Position Description

EnCompass LLC seeks two experienced and highly motivated Legal Researcher and Cultural Technical Expert to undertake a comprehensive review of existing legislation pertaining to Jordan's creative and cultural industries. The successful candidate will also be responsible for analyzing best practices from around the world, particularly in countries with similar contexts to Jordan.

The primary objective of this consultancy is to produce legal research, draft legislation, and a policy paper. These documents will offer a thorough examination of existing gaps and opportunities within the legislative framework. Additionally, they will serve as the basis for practical measures and policy recommendations aimed at improving the legal framework and fostering the growth of the creative and cultural industries in Jordan.

The assignment will be guided and reviewed by the USAID Makanati Sr. Government Lead and the Sr. Community and Gender Lead as well as a representative from the Ministry of Culture (MoC). The assignment will be managed by the USAID Makanati Workforce Policy Lab and Research Manager.

This position is a short-term consultancy based in Amman, Jordan, and be delivered by two experts: technical and legal experts. It is anticipated that the assignment will be delivered jointly and in phases.

Expected level of effort:

• Up to 35 days

Period of performance: March 2024 – June 2024

Start date: on/around 20 March 2024 (subject to change)

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Expert Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct desk research on creative industries, including definition, current context, and type of activities classified as part of the sector.
• Map the current stakeholders operating as part of the creative industries.
• Meet, consult, and validate with relevant government bodies, industry professionals, and cultural organizations to ensure a holistic review and assessment from the perspective of all stakeholders.
• Research and benchmark against international best practices in countries with similar cultural and economic contexts as Jordan.
• Analyze successful policies and strategies that have effectively supported the growth of creative and cultural industries globally.

It is anticipated that this research phase will take up to 20 days.

Legal Expert Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct a thorough legal analysis of existing legislation related to the creative and cultural industries in Jordan.
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement in the current legal framework.
• Consult and validate findings with legal experts and Industry stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the legislative landscape.
• Propose a legal framework to regulate the creative industries and identify relevant responsible entities for hosting the new law/ by law.
• Identify the legal steps within a reasonable time framework for the proposed policy reform.

It is anticipated that the second research phase will take up to 15 days.

Upon completing the legal review, the consultants are tasked with generating a thorough report. This report should detail the current legislations and policies that either organize, support or impose constraints on the creative industry in Jordan. Additionally, the consultants are required to pinpoint exemplary legal practices observed in analogous countries supporting the creative industry.

It is expected that the technical and legal experts work closely to develop the final document with recommendations. The joint tasks will include the following:

• Develop a comprehensive research finding report and analysis leading to a recommendation with a draft legislation and policy paper based on the findings from the legislative review and international best practices.
• Produce a presentation on the findings of the research to deliver to the government and industry stakeholders in Arabic and English.
• Design and conduct a validation session with the Ministry of Culture staff and the industry stakeholders, and partners.
• Based on the validation session, finalize the research paper and its legal recommendations including the new proposed regulation.

It is anticipated that the final research phase will take up to 7 days.

Upon completing the legal review, the consultants are tasked with generating a thorough report. This report should detail the current legislations and policies that either organize, support or impose constraints on the creative industry in Jordan. Additionally, the consultants are required to pinpoint exemplary legal practices observed in analogous countries supporting the creative industry.

It is expected that the technical and legal experts work closely to develop the final document with recommendations. The joint tasks will include the following:

• Develop a comprehensive research finding report and analysis leading to a recommendation with a draft legislation and policy paper based on the findings from the legislative review and international best practices.
• Produce a presentation on the findings of the research to deliver to the government and industry stakeholders in Arabic and English.
• Design and conduct a validation session with the Ministry of Culture staff and the industry stakeholders, and partners.
• Based on the validation session, finalize the research paper and its legal recommendations including the new proposed regulation.

It is anticipated that the final research phase will take up to 7 days.

* The LOE is 7 days for each consultant.

This final report must include but not be limited to:

1. Comprehensive Legislation Review:

A detailed report summarizing the findings of the comprehensive review of existing legislation related to the creative and cultural industries in Jordan.

1. Global Best Practices Analysis:

A report outlining the analysis of best practices from around the world, with a specific focus on countries sharing similar contexts to Jordan, including key insight, actionable recommendations, and lessons learned.

1. Draft Legislation, with policy analysis & recommendations

The development of a draft document (legislation, position paper, or policy paper) that outlines proposed changes, recommendations, and strategic initiatives to enhance and promote the creative and cultural industries in Jordan.

1. Presentation in Arabic and English to be shared with the Ministry of Culture, and key industry stakeholders and partners.
2. Supporting Documentation:

Any supplementary documentation, references, or supporting materials used in the research and drafting process.

These deliverables collectively aim to provide a comprehensive and actionable framework for enhancing and promoting the creative and cultural industries in Jordan, aligning with the goals and aspirations of relevant stakeholders, and contributing to the overall development of the sector.

Position Requirements

Qualifications

Academic Qualifications

• A degree in law, public policy, cultural studies, or a related field. (A master's degree is preferred)

Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in legal research and analysis, particularly with a focus on cultural and creative industries, is preferable.
• Familiarity with Jordan's legislative processes and structures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

How to Apply

Please submit CV and complete the application on the Careers & Consulting page.

EnCompass LLC is a progressive Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote, celebrate, and support a diverse and inclusive organizational culture and workforce. We are committed to providing all of our employees with an environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all are treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate, and explicitly prohibit, discrimination or harassment of any kind, at any time, in all aspects of employment. This includes recruitment, hiring, promotions, disciplinary measures, terminations, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, and training. EnCompass also does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or harassment. Our continuing commitment to the principle of Equal Opportunity Employment for all means all employment decisions are based only on the job requirements, the candidate’s qualifications, and the needs of EnCompass as a business—not on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, belief, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, HIV status, family/marital/parental status, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we work.