Legal Service Provider (Syria Office) At Finn Church Aid

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the largest Finnish organization dedicated to development. Our mission is to bring about positive change by providing assistance to the most vulnerable individuals in fragile contexts. FCA has been active in Syria since 2019, operating under the umbrella of SARC. Our primary focus has been on delivering relief and early recovery services to vulnerable Syrian populations. These services encompass various humanitarian sectors, including Education in Emergency, Early Recovery, livelihood, Shelter/NFI, WASH, and the distribution of multipurpose cash to the most vulnerable segments of the population.

1. Background Information
Finn Church Aid (FCA) Syria Country Office is seeking to engage a qualified legal service provider (law office) to offer comprehensive legal support for a period of two years.

2. Objectives
The primary objective is to secure expert legal advice and services to ensure compliance with local, regional, and international legal requirements, support operational needs, and address legal challenges promptly and effectively.

3. Scope of Work
The legal service provider will be responsible for the following:

• General Legal Advisory:
  • Provide legal advice on all issues arising in the course of FCA’s operations.
  • Offer guidance on compliance with Syrian and international laws, including restrictive measures and donor requirements.
• Human Resources:
  • Review and advise on labor and service contracts, internal regulations, salary scales, vacancy announcements, job descriptions, staff evaluation, and dismissal procedures.
  • Address matters related to social security, tax deductions, and health insurance.
• Contracts and Agreements:
  • Advise on and draft contracts related to insurance, rentals, procurement, and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
  • Support in tender-related legal matters, including reviewing dossiers and contracts.
• Conflict Resolution:
  • Represent FCA in disputes with contractors, employees, or other parties as needed.
• Operational Support:
  • Advise on banking issues, including opening accounts and transfer procedures.
  • Attend meetings with authorities and stakeholders across FCA’s operational locations.
• Other Specialized Services:
  • Provide legal services in multiple languages, including English and EU languages.
  • Ensure alignment with FCA’s humanitarian principles and faith-based ethos.
• 4. Deliverables
• Detailed legal opinions and reports as required.
• Drafted or reviewed contracts and agreements.
• Representation in legal conflicts and negotiations.
• Legal guidance on restrictive measures and international compliance.
• Timely attendance at required meetings across FCA locations in Syria.

5. Expertise and Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience as a legal advisor for INGOs, including at least three faith-based organizations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local and international laws relevant to FCA’s operations.
• Ability to provide services in multiple languages, including English and EU languages.
• Proven record of successful legal representation and advisory services for INGOs.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• Valid registration and union membership in Syria.
• No conviction certificate for the lead lawyer (issued within the past three months).
• Office profile with team composition, experience, and references.
• Proof of at least three contracts with INGOs executed in the past five years.
• Commitment to FCA’s Code of Conduct for Contractors and Service Providers.

7. Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation will be based on the following weighted criteria:

• Experience with INGOs (20%).
• Availability and presence across FCA operational locations (10%).
• Extensive legal advisory experience (15%).
• Provision of multilingual services (5%).
• Expertise in international restrictive measures (15%).
• Financial competitiveness (35%).

8. Contract Period
The contract is expected to start on Jan. 1st, 2025, and will end on December 31, 2026.

9. Location of Services
The services will be delivered to FCA offices and project locations across Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, and other governorates.

10. Submission Requirements
Eligible law offices are required to submit:

• A completed tender submission form (Annex 2).
• Detailed financial offer (Annex 4).
• Supporting documents as per eligibility criteria.

11. Timeline

Submission Deadline: December 26, 2024, by 16:00 Syrian time

Opening Session: December 29, 2024, at FCA Main Office, Damascus