Local Consultant, Technical Support in the Development of Ukrainian Legislation on Biological Safety and Security
Alert
Vacancy
“Harmonization of Existing Ukrainian Regulations on Biosafety and Biosecurity with International Standards” Project
Background
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), within mandate under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004), supports Government’s efforts to strengthen biological safety and security in Ukraine. The OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation Support Unit, jointly with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU) and the Ukrainian Governmental Institutions developed the projects to strengthen Ukraine’s biological safety and security. The European Union provided funding for the project activities.
Within the project “Harmonization of Existing Ukrainian Regulations on Biosafety and Biosecurity with International Standards” during 2020-2022 the PCU will support the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MoH, the project beneficiary) to develop a Law of Ukraine “On Biological Safety and Security” and five legislative acts on safe and secure management of hazardous biological materials.
Normative documents will be developed in line with the Strategy for Ensuring Biological Security and Biological Protection Based on “One Health” Principle for the Period until 2025, adopted by Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in November 2019.
The selected consultants will participate in the development of national legislation on biological safety and security in Ukraine, in particular, a draft law “On Biological Safety and Security” (Draft Law), including drafting provisions and supporting documents, participating in discussions with national authorities and other stakeholders.
The focus of this assignment is to provide technical expertise within the Group of Technical Experts (GTE) supporting MoH in developing national legislation on biological safety and security, in particular, a Draft Law.
The selected experts will work under the supervision of the National Project Officer within the PCU. The experts will closely co-operate and co-ordinate with the Lead Expert for the development of national legislation on biological safety and security, National Co-ordinator for biological safety and security projects, other national and international experts, PCU project management team.
Please note that these are consultancy assignments of approximately 20 working days over approximately two months. The consultants will be required to work from home with the ability to travel and participate in face-to-face meetings if necessary.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Participate in the development of a new framework of the Biological Safety and Security system based on the needs and challenges in this field, and combining best international practices.
• Participate in the development and refinement of the structure of the Draft Law that correlates with the developed framework, and support its advocacy for the MoH Inter-agency Working Group (MoH IWG).
• Participate in discussions of the Draft Law at dedicated platforms, including MoH IWG and GTE, to finalise and approve the structure, framework and scope of Draft Law.
• Participate in GTE and MoH IWG meetings, communication between subject matter experts and PCU p roject management team.
• Prepare and summarize outcomes of meeting and discussions within assigned scope of work.
• Conduct review and amendment of the Draft Law sections after expert discussions as required.
• Contribute to the development of the Draft Law, with the assistance of the Legal Expert, based on the agreed structure, framework and scope, including but not limited to drafting separate sections of Draft Law and supporting documents. Compile and process inputs and feedback from national stakeholders, other consultants and subject matter experts.
• Provide technical support and advocacy to the developed draft legislation in co-operation with other national and international experts, at workshops, seminars and other project-related events.
• Perform other tasks as required in the course of the project’s implementation.
Necessary Qualifications
• University degree / training in the field of Biology, Medicine, Public Health, Health Management or similar. Post graduate degree (MS, PHD) in relevant disciplines would be an advantage.
• Minimum 3 years of proven practical experience working with public or private institutions dealing with public health and/or biological safety and security matters or similar.
• Knowledge of Ukrainian law-making requirements and procedures.
• Experience of policy/law-making with engagement of state authorities and international organizations would be an advantage.
• Professional knowledge of Ukrainian, excellent writing skills; proven ability to produce clear, concise and comprehensive analytical documents.
• Knowledge of English would be an asset.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a team; strong interpersonal skills.
• Computer literacy.
Remuneration Package:
According to the PCU consultancy fees guidelines.
This position is for residents of Ukraine only. We strongly encourage applicants to use the online application system at https://jobs.osce.org; the Vacancy Number is VNUKRC00630. The deadline for applications is 29 November 2020.
If you have difficulties with the online system you may use the OSCE's off-line Application Form available at https://jobs.osce.org/uk/resources/document/anketa-na-vakansiyu; you should complete the Application Form and send it via e-mail to oscepcu-recruitment@osce.org indicating the title of the position on the Application Form and in the cover message subject. Applications received after the published deadline will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Details of the assignment and contract may be further discussed during the interviews.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the organization.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.