Legal Consultant to Support COTLA/CONATA's Institutional Governance at UN Women

Objectives of the assignment:

This consultancy work is expected to support COTLA to strengthen its governance structure through the finalization of key governance documents and processes

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

Under the overall guidance of the UN Women Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, the consultant will work in close liaison with UN Women technical staff and COTLA Foal Points from the East and Southern Africa Regional Office, and other offices as relevant. The Consultant will be required to coordinate and work closely with COTLA leadership in the review, revision and finalization of the COTLA Operational Manual, development and finalization of Member By-Laws and the establishment and initial convening of a Board of Trustees. The Consultant will be required to report back to UN Women on progress against the work above to guide the entity’s future partnership with COTLA. UN Women will provide all preparatory documentation in a timely manner and linkages with Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA) at the start of the assignment. UN Women will meet all travel-related expenses including a return economy ticket, Daily Subsistence Allowance and related accommodation costs as need may arise guided by the corporate travel policy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In liaison with COTLA Leadership (i.e. Convenor General and 3 Deputy Conveners Generals) review the COTLA Operational Manual following the COTLA Steering Committee inputs for finalization;

• Lead the COTLA Leadership into development, review and finalization of the members by-laws seeking and incorporating recommendations of the COTLA Steering Committee members;
• Lead all coordination efforts guided by the COTLA Leadership in calling for consultative meetings with the Steering Committee, on the Operational Manual and the proposed By-Laws;
• Seek COTLA Steering Committee consent and approval for the revised Operational Manual and Members By-Laws through their leadership;
• In consultation with COTLA Leadership, guide the COTLA Steering Committee in the nomination process of the proposed Board of Trustees;
• Provide legal guidance to the COTLA Leadership meeting in reviewing and selecting Board of Trustee Nominees;
• Support COTLA Leadership in organizing the Board of Trustees Meeting;
• Brief the Board of Trustees during the first meeting on COTLA’s institutional governance framework; 
• Assist COTLA Steering Committee seek Board of Trustee’s approval for all documents including and not limited to the Operational Manual and By Laws;
• Provide UN Women a report of successful completion of tasks.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in International Development, Human Rights, Law or related field, with a strong expertise in gender and governance;
• Relevant first level degree with an additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in the development sector, preferably related to women’s rights and gender equality;
• Demonstrated understanding of policy and legal frameworks on gender equality and human rights and guiding non-governmental organizations;
• Proven experience supporting organizational development and governance of regional or continental organizations;
• Demonstrated experience in establishing governance structures for non-governmental organizations working on issues affecting women and girls, with hands on experience liaising between executive, membership and oversight governance structures;
• Experience working with traditional leaders and customary authorities in Africa would be an advantage.

Closing: 11 July 2022