National Legal Specialist - Agricultural Legislation Review and Reform
Organizational Context
FAO's office in Iraq supports countrywide food, agriculture, and rural development strategies. It collaborates with government entities, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture. In line with the FAO-Government of Iraq partnership, FAO Iraq provides technical assistance to review existing agricultural legislation. This review aims to identify gaps, overlaps, and outdated provisions, ensuring alignment with Iraq's international obligations and modernizing the legal framework to enhance the agriculture sector's flexibility and resilience.
Job Purpose
The incumbent will lead a comprehensive review of Iraq's agricultural legislation. This involves conducting a thorough gap analysis, harmonizing laws with international standards, and engaging stakeholders to gather input. The primary objective is to formulate concrete reform proposals for modernizing the legal framework. This role is crucial for strengthening the agricultural sector's capacity to adapt to changing conditions and meet international commitments, ensuring a more robust and flexible legal foundation for agriculture in Iraq.
Responsibilities
Prepare an inception report detailing methodology, review framework, and work plan. Compile and map all current agricultural laws, regulations, and related instruments. Conduct a systematic legislative review to assess coherence, enforceability, identify overlaps, gaps, and outdated provisions, and ensure consistency with international obligations and best practices. Benchmark against comparable national and international frameworks. Identify legal entry points to enhance the sector's flexibility and climate resilience. Develop a national legal report with recommendations for legislative revision. Organize and facilitate consultations with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders to validate findings and build consensus. Formulate prioritized legal reform recommendations, including a practical roadmap for implementation. Prepare concrete legal drafting proposals, amendment options, and explanatory notes. Produce progress reports, meeting minutes, and a final consultancy report.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in legislative review, legal drafting, or agricultural and natural resources law and policy is required. Proven knowledge of Iraq's legal and institutional framework for agriculture is essential. Experience in stakeholder consultation and working with government institutions is also necessary.
Skills
Deep knowledge of agricultural legislation, policy, and legislative drafting processes. Familiarity with international legal instruments relevant to agriculture, food, water, and natural resources. Ability to analyze complex legal frameworks and propose practical reforms. Skilled in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and building consensus. Strong communication, teamwork, and relationship-building abilities. Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Results-focused with a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.