Position Title: Legal Research Consultant (f/m) – Lebanon

Form of Employment: Desk work

Starting Date: November 2018

Duration: until December 2019

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

 

Background

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin. Democracy Reporting International promotes political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies and the development of democratic institutions world-wide.

In the framework of its Lebanon project “Setting an Agenda for Decentralisation in Lebanon – Phase II”, funded by the German Foreign Office, DRI is working with Lebanese civil society organisations and public officials to promote local governance in line with good governance principles.

The election of new municipal councils in May 2016 revived the discussion on decentralisation in Parliament. Decentralisation was explicitly mentioned in the inaugural address of President Michel Aoun in November 2016, paving the way for greater momentum for an Administrative Decentralisation Law. To contribute to this, DRI takes a holistic research approach with a long-term perspective to enhance cooperation between local authorities, political decision-makers, and civil society actors on the pressing issues and systemic weaknesses of the current decentralisation system.

In the wake of the May 2018 General Elections, the Administrative Decentralisation Subcommittee members expressed their interest to receive the assistance of a legal researcher, based on assignments given by the Chairperson and the members of the relevant Committee.

As of November 2018, DRI Lebanon will be supporting those Parliamentary Committees which are discussing the 2014 Administrative Decentralisation Bill. DRI is therefore currently recruiting a Legal Research Consultant (f/m) to assist the relevant Committees with legal expertise.

Your duties and responsibilities:

Assist the relevant Committees in Parliament in the debate and in the drafting process of the Administration Decentralisation Law, particularly by:

1. Conducting research and drafting memos on debated issues, including but not limited to studies in comparative law, as may be requested by the relevant Committee, its Chairperson, or one, or more, of its members (by ranking of priority);
2. Attending the meetings of the relevant Committees discussing the 2014 Administrative Decentralisation Bill at the times decided by the Committees at the Lebanese Parliament;
3. Writing conceptual summaries of Subcommittee proceedings and assist the Subcommittee Secretary to capture the modifications that are adopted into the debated draft and comparative tables;
4. Provide input of similar nature that may be requested by the relevant Committees or DRI;
5. Keep all deliberations and generated documents strictly confidential and at the relevant Committee’s discretion;
6. Hold weekly coordination meetings with DRI Lebanon.

DRI Lebanon will provide you with an adequate working space to fulfil your assignment and will monitor the actual level of effort. Supervision in terms of substance and content is exercised by the Sub/committee’s Chairperson and DRI.

Qualifications we require:

• At least an M.A. or equivalent degree in Public Law or Public Administration, with an emphasis on Decentralisation and Local Governance;
• Excellent written command of the Arabic language, fluency in English and/or French; any relevant third language is a strong asset;
• Familiarity with the legal framework of decentralisation and local governance in Lebanon and other countries;
• Proven experience in legal research on similar themes;
• Previous work experience in think tanks, research centres or academia a strong asset;
• Legal drafting skills are a strong asset;
• Good communication and negotiation skills.

 

DRI values diversity and aims to be an equal opportunities employer. Women are encouraged to apply!

Moreover, DRI offers you flexible working hours, training opportunities and working as part of an international and multicultural team.

If you are interested in this position, please send your application in one PDF document including:

• A cover letter highlighting relevant experience in similar assignments and why you are fit for the position
• Your CV, showing evidence of relevant experience in similar assignments
• Writing/research samples on the subject, if available
• References of prior completed projects/assignments

to [email protected]. Please include “Legal Research Consultant (f/m) – Lebanon” in the subject line and refer to the source you have found this opportunity. This position is subject to funding. Applying for this position by post is possible, please find our address details below.

 

Please not that the original deadline for applications of 29 October 2018 has been extended until 31 October 2018.  The position may be filled before the end of the deadline so early applications are encouraged.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you are one of those shortlisted, we will contact you within one week after expiration of the deadline at the latest.

 

Organisation responsible for this vacancy:

Democracy Reporting International gGmbH
Prinzessinnenstraße 30
10969 Berlin, Germany
Tel +49 30 27877300
Fax +49 30 27877300-10

 

Data processing of personal data in third countries will not take place. We process your data in accordance with the provisions of § 26 German Federal Data Protection Act. More information about processing your personal data: privacy policy.