Senior International Expert on editing and mark-up of laws for e-Legislation platform

Background:
The “e-Legislation Support for Albania” is an OSCE PiA project through funding from the Swiss Government.  Continued support to complete and consolidate the process of technological advance in legislative process for the Albania Parliament to be able to provide an authoritative source of consolidated legislation for the country has been the main focus of this project. To date, four key software components have been developed. The first three components ensure that legislative documents are formatted and standardized according to Akomo Ntoso standards, facilitating efficient and accurate drafting and editing of legislative texts. The fourth component, the Search Engine/Portal, provides advanced search capabilities for fast and precise data retrieval, even as the volume of documents and users grows. Once launched, the Portal will serve as a central platform for both the Assembly and the public to access consolidated legal documents transparently. Due to emerging developments and increased workload in the second half of the year of 2024 the handover process of the software components is taking place during 1st half of 2025. Need for further refinement of technical documentation, testing preparation, and additional IT staff training to effectively be able to run and maintain the software components once they start operating from the Assembly’s servers have been identified to include also testing of the software components in the environment of the Assembly. 

Objective of Assignment: 
Support Assembly’s staffers with capacity building/development sessions on the use of the LIME Editor, to strengthen and  consolidate the knowledge for the effective use of the tools in implementing e-legislation, provide on need-basis technical support in the markup process for at least 35 Laws from 2023-2024, and provide technical support for the development of a set of XML templates for the standardization of the law-making process to ensure compatibility with the AkomoNtoso language format. 

Duration of Assignment:
This consultancy is envisaged to last for a period of 2 months during potentially May-June 2025.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Capacity building and development:
Based on the identified needs of the Assembly’s staffers in March 2025, design and deliver training session to build the capacities of the Assembly of Albania’s Legal, IT and Archive Service staffers on the use of the LIME Editor software, refresh/reinforce the knowledge acquired through previous sessions regarding the functionalities of Lime Editor and the Akoma Ntoso standard, and strengthen the skills to process (mark-up and consolidate) different types of laws. Help Assembly staffers document new tools and systems introduced in an e-Legislation framework using a "learn by doing" approach. By adopting a "learn by doing" approach, Assembly staffers will not only become proficient in using the new tools/systems but also actively contribute to creating high-quality, user-friendly documentation. This collaborative process ensures that the e-

Capacity building and development:
Based on the identified needs of the Assembly’s staffers in March 2025, design and deliver training session to build the capacities of the Assembly of Albania’s Legal, IT and Archive Service staffers on the use of the LIME Editor software, refresh/reinforce the knowledge acquired through previous sessions regarding the functionalities of Lime Editor and the Akoma Ntoso standard, and strengthen the skills to process (mark-up and consolidate) different types of laws. Help Assembly staffers document new tools and systems introduced in an e-Legislation framework using a "learn by doing" approach. By adopting a "learn by doing" approach, Assembly staffers will not only become proficient in using the new tools/systems but also actively contribute to creating high-quality, user-friendly documentation. This collaborative process ensures that the e-Legislation framework is effectively adopted and utilized.

Standardization of law-making process through standardized templates:

Provide technical support and in a joint process with the legal and IT staff of the Assembly, and in coordination with the Project Team, guide the development of a set of XML templates designed to standardize the law-making process (amendment, bill etc.), ensuring they are fully compatible with the AkomoNtoso language format 
Technical assistance for generating consolidated legislative texts with the new e-legislation system:

Advise and provide on need basis technical support/ guidance to the Assembly of Albania, particularly the Legal, IT and Archive Service staffers for the generation of legislative texts, bringing at least 35 Laws in their consolidated form to be published in the e-Legislative Portal.

Deliverables:

Up to one in-person training in Tirana and the preparation of a dedicated program for  capacity building and development sessions during the visit and/or remotely  to enhance the proficiency of the Assembly personnel in using Lime Editor. The capacity building sessions should include practical exercises and interactive sessions to allow participants to gain practical experience in utilizing the editor and its mark-up and consolidation features. 

Evaluate the effectiveness of the training and the knowledge gained by participants through focus group discussions or evaluation forms. This will assess participants' needs and expectations before the training, as well as the effectiveness of the program and the progress made by participants post-training.

Develop/deliver at least two sets of XML templates to standardize the law drafting process (e.g., amendment, bill etc.) ensuring fully compatibility with the AkomoNtoso language format, developed in collaboration with the legal, IT staff, and Project Team.

Provide a snapshot report detailing the technical support provided, outlining the collaborative process with the legal and IT staff of the Assembly, and the final specifications/recommendations of the XML templates for law-making standardization.

At least 35 Laws in their consolidated form are published in the e-Legislation Portal: In close collaboration with the OSCE Expert Operators and the Assembly key staffers/focal points, provide on need basis technical support and guidance for the markup process of at least 35 Laws to bring them in their consolidated form, ready to be published in the e-Legislation Portal. 

Develop a report outlining the step-by-step process, including critical issues/challenges for consideration, and proposed solutions. 

Necessary Qualifications:

•    University degree in computer science, Legal Informatics or information technology.
•    In-depth knowledge of the Akoma Ntoso programming language and its application in legislative processes.
•    Extensive experience in delivering training programs related to the use of e-Legislation platforms and XML-based mark-up standards.
•    Strong proficiency in the functionality and capabilities of the e-Legislation platform or similar legislative information management systems.
•    Excellent facilitation and training skills, with the ability to engage participants and deliver content effectively.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.