Ghana Statistical Service: Legal Consultant

The Government of Ghana has received a grant from the European Union (EU) and the Department for International Development (DFID) to support the implementation of the Ghana Statistical Service Institution Reform. The fund is being managed by the World Bank (WB) under the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Statistical Development Project. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) intends to apply part of the funds under the project to engage Individual Consultants.

General Considerations:
Review all relevant legislation including the constitution of key statistics las, civil service, administrative, and other laws relating to the production of statistical information
Identify and review best practice from other countries
Review the Statistical Service Law to enable it fulfill its mandate and better coordinate the entire National Statistical System:
Review the functions of the GSS Board to clearly differentiate them from those of the Government Statistician
Outline the powers of GSS as the central coordinating agency within the National Statistical System, carefully balancing the level of authority it would need to efficiently run the coordinated system and the degree of autonomy for other departments and agencies to play their rightful role in the system
Critically assess how GSS can generate funds internally
Review and bring up-to-day the First Schedule, that lists broad areas of statistics, to take account of present day realities
Make recommendation to resolve the residency status of GSS emanating from provisions of PNDCL 135 of 1985 which places GSS under the Presidency and the Constitution which puts it under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
Provide a comprehensive legal framework for the National Statistical System:
Harmonize the fragmented laws of the various institutions and organisations engaged in data production
Make legal provision to guide overall coordination within the NSS
Provide clear delineation of responsibilities for all actors within the NSS
Provide a schedule of functions for the National Statistical System, including the dissemination and publication of statistics
Make legal provisions for establishing a clearing house of statistical information as a mechanism for data quality assurance
Make provision for national data warehouse of official statistics
Make provision for the collection of core data collection activities e.g. population and housing census
Duration: Forty-five (45) days

Required Skills or Experience

Be a qualified legal practitioner with a minimum of 10 years practical experience in drafting and review of laws
Have in-depth knowledge of the judicial, administrative, and legal structure of Ghana
Practical experience in establishing cooperation with judicial, governmental and public organisations in the country
Experience in dealing with Public Service Institutions and/or Donor Projects
Demonstrated evidence of previous work done in various jurisdictions
Evidence of membership of a professional body
Proven expertise in revision of legal documents related to data production and management is an advantage
Very strong communication, analytical and writing skills
Excellent information technology skills, including word processing, presentations and Internet
Knowledge of statistical legislation including best practices from other countries will be an advantage

How To Apply

The Ghana Statistical Service now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services.

Interested consultants must provide information indicating they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, general qualification/academic background; and knowledge of local conditions, such as local language, culture, administrative systems and government organisations).
Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (revised May, 2010)
Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours 09:00 to 17:00 hours GMT, Mondays to Fridays. Expression of Interest must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Expression of Interest”. The position should be clearly written on the envelope and delivered by 10:00 hours GMT to the address below:

The Head of Procurement
Ghana Statistical Serivce
(2nd Floor, Room 241)
P. O. Box GP 1098
Accra

Detailed Terms of Reference for position can be found at the GSS website: (www.statsghana.gov.gh) and UN Development Business online (UNDB online) (www.devbusiness.com)

Offer valid till 12 January 2011