GIZ - Legal Advisor

GIZ is looking for a Legal Advisor for its project “Strengthening sustainable and digital trade routes and logistics concepts between Eastern Partnership countries and with the EU”. The project aims to strengthen the cooperation between stakeholders responsible for sustainable trade routes and logistics concepts in the countries of the Eastern Partnership (Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova). Its support does focus on 3 complementary intervention areas: (1) Green transport and logistics, (2) Cross-border transport and (3) Strong SMEs in the transport, logistics and trade sectors. 

This position is expected to start in May 2024, for a 12-month period, with the possibility of extension based on performance.  

The Advisor will be part of the project’s team in Moldova, with a focus on supporting national key actors responsible for the alignment to the EU acquis with the specialized expertise needed to work towards the achievement of key reform projects necessary to make progress under the Chapters 14 and 21 and/or 29 of the EU accession.  

The overall responsibilities covered by this position are as follows: 

• Conducting a thorough review and assessment of both the EU acquis and pertinent national legislation to pinpoint gaps within the national legal framework in comparison to the EU acquis
• Advising line ministries on the requisite measures essential for aligning national legislation with the EU acquis 
• Supporting in the drafting of the regulatory package for acts earmarked for alignment with the EU Acquis
• Providing hands-on training and capacity-building for line ministries’ staff on the EU acquis and the legal alignment process 
• Compiling analyses, opinions and recommendations and other on-demand legal advice related to the negotiation process to partners and donors to maximize the added value for the Moldovan partners
• Building up partnerships with renowned international and national legal experts and Think Tanks in the field of EU alignment 
• Ensuring gender equality in the scope of the project’s activities 
• Staying abreast with the overall strategic approach of the Moldovan government vis-à-vis the accession process as well as with progress of alignment in all chapters of the Acquis Communautaire
• Preparation of technical advice to GIZ team members in the fields related to the EU accession of Moldova

 Required qualifications: 

• Master’s degree or equivalent in EU law, international law or other relevant field of law 
• Professional experience: 5 years of general professional experience in legal reform in rule of law, transport law related aspects., in regulatory and/or policy field out of which 3 years of direct hands-on involvement in legal drafting and/or alignment. A notable emphasis is placed on a demonstrated proficiency in transport and/or customs policy areas
• Sound knowledge of the Moldovan government’s reform agenda, current Moldovan transport strategy implementation obstacles, the European Union acquis on transport and market access as well as accession procedures
• Familiarity with the structure and procedures of the European Union, regarding EU enlargement processes
• Access to a network of legal experts in legal reform, EU alignment
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Experience in preparing reports, briefings, and presentations on policy-related matters
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a focus on facilitating collaboration and consensus-building among stakeholders in the regulatory process 
• Excellent command of written and spoken Moldovan and English; command of German a plus 
• Very good working knowledge of ICT technologies and computer applications
• Moldovan citizenship or holding permanent resident status in Moldova. 

Applications, including detailed CV, references, and motivation letter (in English) shall be sent not later than 8 May 2024, time 15:00 to the address hr-giz-moldova@giz.de. 

Please mention the position name in the title of your application message. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked for an interview. The finalist will be offered a fixed-term employment contract based on a 40-hour weekly work programme and concluded in line with the national labour legislation.The applications received after the deadline will not be considered. GIZ retains the discretion to re-advertise the position, to cancel the recruitment or offer an appointment at a lower grade or with a modified job description. 

GIZ is committed to employment equity in the workplace and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.