Legal Consultant to Conduct Legislative Analysis on women's safety online in the Philippines (Short-term opportunity)

Program Information

Development Gateway: An IREX Venture (DG) is an international non-profit organization with team members based in more than 10 countries worldwide. For over 20 years, DG has researched data ecosystems, built digital tools to support those data ecosystems, and advised on data strategy and digital transformation to strengthen decision-making, transparency, and service delivery. DG has expertise in deploying digital tools in agriculture, health, aid management, data & data strategy, extractives, information management systems, open contracting & procurement, and beyond. We support a variety of partners in over seventy countries around the globe to better collect, analyze, visualize, and use data by building digital tools, creating strong incentive structures and processes, and providing training and support.

Development Gateway and IREX, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, are implementing a joint initiative which will result in evidence and models for effective, survivor-centered, and scalable responses to women's safety online. The National Models for Women's Safety Online (NMWSO) initiative will operate in Kenya and the Philippines. The goal of the project is to expand learning and evidence around what policy, regulatory, and technology approaches could work to address women's safety online to create an action-oriented agenda to curb technology-facilitated gender-based discrimination and empower women’s digital inclusion, and participation in technology and leadership.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Legal Consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the legislative and regulatory frameworks governing digital engagement and online spaces in the Philippines, with a focus on women's safety online. This includes analyzing existing laws, policies, and enforcement mechanisms, identifying gaps and challenges, and evaluating alignment with international and regional legal standards. The consultant will also assess institutional responses, including law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and judicial processes, to identify barriers to justice, accountability, and victim protection.

Anticipated Tasks

The Legal Consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of the Philippine legislative and regulatory frameworks governing women's safety online and digital engagement. Specifically, the consultant will:

• Conduct a desk review of relevant Philippine laws, policies, and regulations addressing women's digital rights, cybersecurity, and online safety. This includes, but is not limited to, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175), Data Privacy Act (RA 10173), and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 10364).
• Analyze the alignment of Philippine legislation with regional and international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), ASEAN Declaration on the Elimination of VAW, and UN resolutions on digital rights and gender-based violence.
• Assess enforcement mechanisms, regulatory structures, and judicial practices related to women's safety online by examining the roles of key agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), among others.
• Identify gaps, challenges, and barriers in the legislative and regulatory environment, including implementation and enforcement issues, and propose targeted interventions to enhance legal protections and victim support systems.
• Prepare a detailed report documenting the findings, legal mapping, and policy analysis, incorporating actionable recommendations to strengthen legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and institutional coordination in addressing women's safety online in the Philippines.

Expected Deliverables

1. Deliverable 1: Research plan outlining the methodology, scope, and timeline for the legislative and regulatory review
2. Deliverables 2: Results of legislative/regulatory mapping and draft report summarizing findings on the Philippine legislative and regulatory framework for technology-facilitated gender based violence, including gaps and challenges.
3. Deliverables 3: Finalized report incorporating feedback from DG and the NMWSO team, with actionable recommendations for improving the legislative and regulatory environment.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate must have:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B or Juris Doctor) from a recognized university in the Philippines. Must be a Philippine-licensed lawyer and a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in good standing.
2. Experience: At least three (3) years of experience conducting legal research, policy analysis, and legislative review.
3. Legal Expertise: Proven track record in legal analysis related to gender-based violence, digital rights, human rights, or other relevant fields in the Philippines.
4. Knowledge of Philippine Laws: Strong understanding of Philippine legal systems, including constitutional, civil, criminal, and administrative laws.
5. Research and Writing Skills: Ability to analyze and synthesize complex legal documents and policies, with excellent legal writing skills.
6. Language Proficiency: Excellent written and oral command of English and Filipino.
7. Location: Must be physically based in the Philippines and familiar with the country’s legal and policy landscape.

Engagement Terms

This is a part-time consultancy.The consultant is expected to commit 10 days of effort distributed across March 2025.Work will be conducted remotely, with virtual coordination and collaboration. This position will be based in Manila, Philippines with a competitive hourly consulting rate of $25–$30.

How to Apply?

Please submit your letter of interest including the proposed daily rate for the work, a CV with a cover letter demonstrating previous related experience and a list of 3 references.

To apply, visit developmentgateway.org/careers/ and submit application by March 6, 2025. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.This position is open until filled.