the Development of Access to Information (ATI) Law in Yemen

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat's Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) supports member states in strengthening governance frameworks, including legal reforms related to transparency and access to information. This consultancy is part of a broader initiative to assist Yemen in developing its national Access to Information (ATI) law, aligning with international best practices and digital governance principles.

Job Purpose

This role serves to provide specialized legal expertise to assist the Ministry of Telecom and Information Tech (MTIT) in Yemen, in collaboration with UN-ESCWA, to develop a national Access to Information (ATI) law. The purpose is to ensure the law aligns with international standards and regional best practices, addressing the evolving digital governance landscape. The consultant will contribute to strengthening Yemen's governance framework by advising on legal instruments that promote transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information, essential for democratic governance and public trust. This work is critical in the context of increasing digitization of public services and data management by public authorities.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of current national laws related to digital technologies in Yemen and benchmark regional and international best practices in Access to Information (ATI) law. This includes identifying key national stakeholders, conducting interviews, and documenting findings, priorities, and challenges. A situational analysis and gap analysis of existing legislation will be performed. The core responsibility involves drafting a suggested ATI law for Yemen, incorporating principles of maximum disclosure, transparency, and accountability, and defining scope, procedures, limitations, oversight, and enforcement mechanisms. The draft law will be presented and discussed with national entities, and updated based on feedback. The consultant will also ensure coherence with other related legal instruments being developed for Yemen and pay attention to gender considerations and youth dimensions throughout the work.

Work Experience

At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in drafting, reviewing, or assessing access to information, freedom of information, or transparency legislation is required. Previous experience in cyber legislation is also required. Familiarity with the Yemeni legal system or civil law systems in the Arab region, and experience in delivering research papers, are desirable.

Skills

Legal drafting and review, Access to Information (ATI) law expertise, Transparency legislation, Cyber legislation, Research and analysis, Stakeholder engagement, Report writing, Gender-sensitive language, Understanding of digital governance and ICTs.

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