Senior Legal and Policy Consultant to Support the Development of Somalia’s Article 6 Policy Framework.

Terms of Reference
Senior Legal and Policy Consultant to Support the Development of Somalia’s Article 6 Policy Framework.
Duration of the Assignment:  July 2026- December 2026.

The Government of Somalia is taking important steps to strengthen its climate governance systems and position itself to benefit from emerging opportunities under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. As the country advances the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), there is increasing recognition of the potential role that carbon markets can play in mobilizing climate finance, supporting sustainable development, attracting investment, and accelerating low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways.

Somalia has made significant progress in strengthening its readiness for participation in international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Key milestones include the completion of the Article 6 readiness assessment, the establishment of a Designated National Authority (DNA) for Article 6, the delivery of initial capacity-building and training programmes on carbon markets and climate finance, and the formal communication of Somalia’s participation arrangements to the UNFCCC host country process.

In addition, Somalia is currently developing its National Voluntary Carbon Guidelines (VCM) as a foundational milestone to guide initial engagement to establishing key principles, governance structures, and procedural foundations for voluntary carbon activities

Somalia has enhanced early institutional coordination among relevant government entities, increased national awareness of Article 6 mechanisms, and initiated preparatory work on governance arrangements, authorization procedures, and carbon market infrastructure. These efforts are closely aligned with Somalia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and broader national development priorities aimed at strengthening resilience, improving access to climate finance, and supporting low-carbon development pathways.

Building on this progress, Somalia is now ready to develop its Article 6 policy framework for participation in international carbon markets. This next phase will be undertaken with the support of the UNFCCC MENA Team and relevant technical partners.

In this context, Somalia seeks to recruit a Senior Legal and Policy Consultant to support the international consultant in the development of the Article 6 legal policy framework. The consultant will provide in-depth inputs grounded in a strong understanding of Somalia’s legal, policy, and regulatory architecture, ensuring that the proposed framework is nationally appropriate, legally sound, and aligned with domestic institutional arrangements as well as international Article 6 requirements.

Objective of the Assignment

To provide high-level legal and policy support to the international consultant and the Government of Somalia in the development of a robust, coherent, and nationally appropriate Article 6 policy framework that enables effective participation in international carbon markets while safeguarding national interests and ensuring compliance with international obligations.

Scope of Work

The Senior National Legal and Policy Advisor will work closely with the international consultant and the Designated National Authority, and relevant government institutions to undertake the following tasks.

Deliverables

Deliverable 1: Legal and Regulatory Review Inputs

• Review relevant Somali laws, regulations, policies, and institutional frameworks applicable to Article 6 implementation.
• Provide legal analysis and written inputs to support the international consultant’s assessment of policy, and institutional gaps.
• Support identification of legal reform priorities and recommendations.

Deliverable 2: Technical Inputs to the Draft Article 6 Policy Framework

• Provide legal and policy inputs to the development of the National Article 6 Policy Framework.
• Review draft policy documents prepared by the international consultant and ensure alignment with Somalia’s legal and institutional context.
• Support consultations with relevant stakeholders and government institutions.

Deliverable 3: Stakeholder Engagement and Finalization Support

• Facilitate high level stakeholder consultations and validation processes.
• Support validation workshops and high-level government review processes.
• Provide consolidated legal feedback on final policy documents.
• Submit a final assignment report summarizing activities undertaken, key recommendations, and outcomes achieved.

Skills and Qualifications – Legal & Policy Consultant

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Law, Public Policy, International Law, Environmental Law, Climate Change, or a related field.
• Professional legal training or certification is an advantage.

Experience

• At least 5–8 years of experience in legal and policy advisory roles.
• Strong experience in climate change law, environmental governance, or international agreements (including Article 6 of the Paris Agreement).
• Experience supporting governments or institutions in policy development, regulatory frameworks, or legal drafting.
• Experience working with UNFCCC processes, carbon markets, or climate finance is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong legal drafting, analysis, and interpretation skills.
• Ability to develop policies, regulations, and legal frameworks.
• Strong understanding of climate policy, carbon markets, and international climate law.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong negotiation, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear policy advice.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal research tools.
  

  ---