Service Contract Opportunity – Legal Consultant (Retainer)

We are seeking a qualified Legal Consultant (individual or firm) to establish a strategic legal partnership on a retainer basis. This engagement will support Noonu Atoll Company (Noonu LAC), the Noonu Atoll Administration, and the Island Councils in navigating legal and regulatory requirements while ensuring compliance and effective strategic decision-making.

Scope of Services

The Legal Consultant will provide the following services, tailored to meet our legal needs:

a. General Legal Advisory: Provide comprehensive legal guidance on all relevant Maldivian laws to Noonu Atoll Company, the Atoll Administration, and Island Councils, covering diverse areas like corporate, contract, employment, environmental, and local governance. Offer timely responses to legal inquiries from staff across all entities to support effective decision-making.

b. Contractual Matters: Manage all contractual aspects, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements related to infrastructure, public service, and resource management within the Atoll. Provide expert advice on contractual obligations, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies for projects and initiatives undertaken by the Atoll and Island Councils.

c. Regulatory Compliance & Permitting: Proactively monitor and advise on legislative and regulatory changes impacting the Company, Atoll Administration, and Island Councils, with a focus on land use, environmental protection, and local governance. Assist in ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and facilitate the acquisition of necessary permits and licenses for projects within the Atoll.

d. Dispute Resolution & Litigation: Develop and implement effective dispute resolution strategies, including negotiation and mediation, to address legal conflicts. Represent the entities in dispute resolution processes and provide strategic advice on litigation, focusing on local governance and public interest matters.

e. Corporate & Local Governance: Provide expert advice on corporate governance for Noonu Atoll Company and local governance for the Atoll Administration and Island Councils, ensuring compliance with relevant laws. Assist in drafting and maintaining legal documentation tailored to local governance needs.

f. Legal Training & Capacity Building: Conduct specialized legal training and workshops for management and staff across all entities, focusing on legal issues relevant to local development, environmental management, and public service delivery.

g. Legal Research & Analysis: Conduct in-depth legal research and analysis on matters related to local governance, environmental law, and development projects, providing clear and actionable insights.

h. Meeting Attendance & Consultation: Attend meetings of the Company, Atoll Administration, and Island Councils as required, providing legal counsel and support for strategic decision-making.

Deliverables

The Consultant will provide the following deliverables:

a. Timely and accurate legal advice.

b. Drafted and reviewed legal documents.

c. Reports on legal and regulatory changes.

d. Legal training materials.

e. Regular reports of work completed.

Qualifications and Experience

We invite applications from individuals or firms meeting the following criteria:

The Consultant must possess the following qualifications and experience:

a. A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university (if a firm, this will apply to individual members of the team).

b. A valid legal practice license in the Republic of Maldives.

c. Minimum 03 years of experience in legal practice, preferably in civil and/or corporate law.

d. Strong understanding of Maldivian laws and regulations.

e. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

f. Ability to provide clear and practical legal advice.

g. Proven experience in contract drafting and negotiation.

h. Experience representing clients in dispute resolution.

i. Experience in litigation.

Term of Engagement

The initial engagement will be for one year, renewable upon mutual agreement.

Retainer Fee Proposal

Proposals should include:

a. Proposed Monthly Retainer fee in Maldivian Rufiyaa for the scope of services provided.

b. Proposal for an hourly rate in Maldivian Rufiyaa for billing of additional services beyond the scope of the retainer, including but not limited to litigation services, provided by the Consultant.

c. Payment terms for billable activities.

Submission Requirements

Interested individuals or firms should submit their proposals by 14:00hrs on 18th March 2025. Submissions may be made electronically to admin@noonunaturally.com or in person in a sealed envelope to the following address:

Operations Department, Noonu Atoll Company LAC.LTD.
Secretariat of the Noonu Atoll Council, Noonu Manadhoo

The submission should include the following documents:

For Individuals:

• Letter of Expression of Interest (EOI).

• Copy of National ID Card.

• Copies of Educational Certificates.

• Copy of valid Legal License.

• Curriculum Vitae with relevant experience and skills.

• Reference letters from current or previous employers.

For Firms:

• Letter of Expression of Interest (EOI).

• Business Registration Certificate.

• Tax Clearance Report.

• Copy of National ID Card of assigned representative.

• Firm profile showcasing capacity to handle the described scope of work.

• Reference letters showing a minimum total engagement of 3 years.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:

• Educational Qualification 40

Accredited Certificate – 20.
Valid Legal Practice License – 20.

• Experience – 20.

• Performance Review (Based on referral information received) 10

• Interpersonal Skills (Interview) 30

We encourage qualified legal professionals and firms to apply for this valuable opportunity to support our strategic objectives. For further inquiries, please contact us at admin@noonunaturally.com.

We look forward to receiving your applications.