive project will focus on 55 municipalities located in the West Bank and will aim to improve municipal revenue streams and fiscal management of local government units (LGUs), increase the accountability and transparency of local governments, enhance delivery and management of the municipal services and the effectiveness of local governments’ operations, and improve the regulatory and policy framework for local government sector.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In close coordination with program colleagues, the Legal and Policy Specialist (LPS) will play a leading role in designing, and managing the project’s legal and policy efforts in the sector. The position will support a more legal enabling environment for Palestinian local government, with a particular focus on improving municipal finance and creating an enabling environment for local economic development.
S/he will report to the Director of Democratic Governance. The position is based in the Ramallah office with travel as needed within the West Bank.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

Technical Support

-Identifying and implementing reforms to the legal and policy framework, including to achieve greater clarity in legal framework, address municipal operational and fiscal needs, and promote local economic development;
-Providing cross-cutting policy/legal/regulatory support and solutions needed by other components to fulfill the project’s objectives;
-Developing and writing clear arguments and explanations for new policies, regulatory interventions or modifications needed to support the sector and project’s objectives;
-Training and mentoring municipalities (particularly legal advisors) on the relevant legal/regulatory/policy framework and possible reforms to improve municipal finance, service delivery, and local economic development;
-Identifying and summarizing relevant legal studies, analysis, and research on legislations and policies for possible use under the project;
-Dialoguing with LGUs, Ministries, and other high-level government agencies on legislative and policy reform;
-Ensuring that all program’s activities and interventions comply with the applicable policies, rules and regulations; and
-Lend expertise to quality assurance and quality control of related technical activities.

Quality Assurance and Reporting

-Ensure that relevant technical elements of the work plans are being successfully implemented;
-Ensure assigned subcontractor and/or sub-grant recipients meet their technical deliverables in close coordination with the Component Team Leader  and other colleagues;
-Provide inputs for the drafting of the project monthly and quarterly reports for USAID, as well as drafting other project updates and work plans as requested by the direct supervisor, the COP or DCOP; and
-Support the component team leader in ensuring that USAID and Tetra Tech rules and regulations are followed and that contract deliverable requirements are met. 
-Provide support to monitoring & evaluation/communications team to ensure timely, accurate results reporting and identification of lessons learned and communication opportunities.

Other

-Contribute to team effort by undertaking additional tasks and responsibilities as requested.
The current job description will be periodically revisited as needed to reflect current realities and project needs.  Amendments can be added to that effect.

QUALIFICATIONS: (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS)

-At least 7 years of experience preferably in designing and leading regulatory/legal/policy interventions. Understanding of and experience in regulatory/legal/policy challenges and opportunities in the local government sector a distinct advantage,
-Experience in drafting policy papers and/or legal documents is highly desirable.
-Ability to write clear, accessible summaries of relevant policies or legislations for information disseminations as needed;
-Demonstrated ability to interact regularly and professionally with government, community and civil society organizations, local government and private sector counterparts on policy, legal, regulatory and other strategic, financial, and/or community issues;
-Masters’ degree in law, Public Policy, or related field;
-Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work with all levels and functions within the company;
-Experience on USAID-funded projects is highly preferred.
-Requires an ability to work independently and as part of a team, accept responsibility, and be extremely discrete with sensitive information. 
-Must also be able to foster supportive working relationship among all staff;
-Strong computer skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office package, especially Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Word; and fluent in Arabic, excellent English speaking and writing skills.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply no later than Saturday December 17, 2016. 

To be considered applicants must submit the following to
 

[email protected]

- Cover Letter explaining why you are interested and qualified for this position.
- CV in reverse chronological format
- A list of at least 3 professional references including name, contact information, and statement of relationship to the reference.

Please clearly indicate in the subject line “Legal and Policy Specialist”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered. Please ensure that all necessary documents are included in the email, as incomplete applications and/or corrupt files may delay processing of your application or remove you from consideration. No phone calls will be accepted.
 
Tetra Tech is committed to diversity and gender equality in all of its operations - in the U.S and overseas. We strive to reflect these goals in our global mission and in our workplace. We encourage applications from women and underrepresented ethnic, racial and cultural groups. Tetra Tech is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees—16,000 people working together across disciplines and time zones to provide smart, sustainable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development. Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in 400 locations around the world. We offer competitive compensation and benefits and are searching for innovative people to join our teams.

Jobs.ps, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.