Terms of Reference - Legal Service Provider (lawyer)
The purpose of this TOR is to engage a qualified attorney or law firm to provide comprehensive legal services to Right To Play in Lebanon. The selected service provider will be responsible for offering legal advice, managing contracts, representing the organization in legal matters, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting our operations across various legal areas.
3.Scope of Services
The attorney or law firm selected will provide a wide range of legal services, including but not limited to the following:
a.Legal Consultation and Advice:
- Labor Law: Provide advice on employment matters including drafting and reviewing employment contracts, handling termination procedures, ensuring compliance with Lebanese labor laws, and advising on employee rights.
- Employment Policies: Support on the development of employment policies and practices in compliance with the Lebanese Legislation
- Regulatory Compliance: Provide guidance on compliance with Lebanese tax laws, NSSF regulations, and other relevant legal requirements, including representation in any disputes with tax authorities in coordination with the Tax advisor.
- Risk Management: Advise on potential legal risks associated with Right To Play’s activities and recommend measures to mitigate these risks.
b.Contract Management:
- Drafting and Reviewing Contracts: Ensure that all contracts are legally sound, align with organizational policies and Lebanese laws, and protect Right To Play’s interests. This includes employment contracts, vendor agreements, lease contracts, and partnership agreements.
- Contract Templates: Develop and maintain contract templates that comply with Lebanese law and meet the organization’s operational needs. Negotiation: Assist in the negotiation of contract terms with third parties, ensuring favorable outcomes for Right To Play.
c.Regulatory Compliance and Liaison:
- Government Relations: Introducing and following up administrative proceedings at the different Lebanese governmental departments and other parties, coordinating with ministries ( MOF, MOL, MOI…) , This focuses more on managing and ensuring the completion of specific tasks or processes, such as approvals, paperwork, and compliance issues, such as finalizing the process of issuing the authorization letter ..
- Work Permits and Residency: Assist in obtaining and renewing work permits and residency cards for expatriate staff and staff with courtesy residency اقام ة مجاملة , ensuring all legal requirements are met.
- Monitoring Legal Changes: Monitor and advise on changes in legislation that may impact Right To Play’s perations, ensuring proactive compliance with new regulations.
d.Dispute Resolution and Litigation:
- Legal Representation: Represent Right To Play in any legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation, to protect the organization’s interests.
- Case Management: Manage all aspects of legal disputes, from filing claims to defending against lawsuits, including preparing legal documents, attending court hearings, and negotiating settlements.
- Administrative Claims: Handle any administrative claims or disputes with local authorities or other entities.
e.Crisis Management and Emergency Legal Support:
- Immediate Legal Support: Offer immediate legal assistance in crisis situations, such as sudden regulatory changes, legal disputes, or incidents that could affect the organization’s legal standing.
- Crisis Response Planning: Assist in developing crisis response plans, including legal protocols for handling emergencies and minimizing risks.
4.Deliverables
The legal service provider is expected to deliver the following:
- Updates on any significant legal developments that may impact Right To Play’s operations.
b.Contract Documentation:
- Draft and provide legally compliant contracts, agreements, and templates as needed by the organization.
- Ensure all contracts are signed, executed, and stored properly in Right To Play’s legal documentation system.
c.Legal Opinions and Memoranda:
- Provide written legal opinions and memoranda on specific legal issues upon request, offering clear, actionable advice on complex legal matters.
- Address any inquiries from Right To Play’s management team regarding legal risks and compliance.
d.Litigation and Dispute Resolution Reports:
- Prepare and submit reports on any ongoing litigation or dispute resolution efforts, including progress updates, strategies, and outcomes.
- Maintain comprehensive records of all legal proceedings, including court filings, correspondence, and settlement agreements.
e.Crisis Management Documentation:
- Provide detailed legal protocols and crisis management plans to guide the organization in handling legal emergencies.
- Submit reports on any crisis situations addressed, including actions taken and recommendations for future prevention.
5.Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate or firm will possess the following qualifications:
- Licensed to practice law in Lebanon, with an active registration.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience providing legal services, particularly to NGOs or international organizations.
- Proven expertise in Lebanese labor law, contract law, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience in representing clients in litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
- Experience in the establishment and operation of NGOs, as well as experience in taxes, employment, contracts, procurement, litigation, dispute and crisis management
- Fluency in both English and Arabic, with strong legal drafting skills in both languages.
6.Timeline and Duration
- Contract Period: The contract will be effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
- Renewal Option: The contract may be renewed for an additional year based on performance and mutual agreement.
7.Reporting and Communication
- Reporting Line: The legal service provider will report directly to the Country Director of Right To Play in Lebanon
- Regular Communication: The provider is expected to maintain regular communication with Right To Play’s management team, including scheduled check-ins and ad-hoc consultations as needed.
- The lawyer should be available to address queries through multiple communication channels, including WhatsApp, WhatsApp calls, emails, text messages, and regular phone calls. In urgent cases, queries may arise outside of regular working hours, including evenings and weekends, and the lawyer is expected to provide timely responses when necessary.
8.Budget and Payment Terms
- Payment Structure: The legal service provider will be compensated with a fixed annual fee, split into two equal payments.
- First Payment: 50% of the total fee will be paid at the beginning of the contract period, upon signing the agreement.
- Second Payment: The remaining 50% will be paid at the end of the contract period, upon satisfactory completion of all services and
Invoicing Requirements:
- The service provider must submit an invoice for each payment period.
- Invoices should detail the services provided during the period and include any relevant documentation or deliverables.
- Payments will be processed within 30 days of receiving the invoice.
How to apply
9.selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Experience and Expertise: The candidate’s experience in providing legal services, particularly in the context of NGOs and international organizations.
- Understanding of Scope: The ability to clearly demonstrate an understanding of the legal needs of Right To Play and propose a coherent approach to meeting those needs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The financial proposal should provide value for money while ensuring comprehensive legal support.
- References and Reputation: Positive references from previous clients and a proven track record of successful legal representation and advice.
10.Proposal submission
Interested Individuals are requested to submit the following documents:
- Financial proposal (signed and stamped) – Right to Play template attached
- Legal Documents, law firm registration, Bar Association Membership Card بطاقة
- الانتساب الى نقابة المحامين and ID card.
- CV of key persons involved and the portfolio of the attorney or law firm
- 2 relevant and updated experience with contact details.
Proposal Deadline: October 30th, 2024
Kindly submit the proposal with requested documents by October 30th, 2024, to the following email address:
[email protected]
For more clarification regarding the proposal contact Mrs. Mariam Zaytoun.
[email protected]
11.Confidentiality
All information provided by Right To Play must be treated with strict confidentiality and must not be disclosed to third parties without prior consent. The service provider will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement upon contract award.
12.Terms and Conditions
Right To Play reserves the right to amend or cancel this TOR at any time. The selected attorney or law firm will be required to enter into a standard service contract with Right To Play, including provisions for confidentiality, compliance with local laws, and dispute resolution.
Incomplete proposals will not be considered, and early submissions are encouraged. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Competitive budgets would be considered.