General Information

Background

In 2006/07, the Government of Lesotho through the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) and with support from UNDP/BCPR conducted a National Disaster Risk Reduction Capacity Need Assessment (CNA). The assessment identified major resource constraints and capacity gaps in governance for disaster risk reduction (DRR) institutional and legal system, risk identification, information and knowledge management, emergency response and preparedness and risk management applications.

Following the CNA, a National Action Plan for capacity development in DRR was developed with the objective of reducing risk and increasing community resilience to disasters in the context of sustainable development to help achieve Lesotho’s Vision 2020, the Poverty Reduction Strategy and the National Millennium Development Goals.

Consequently, DMA and UNDP are implementing a DRR Project which focuses on strengthening the disaster management system in Lesotho and effective management of the impact of disaster risks within the context of sustainable development.

One of the objectives of the project is to improve the national resilience to disasters. Under this outcome, the project will review, develop and strengthen legal and institutional framework for disaster risk management in Lesotho.

Purpose of the assignment

The purpose of the assignment is to assist the DMA review and develop a harmonized legal framework for Disaster Management in Lesotho. To achieve this objective, DMA is seeking the service of a registered legal consultant for a period of 60 working days. The consultant will report to, and work under direct and overall supervision of the Chief Executive of the Disaster Management Authority of Lesotho.

Key Tasks

• To undertake desk research on existing legal disaster management frameworks in African Countries;
• To review and harmonize the legal and institutional frameworks for Disaster Management in Lesotho (Disaster Management Act 1997, draft DRR Policy, National Action Plan for DRR).

Expected Outcomes

A harmonized legal framework for Disaster Management in Lesotho:

• Appropriate recommendations for the amendments of the Disaster Management Act 1997;
• A revised version  of DRR Policy.

Deliverables

• Inception report including a work plan;

• National and district consultations with different stakeholders conducted;
• Draft report on the findings and recommendations presented to stakeholder’s workshop;
• Final report submitted and approved by management.

Qualification and Experience

Education

A Master's degree in law discipline or related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years consultancy experience in carrying out similar assignments
• 2-3 years experience with public policy formulation process
• Proven experience working with central and local Government systems and structures

Competencies:

·         Excellent communication skills

·         Excellent presentation and facilitation skills;

·         Excellent research and report writing skills

·         Planning and organizational skills

·        Proven computer knowledge and skills especially word processing application

Applications with comprehensive CVs and names and contact details of three referees should be submitted by email on or before 04^th June, 2010 to registry.ls@undp.org .

Alternatively, the same can be hand-delivered or posted to the following address:

Resident Representative

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

3rd Floor, UN House

P.O. Box 301

Maseru

Only short listed candidates will be responded to.