Legal Reform Adviser (SOM-9125 / SOM-9126)

3-2026 Call for Contributions — EUCAP Somalia

European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) | Published: 20.10.2026

Position Overview & Specifications

• Position Title: Legal Reform Adviser

• Reference Number: SOM-9125 / SOM-9126

• Duty Station / Location: Mogadishu

• Availability: ASAP

• Employment Regime: Seconded

• Component / Unit: Operations Department/Rule of Law Unit

• Security Clearance Level: NOT REQUIRED

• Open to Contributing Third States: NO

• Reporting Line: The Legal Reform Adviser reports to the Senior Operations Coordinator/Legal Reform Adviser.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• To work in close cooperation with Mission Legal Advisers, Chain of Prosecution Advisers, Strategic Advisers, and Police and Maritime Advisers, as well as with relevant Somali and international external counterparts;

• To support the enhancement of cooperation and coordination in the conduct of maritime crime investigations and prosecution between law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and courts in the host country;

• To strengthen the first level of the criminal justice chain,

• To advise local counterparts on legislation and best practices relevant to police/prosecutor cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector;

• To analyse, assess and advise on legislative frameworks governing the justice system in relation to crimes at sea, maritime security (including the ports) and laws regulating maritime affairs/governance including Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and, as necessary, provide respective recommendations;

• To support the development of legal drafting capabilities by mentoring, advising and training in the area of responsibility;

• To strengthen the Criminal Justice Chain and facilitate police-prosecutor co-operation, in particular to enhance the cooperation and coordination in the conduct of (maritime) criminal investigations and prosecution between law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and courts though advising, judicial institutions and other authorities, and conduct of specialised and integrated courses based on a Train to Trainer approach;

• To ensure timely reporting and information flow on justice-related issues;

• To contribute to identifying and reporting on lessons and best practices in the field of criminal justice, with particular reference to maritime related crime;

• To conduct legal research as necessary;

• To participate as required in duty trips in the area of operations of the Mission, including other high-risk areas;

• To advise on international legal standards and best practices in relation to crimes at sea, maritime security and laws regulating maritime affairs/governance including Illegal, IUU fishing among host state authorities and ensure that these aspects are incorporated in a coordinated and consistent manner in the Mission's Implementation Plan;

• To mentor and advise the Somali judiciary authorities and civilian maritime law enforcement agencies staff in order to improve their skills and entrench relevant training received into their everyday working practices;

• To build strong working relationships with justice system actors in Somalia and other key stakeholders (including international stakeholders, other EU bodies, UN organisations, countries involved in bilateral activities) focused on crimes at sea.

General Tasks and Responsibilities

• To identify and report on lessons learned and best practices within the respective area of responsibility;

• To contribute and ensure timely reporting on activities within the respective area of responsibility;

• To take account of gender equality and human rights aspects in the execution of tasks;

• To undertake any other related tasks as requested by the Line Manager(s).

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Successful completion of university studies of at least 3 years attested by a diploma in law OR a qualification in the National Qualifications Framework which is equivalent to level 6 in the European Qualifications Framework OR a qualification of the first cycle under the framework of qualifications of the European Higher Education Area, e.g. Bachelor's Degree OR equivalent and attested police and/or military education or training or an award of an equivalent rank; AND

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, after having fulfilled the education requirements.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal reform processes in fragile environments, including the development of legal policy and legislation;

• Knowledge of Maritime Law, including relevant conventions, such as UNCLOS and IMO conventions and experience in implementation of international conventions;

• Sound knowledge of EU Maritime Strategy and related policies;

• Knowledge of policies, legislative, regulatory and organisational aspects of Coast Guard functions, maritime administration and maritime security;

• Experience in mentoring or conducting legal training;

• Legal drafting skills.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Experience in the field of legislative/normative/regulatory reforms in a post-conflict situation;

• Experience in criminal justice reform either domestically or internationally;

• Experience in Maritime Law and/or Maritime Administration;

• International experience, particularly in crisis areas with multinational and/or international organizations.

• Knowledge of constitutional law, human rights law and practices;

• Critical thinking and active listening;

• Complex problem-solving skills;

• Knowledge in developing and providing effective eLearning courses.

Application Procedure & Guidelines

Deadline for applications: 12 November 2026 at 17:00 (Brussels time / CET).

Candidates holding the citizenship of an EU Member State must apply using Goalkeeper:

• Already registered on Goalkeeper with EU Login: https://goalkeeper.eeas.europa.eu/registrar/web

• New applicant without a Goalkeeper account or EU Login: https://goalkeeper.eeas.europa.eu/registrar/web/DPA/357/details.do

• Seconded Positions: Some positions are only accessible to Seconded candidates. Please contact your National Seconding Authority (NSA) to be included in their list of seconded candidates. A Goalkeeper profile is required.

• Contributing Third States (CTS): Seconded candidates from contributing Third States (non-EU) must contact their NSA and submit their application through official national channels using Annex 3 application form.

• Recruitment Contact: For information relating to selection and recruitment, contact Civilian Operations Headquarters (CivOpsHQ): Mr. Moha CHARKI via [email protected]

Official Mission Documents

• Annex 1 - Requirements and Job Descriptions: Download Annex 1 (PDF)

• Annex 2 - List of Recommended Equipment: Download Annex 2 (PDF)

• CivOpsHQ Privacy Statement: Download Privacy Statement (PDF)