Freedom of Information Expert At International Development Law Organization

Overview & Responsibilities

BACKGROUND
IDLO supports the efforts of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (GOCB) in promoting transparency, integrity and accountability so that the Bahamian citizens increasingly trust the criminal justice system in The Bahamas.

As part of this initiative, IDLO will help GOCB in enhancing the coordination of the criminal justice system for better access to justice through improved transparency, integrity, and accountability of the justice chain. IDLO will also provide the GOCB with recommendations to improve the legislation on institutional transparency to align with international best practices. Finally, IDLO will promote access to information to clarify and enhance the functions of the Office of the Freedom of Information Commissioner in strengthening public participation with the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act.

THE ASSIGNMENT
Under the supervision of the Regional Program Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, and in collaboration with IDLO technical teams in HQ and Nassau, the Freedom of Information Expert will support the joint efforts of IDLO and the GOCB to promote good governance through transparency, integrity, and accountability. In particular, the Freedom of Information Expert will be responsible for the following areas of work:

Support the Office of the Information Commissioner’s work. Through continuous technical assistance, the expert will work with the Public Information Commissioner to create a pool of public information officers to organise internal information to be more accessible for the communities they serve and ensure access to services, especially for women and vulnerable groups.
Develop a specialised training programme for the selected staff of government institutions to allow them to fulfil their role as well as to acquire professional skills as information officers and focal points for the FOIA in their respective organisations. Sub-objective 3.2: Bahamian citizens receive information on promoting openness, transparency, and accountability in public administration.
Provide guidance to developing campaigns and mechanisms to raise awareness among much Bahamian public and increase their use of the Office of the Information Commissioner, particularly amongst women and other marginalised groups.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in law with admission to practice law, regardless of the jurisdiction, is preferable. Specialisation in international law is an advantage.
Proven ability to coordinate and supervise the work of a team in a high-paced, quality-driven environment.
Demonstrated experience with initiatives in common law jurisdictions, preferably in the Caribbean
Regional experience in other Caribbean Countries.
Substantial experience in handling corporate legal matters in a governmental or intergovernmental organisation desirable.

Languages

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Specific Technical and Behavioral competencies

Solid understanding and knowledge of the political system, government bodies and international organisations, and the justice and the rule of law sector in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Interest in and capacity to interpret political and policy developments and relate them to anti-corruption/integrity legislative and policy development.
Excellent interpersonal and communication, and team coordination skills; ability to work constructively with several internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent legal writing, strong technical drafting and editing skills with attention to detail, including when under pressure.
Ability to work with high accuracy and attention to quality and detail in a busy and complex environment.
Ability to provide training and guidance to colleagues, advising them on procedures to be followed in relation to the relevant national legislation and best practices in anti-corruption.
Sound organisational and planning skills; Good team player, positive attitude, flexible, and comfortable working in multi-cultural settings.
Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.

Terms & Conditions

The Services will be performed in Nassau, Bahamas. The total remuneration for the assignment will be a lump sum of USD 11 000 USD per month. Payments will be upon satisfactory submission of all required deliverables and presentation of an invoice.

Applications will be screened on regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates.

IDLO is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the employee/consultant/intern assigned to this work. This may not be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the consultancy opportunity to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and in compliance with IDLO’s policy on personal data protection.