Expert Legal Drafter

Vacancy Announcement

Reference number: LDC003

Position:                   Expert Legal Drafter

Location:                  Kathmandu

Period:                      Six months, with possibility of extension

With the September promulgation of Nepal’s new Constitution, the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) is responsible for drafting legislation to be enacted by the Legislature/Parliament specifying how to carry out elections.  In support of the ECN’s electoral legal reform efforts, USAID has awarded a grant to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), which has as one of its objectives to support the ECN electoral legal reform initiatives. IFES seeks an Expert Legal Draft to work under the supervision of the Legal Division as well as the High Level Legal Drafting Committee at the Election Commission.

The Expert for Legal Drafting will have the following responsibilities:

1.      Work under the supervision of Legal Division as well as the High Level Legal Drafting Committee to review existing election related laws and draft the following laws:

·        Election Commission Act

·        Voter Registration Act

·        President and Vice-President Election

·        House of Representatives Election

·        Provincial Assembly Election

·        Local Government Body Procedures Act

·        Elections Offences and Punishment Act

·        National Assembly Election

2.      Carry out research on international election related laws to bring an international comparative experience to the process;

3.      Prepare a preliminary draft of the legal texts to be discussed with the  Legal Division, High Level Legal Drafting Committee and  the Election Commission as required;

4.      Support the ECN in its consultation meetings with political parties, civil society and other key stakeholders;

5.      Incorporate stakeholder feedback by participating in the regional and district level meetings, consultations and interaction;

6.      Carry out any other relevant tasks as identified by the ECN and IFES in support of the project.

Required skills:

• A Master’s degree in law
• Extensive experience and proven track record in legislative drafting, as confirmed by excellent references from previous engagements
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• An ability to take initiative, work independently and meet project schedule and drafting deadlines
• Fluent verbal and written Nepali (including ability to type in Nepali) and excellent written and spoken English including familiarity with English legal terminology
• Electoral experience would be an asset

Other Relevant Information

• It is expected that the applicant provides references from previous engagements
• The incumbent would be required to spend at least 65 working days between the period of November 2015 and April 2016.

This position is open for Nepali nationals. Applications including a cover letter and CV should be sent to Sulakchana Rai, srai@ifes.org.  Applications should state the reference numbers in the e-mail and cover letter. Closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday, November 6, 2015. People with disability, women and candidates from marginalized groups are highly encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to undertake an interview.