United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is seeking a consultant to review and develop drafting instructions for Social Protection in the Virgin Islands.

The consultancy has the objective of supporting the amendment of the 2013 Public Assistance Act and lead the introduction of a new Social Protection Bill.

The consultant will work in two main phases:

 Amendment of the Public Assistance Act

• Lead the development of an amendment brief that incorporates the urgent changes required in the Act so the social assistance grants can continue working effectively.
• Support the submission of the Brief to Cabinet.
• Lead the revision of the drafting instructions once it comes back from Cabinet.
• Support the submission of the drafting instructions to the Attorney Generals Chambers.
• Act like a focal point on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Development to enable the finalization of the Bill by the Attorney Generals Chambers.

Introduction of a new Social Protection Bill

• Develop an analysis report of the existing legislative framework for social protection in the BVI, including strengths and weaknesses and recommendations for strengthening a universal approach to social protection.
• Lead the development of a Social Protection Brief, incorporating the changes made in the Amendment brief and ensuring harmonization with the Social Protection Policy. Key documents to be utilized for this brief include:
• Basic instructions for Legislative Drafting to achieve the policy objectives set out in the proposals for reform of the social assistance benefit system and the administration of institutional grants, written by SPRI.
  • Legislative Drafting Instructions Guidelines and check list.
  • Guide to proposing legislation in the BVI.
  • Support the submission of the Brief to Cabinet.
  • Lead the revision of the drafting instructions once it comes back from Cabinet.
  • Support the Submission of package to external drafting consultant.
  • Drafting of Social Protection Bill and continued liaison with the Attorney General and MHSD until finalization and passage of the Bill

The ideal candidate for the consultancy is expected to possess:

• A Masters Degree in Law, Economics, Public Policy, Social Policy, international development or other relevant discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in bill drafting, legal consulting and legislation development.
• Previous proven experience in supporting the process of social policy and legislation development;
• Substantial knowledge and experience on social protection system design and diagnostics, ideally with the UN and development partners working closely with national government partners;
• Familiarity with enabling environment of social policy development in British Virgin Islands and/or the OECS countries;

Applicants should apply through UNICEF jobs website using the following link https://jobs.unicef.org/en-us/job/569453/consultant-to-review-and-develop-drafting-instructions-for-social-protection-in-the-british-virgin-islands no later than February 20, 2024.