Job Summary
The consultant will work with the Project Manager for the Business Environment to provide a legal and policy framework for BLS to ensure that it is able to meet international standards with regards to land utilisation for economic development.
Minimum Qualification:
Degree
Experience Level:
Senior level
Experience Length:
15 years
Job Description
Specific areas where the consultant will provide support to BLS include the following:
1. Conduct an assessment of the existing land policy and land regulatory framework.
2. Draft a Land Use Policy for the Ogun State government that promotes sustainable land use and land development in the state.
3. Ensure that issues surrounding unplanned developments, compensation, use of agricultural land, climate change and environmental issues are addressed in the Land Use Policy
4. Recommend legislative actions to support the implementation of the Land Use Policy.
This assignment will be implemented concurrently with other policy and practice reforms across BLS that will be implemented by project teams that include other consultants and civil servants. It is envisaged that all consultants and civil servants working to support BLS with regards to World Bank process will collaborate closely with each other during their respective related assignments.
Scope of Work
The scope of work for the consultant is to provide advice and legal support to BLS team working on OGSTEP led by the Project Manager for the Business Environment regarding the following:
Under the overall supervision of the Director General of BLS and through comprehensive consultations with all relevant sectors and stakeholders, the Consultant is expected to undertake the following:
1. Review present Ogun State Government policies, legislation and institutional arrangements relating to land use issues (stock-taking);
2. Review land use policies, legislations and guidelines from other states such as Kaduna State with the aim of identifying good practices;
3. Collaborate closely with the DG BLS, Surveyor General of Ogun State to ensure alignment and complementarities with the current genealogical and tribal land codification structure;
4. Assess existing land tenure arrangements and its influence and impact on current and future land use practices;
5. Analyze the past and present trends of land use in Ogun State with a focus on investment opportunities and develop recommendation for future sustainable land management based on these;
6. Document and assess current land use and impacts on soil, water bodies, ecosystems and communities, and recommend appropriate measures where necessary;
7. Document and assess current customary land conservation practices which should be considered in promoting sustainable land use;
8. Identify sustainable land use practices (such as farming systems and practices) that will increase the sustainable productivity of agriculture land while avoiding any form of degradation and exploitation of natural resources;
9. Review the current responsibilities and capacities of the relevant Government departments, non-government and private institutions, and make appropriate recommendations in their role for the implementation of the proposed land use policy;
10. Ensure best international practices on climate change and environmental issues are considered in the various policy interventions;
11. Review and/or draft appropriate regulations to support the implementation of the proposed State Land Use Policy;
Deliverables
The following reports are expected at the end of the consultancy:
1. A draft Land Use Policy for the Ogun State Government;
2. Draft Land Use Guidelines for the Ogun State Government;
3. Recommended regulations for the implementation of the Ogun State Land Use Policy;
4. Assessment of current fees related to land registration and transfer and recommendations for their potential alignment with best international and regional practices.
5. Aide Memoires on all consultation and workshops carried out. This should describe the consultation process followed and outcomes.
Duration
60 working days with at least 15 working days in Ogun state. A work plan with clear timelines will be finalized before commencement of the consultancy.
Recruitment Qualifications
Education:
• Relevant legal qualifications at the minimum with a Masters degree, including demonstrated legal drafting skills.
Experience:
• Minimum of 15 years’ experience working in land law administration matters.
• Demonstrated experience working on matters pertaining to land law reform in Nigeria.
• Experience with public service/ civil service administrative structures and systems in developing countries, particularly sub-Saharan African countries.
• Demonstrated experience in the field of policy review, policy drafting, implementation and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regional and international best practices related to land matters.
• Demonstrated experience in developing legal instruments on matters relating to sub national land governance.
• Demonstrated research skills
• Excellent communication skills.
• Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills.
Language Requirements:
• Excellent command of oral and written English
