Senegal: Statelessness Consultant (from 15 May 2017 to 14 May 2018)

1.General Background

(Brief description of the national, sector-specific or other relevant context in which the individual contractor will operate)

UNHCR in West Africa covers the 15 ECOWAS member States. There is at least 1 million stateless people in the region, and many more at risk. The main cause of statelessness stems from gaps in nationality legislation, and lack of proof of nationality. UNHCR in Dakar coordinates operational responses on statelessness in all 15 countries.

In February 2015, ECOWAS member States adopted the Abidjan Declaration to eradicate statelessness. States committed to develop action plans, reform their legislation, strengthen their birth registration mechanism and improve the governance of identity and nationality documentation.

The regional office in West Africa follows up with ECOWAS and its State members, directly or through its operations in the field, on the implementation of the Abidjan Declaration. To assist in the completion of its objective, it is necessary to bolster the human resources of the Statelessness Section through the engagement of a consultant for an initial period of 12 months from 1 April 2017.

These terms of reference set out the scope of the tasks and responsibilities to be undertaken by the consultant as well as the qualifications, experience and key competencies necessary for the role.

1. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Regional Protection Officer (Statelessness), the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

1. Review effective engagement with UN human rights mechanisms on statelessness, including the Universal Periodic Review;

2. Review nationality legislations in all countries. Follow-up with concerned UNHCR office on the strategy to include UNHCR recommendations in the final draft, and to promote adoption of the draft by concerned parliaments;

3. Finalise, disseminate, and monitor the strategy on birth registration;

4. Assist in the elaboration and implementation of national action plan in the region;

5. Provide other support as needed for the day-to-day activities of the Statelessnes

3**. Monitoring and Progress Controls**

a. All nationality legislations in the region reviewed and commented. Guidance provided to all operations where reform is ongoing with a view to incorporate UNHCR recommendations in the bill, and to sensitize stakeholders responsible for adoption;

b. All country submissions to Human Rights mechanisms reviewed and commented;

c. Support delivered for the development and implementation of national action plan to end statelessness;

d. Birth registration strategy finalised and disseminated. Support provided to all operations for its implementation;

e. Other support provided as needed for the day-to-day activities of the Statelessness Section.

1. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)

University degree in law required. Advanced university degree in law preferred.

b. Work Experience

At least six years of related professional experience, including working experience at the international level and preferably including on nationality and statelessness issues. UNHCR experience is desirable.

c. Key Competencies

(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies)

• Excellent legal research, analytical and drafting skills;

• Good oral communications and advocacy skills;

• Excellent knowledge of English, and working knowledge of French;

• Knowledge of international legal standards on statelessness is an asset;

• Ability to extensively travel to the 15 countries of West Africa

• Please send your CV and covering letter by the 20 April 2017 to sendarh@unhcr.org