Project Analyst (Legal) - NPSA 8

Background

Bangladesh is undergoing a historic political transition following the August 2024 uprising and the formation of an Interim Government (IG) committed to advancing critical reforms in governance, accountability, and the rule of law. At the heart of this transition are inclusive and credible elections that will restore democratic governance and public trust. In response to a formal request from the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) and a UN Needs Assessment Mission, UNDP Bangladesh developed the BALLOT project to support this democratic renewal. 

 The BALLOT is a three-year initiative designed to strengthen the institutional, technical, and operational capacities of the BEC; create an enabling electoral environment; and promote long-term governance resilience and reform. The project aligns with national priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and UNDP’s Country Programme Document (CPD) Outcome 3. 

 The project is structured in two phases. Phase I (Jan 2025 – Jun 2026) focuses on immediate election support through voter registration updates, civic education, strategic communication, and capacity-building for BEC staff and stakeholders. It also includes piloting out-of-country voting (OCV) and combating election-related misinformation and gender-based violence. Phase II (Jul 2026 – Dec 2027) aims to institutionalize reforms and strengthen governance mechanisms by expanding regional voter education centers, formalizing stakeholder dialogues, and upgrading electoral infrastructure like Upazila offices. 

 The BALLOT places strong emphasis on inclusion, gender equality, youth engagement, and digital innovation. Key tools like the iParticipate and eMonitor+ platforms will support voter education and disinformation management. The project also promotes South-South cooperation, sustainable policy reform, and long-term civic engagement through the Electoral Training Institute (ETI) and the Women’s Leadership Academy. 

 By fostering inclusive, transparent, and peaceful electoral processes, the BALLOT will contribute to building a more accountable, participatory, and resilient democratic system in Bangladesh. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor in coordination with the UNDP Senior Governance Specialist, the Project Analyst (Legal) will provide comprehensive contextual legal analysis and capacity building support to the BALLOT project across overall political and electoral reforms, and liaison functions with UNDP’s legal expert, as well as with the legal wing of BEC and other stakeholders. 

The Project Analyst (Legal) will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Regularly follow up the updates and recommendations of reform committees and consensus committee established by interim government of Bangladesh  
• Monitoring print and electronic media on legal issues related to national elections 
• Maintain communication and relationship building with BEC officials and UNDP country office  
• Provide analysis and advice on legal issues relevant to elections based on legal research and the existing legal framework.
• Conduct electoral research and elaborate comparative studies in the research areas from legal perspectives 
• Assess and identify the legal capacity needs of the BEC including relevant stakeholders  
• Support and facilitate the development of training materials and delivery of training events, including the development of content in electoral legal reforms for BEC and other relevant stakeholders. Follow through with user feedback, progress and integrates the feedback to the future programmes;
• Develop strategic communication which can provide support to policy making and guidance for consistent information activity within or between organizations; 
• Promotes knowledge development and sharing on new approaches, thinking and techniques; 
• Perform any additional task provided by the Chief Technical Advisor. 

Summary of Key Functions: 

The key results have an impact on the overall project efficiency in implementing the planned activities to achieve its output of credibility in the electoral processes. The support will enhance its technical assistance to the electoral process for Bangladesh as a strong development partner.

 4. Institutional Arrangement  

The Project Analyst (Legal) will work under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of the BALLOT project and in close coordination with the UNDP Senior Governance Specialist. Any other related activities as assigned by the Project Manager and UNDP Programme Analyst/ UNDP management. The Chief Technical Advisor will be the contract administrator for the assignment and will supervise the activities, evaluate the performance, and approve the deliverables of the Project Analyst (Legal).  

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:  

Thematic Area     Name     Definition 

2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness     SDG Integration     Knowledge of electoral assistance and democratic governance as enablers of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) and ability to contribute to inclusive, transparent, and accountable processes. 

2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness     SDG Integration     Familiarity with participatory platforms for democratic transitions, civic education, and stakeholder dialogues aligned with global goals. 

2030 Agenda: Prosperity     Inclusive Growth     Understanding of the role of inclusive political processes and civil participation in driving long-term governance reform and institutional development. 

Business Direction and Strategy     Effective Decision Making     Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources 

Business Development     Knowledge Facilitation     Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need 

Business Development     Knowledge Facilitation     Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally 

Business management     Partnerships 

Management     Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies  

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:  

Core Behavioral Competencies 

Achieve Results:    LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:    LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 

Learn Continuously:    LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:    LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 

Act with Determination:     LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:    LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:    LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Law, Human Rights, International Relations, Political Science or any other related field 
• A Bachelor’s degree in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the master’s degree. 

Min. years of relevant work experience:

• Minium two years of relevant experience in analyzing legal context and drafting reports 

Required skills:

• Managing and implementing development projects in the area of access to justice and legal reforms; 
• Proven track record of coordinating and supporting GoB institutions in national, district and sub-district level 
• Prior experience working on electoral projects is considered an asset. 
• Basic understanding and experience in conducting training needs assessment and developing training module and content  

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Proven experience in supporting legal analysis, develop legal framework and policies 
• Experience and expertise in extending capacity building support to GoB counterpart, CSO, media and grassroots organization on legal reform issues  
• Experience working with diverse range of partners, international and domestic NGOs, government and private sector institutions.
• Skills in drafting periodic results reports for development partners 
• Experience in organizing events (training, conference, workshop etc).

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English and Bangla is required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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