Legal Advisor (Consultant) Job at Resolve to Save Lives

Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is a global health organization that aims to save millions of lives by reducing preventable deaths from cardiovascular disease and preventing infectious disease epidemics. Since September 2017, the Prevent Epidemics team at RTSL has been working closely with governments, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and academic and other partners to strengthen national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to epidemic threats. Some key initiatives include Program Management for Epidemic Preparedness (PMEP) to grow institutional leadership and management capabilities and 7-1-7 to establish a global goal for early detection and response.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Legal Advisor (Consultant), Nigeria

Job Location: Remote
Job Type: Contract
Department: Prevent Epidemics

Core Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide support to the NCDC Legal Unit in matters relating to health security, including but not limited to the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) at the federal and subnational levels.
• Coordinate strategic and coordination meetings, including the IHR (Legal) Technical Working Group meetings as well as provide technical advisory to the IHR stakeholders.
• Support the development of an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) legal framework, addressing gaps and improving legal instruments for IPC in Nigeria.
• Support the gender assessment of federal laws to ensure gender considerations are integrated into health security-related laws.
• Provide expert legal advice and ensure rigorous quality assurance for the comprehensive analysis of legal instruments pertaining to health security matters at federal and subnational levels.
• Support the legal and judicial monitoring of federal and state legislation, regulations, and policies pertaining to health security.
• Collaborate with various government ministries to assess the progress of NAPHS legal activities.
• Assist in the finalization and adoption of technical tools and guidance documents to enhance legal preparedness in Nigeria.
• Promote awareness within the health sector and among relevant stakeholders regarding their respective responsibilities in the formulation and development of health security laws.
• Systematically gather and document information on the legal activities executed across all 36 states in Nigeria and prepare comprehensive reports to provide an overview of the progress and outcomes achieved.
• Facilitate the effective sharing and distribution of information and knowledge on various project activities by actively contributing to the development of legal articles, case studies, toolkits, and other relevant reports.
• Perform any additional duties assigned jointly by the NCDC Legal Unit and Resolve to Save Lives.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Law.
• Specialization in medical or health law is a plus.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Have a minimum of 5 years of progressive work experience in administrative, public law or international law issues.
• Demonstrate strong capabilities in legal analysis, research, and drafting.
• Possess a good understanding of the Nigerian public health security legal framework.
• Understand the multi-sectoral and One Health approaches to achieving Global Health Security objectives.
• Demonstrate experience in convening and leading technical discussions with government officials and policymakers.
• Demonstrated knowledge on the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness, and response.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience in documenting and disseminating program accomplishments.
• Possess strong teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills, enabling seamless collaboration and effective communication within a team setting.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the legislative processes at both the federal and state levels.
• Exhibit familiarity with the International Health Regulations (2005) and knowledge of health security at both global and country levels.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the organizational structure and operational mechanisms of the Nigerian government, with a specific focus on the federal system and its functions pertaining to public health.
• Possess self-confidence, resourcefulness and a can-do attitude even in challenging contexts
• Previous experience in supporting the formulation of laws, policies or other legislative instruments is highly desired.