Rural Watch - Announcement date 5 May 2018

Job Title: 
Legal expert with international experience
Sector: 
Public Participation
Time Frame: 
19 months
Location: 
Rural areas in Albania
Language: 
English
Appointments: 
Legal Support, Training, and Rural Watch Media and Communication
Deadline for Expression of Interest: 
1 August, 2018
Starting Date: 
15 August, 2018
Background: 
In order to develop Albanian rural areas in a sustainable way the opinion of local people should be heard and their interests and rights taken into consideration. With the increasing pressure and intensity of economic development in these areas (e.g. mining, hydropower plants) more than ever there is a need of a strong civil society on the ground which is able to keep competent public authorities and businesses accountable to environmental, health and safety standards and regulations. 
The project aims to address some of the most pressing issues of the rural development in Albania related to the quality of life and keeping the standards for clean and safe environment. Overall objectives include:
  • Improved environmental performances of energy and extractive industries in Albanian rural areas;
  • Increased transparency and accountability of public authorities and businesses related to extractive and energy industry (EEI) in rural areas 
  • Rural communities (women and men) more informed and empowered to monitor and control energy and extractive industry in rural areas
 
The specific objective: Strengthened civil society role in promoting monitoring standards and ensure the sustainable use of the natural resources from extractive and energy industry in rural areas.
The project implementation will last 24 months: April 2018 – March 2020. The action builds up on the good practices in rural development showcased by the Bulgarian experience for transparency and accountability of extractive and energy industry (EEI) in raising public awareness, access to information and justice, and public engagement through innovative media channels.
The project addresses some of the most pressing issues of the rural development in Albania related to the quality of life and keeping the standards for clean and safe environment.
Project expects 4 main outputs:
  • A capacity building package delivered to CSO`s and media representatives on their watchdog role for enforcing monitoring standards, promoting transparency and accountability of public authorities and businesses related to sustainable use of the natural resources in extractive and energy industry sectors. 
  • An information campaign for the public aiming to increase awareness on issues related to application of monitoring sustainable standards in extractive and energy industry sectors. 
  • Monitoring actions of the 5 targeted extractive and energy industry business in Albania made through CSO and media monitoring contributions.
  • Legal services provided to interest groups affected by misuse of natural resources in extractive and energy industry.
 
Geographic scope
7-8 extractive and energy industry (EEI) hotspots in Albania to be selected during the desk top stage of analyses.
 
Description of the assignment
The expert shall be hired to:
  • Develop and deliver training programs for CSO activists, public interest lawyers and journalists;
  • Contribute to the preparation and implementation of the Rural Watch Media and Communication outreach
  • Legal support provided to CSOs community
  • Assist the Management of 4 project and public meetings
  • Assist in organization of Project’s Final Conference

 

Required Skills, Competencies and Experience
The expertise shall be delivered from an expert with excellent knowledge and understanding of the status and trends in the legal support for the development of CSOs and the civil society for better monitoring and control of the industry in Europe and in Albania. In addition, he/she could possess knowledge and understanding of the status and trends of the environmental CSOs.
 
Key skills and competencies:
  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of the status and trends  in the legal support for the development of CSOs and the civil society for better monitoring and control of the industry in Europe and in Albania. Authored reports and publications on the subject is an asset.
  • Understanding of Local Development issues, Environmental problems and human impact;
  • Good research and analysing skills. Ability to collect and analyse field data;
  • Proven communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective communication with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender balance;
  • A pro-active approach to problem-solving;
  • Writing skills; Ability to produce analytical reports/assessments in written.
 
Minimum requirements:
  • Master’s degree in law (degree in social sciences, and/or environmental management or similar is an asset);
  • Previous experience in capacity assessment projects related to civil society development; 
  • Work experience in the EU-funded projects;
  • Computer literacy, specifically in MS Office; 
  • Fluency in English language (written and spoken).
 
Execution of the service
Assignment is foreseen for a maximum of 40 WDs over a period of 19 months August 2018 – April 2020