Consultant for Legislative Drafting

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR LEGAL DRAFTING TRAINING ON ELECTORAL LAWS AND PROCESSES

Call Title: Consultant for LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING

Theme: ELECTORAL LAW DRAFTING

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Contract Type: Consultant

Consultancy Dates: October

Duration of Assignment: 2 week preparation, 1 week for presentation

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), together with its core partners the National Democratic Institute and the International Foundation for Election Systems, is implementing a project entitled “Zambia Political Accountability and Leadership”. The project aims to support Zambian constitutional review and legislative reform processes through a multisectoral approach and in conjunction with local CSOs such as Transparency International Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, Alliance for Community Action, and Christian Churches Monitoring Group.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

The objectives of the project are to advance broader democratic governance reform through constitutional, legal, regulatory and policy reform and implementation, and institutionalize inclusive, responsive, and effective systems of governance; promote electoral integrity through a more independent, transparent and effective electoral management body, the Electoral Commission of Zambia; support robust civil society oversight of political and electoral processes throughout the entire electoral cycle; and to promote women’s political participation and an improved enabling environment for women in politics.

ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Under the ZPAL project, ABA ROLI provides technical and legal support to core and sub partner activities that include legal drafting, legislative review, strategic public interest litigation, submission of Petitions to the Courts of law, and mentorship of lawyers and CSOs.

SCOPE OF WORK

ABA ROLI is seeking one legal expert with experience in electoral laws and legal drafting at both the national and regional/international levels. The specific deliverables include:

1. To conduct a three-day legal drafting course of electoral laws for a local CSO.
2. To prepare a manual on legal drafting for use by CSOs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Elections Law or Constitutional and Administrative Law. A PhD in Law is an added advantage.
• At least 5-10 years of professional experience at national, regional, or international levels engaging in litigation Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding and knowledge of the Zambian Constitution, the Electoral Commission of Zambia Act, the Electoral Processes Act and the Electoral Act.
• Good understanding of country context and legal system in Zambia (preferred)
• Good understanding of regional best practices in electoral systems and laws
• English fluency and excellent communication and presentation skills.

TIMELINE

• First draft to be submitted to ABA ROLI in early October, for review.
• Submit final draft on TBD