National Consultant: Supporting Legal Expert on Victim Documentation Review

About the role

IOM in the Republic of Moldova is running a project to reduce community-level vulnerabilities to trafficking in persons (TiP) and help victims of crime, including trafficking victims, access protection and assistance. The Moldavian Law on Protection of Victims (MLSP) needs a concise evidence base on the main documentation bottlenecks and ways to resolve them. Two consultancy positions are offered: a Lead Legal Expert and a Supporting Legal Expert, each contracted for up to 10 working days and working as a team.

Key responsibilities

• Agree with MLSP on priority issues, methodology, institutions to consult, selected cases and division of work.
• Review legislation, regulations, administrative procedures and guidance on identity, civil status, residence, migration and travel documents.
• Analyse anonymised trafficking cases to identify recurring legal and procedural barriers.
• Interview stakeholders such as the Public Services Agency, the Ministry of Justice, law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, civil-status bodies, consular actors, legal aid providers and civil society.
• Document gaps and propose recommendations and a practical roadmap for MLSP-led dialogue and advocacy.
• Present preliminary findings in a validation meeting, then produce the final report and roadmap.

Required profile

• University degree in law; an advanced degree in law, human rights, criminal justice or a related field is an asset.
• At least seven years of relevant legal experience, including substantial work on trafficking, victims' rights, criminal justice or human rights.
• Practical experience as an attorney representing trafficking victims, a judge, prosecutor, human rights defender or legal expert on victims' rights.
• Experience analysing or drafting legislation and procedures on trafficking or victims' rights.
• Experience with public authorities, justice-sector actors, international organisations, legal aid providers or civil society.
• Proven experience leading legal assessments and coordinating another expert.

Required skills

• Fluency in Romanian and English; knowledge of Russian is an asset.
• Strong legal research, analysis, interviewing, drafting and communication skills.
• Ability to produce concise, prioritised recommendations and roadmaps.

Deliverables are due by 25 December, in Romanian, in editable electronic format. IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under its compensation plan.