National Legal Specialist - Agricultural Legislation Review and Reform

The National Legal Specialist will lead the review and reform of agricultural legislation in Iraq, including gap analysis, stakeholder consultation, and formulation of legal reform proposals. The role supports the Ministry of Agriculture and works under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Iraq and the Legal Office. Responsibilities Prepare an inception report setting out the methodology, review framework, assessment criteria, sources to be consulted, stakeholder engagement approach and detailed work plan. Compile and map the agricultural laws, regulations, ministerial instructions and related instruments currently in force. Conduct a systematic review of the identified legislation to assess coherence, enforceability, institutional responsibilities, overlaps, gaps and outdated provisions. Assess consistency of the national legal framework with Iraq's international obligations and with recognized international and regional good practice. Benchmark priority areas against comparable national frameworks and relevant international legal instruments and guidance. Identify legal and regulatory entry points to strengthen the sector's flexibility, climate resilience and adaptive capacity. Develop a national legal report with recommendations to revise and strengthen national legislation and send it to the Legal Office for clearance. Organize and facilitate consultations with the Ministry of Agriculture, relevant ministries and stakeholders to validate findings. Incorporate feedback and build consensus around priority reform areas. Formulate prioritized legal reform recommendations, including short-, medium- and longer-term measures, and prepare a practical roadmap for implementation. Prepare concrete legal drafting proposals, amendment options and explanatory notes for selected priority provisions. Prepare progress reports, meeting minutes and a final consultancy report. Requirements University degree in Law, preferably with specialization in agricultural, environmental, natural resources or administrative law (a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted). Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in legislative review, legal drafting, or agricultural and natural resources law and policy. Working knowledge (level C) of English, and Arabic. National of Iraq or resident of the country with valid work permit. Deep knowledge of agricultural legislation and policy, and of legislative drafting and harmonization processes. Familiarity with international legal instruments and obligations relevant to agriculture, food, water and natural resources. Ability to analyze complex legal frameworks and propose practical, implementable reforms. Skilled in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and building consensus. Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize and deliver within deadlines. Proven knowledge of Iraq's legal and institutional framework for agriculture. Experience in stakeholder consultation and in working w