Legal Specialist

Job Description

Title: Legal Specialist

Company Name: Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST)

Vacancy: 1

Age: At most 45 years

Job Location: Dhaka

Salary: Negotiable

Experience:

• At least 5 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency, Law Firm

• Bachelor of Law (LLB)
• Master of Law (LLM)

• At least 5 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency, Law Firm

• Age At most 45 years

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in legal research, human rights, and/or policy advocacy, preferably on freedom of expression, media, and/or digital rights.

• In-depth understanding of Bangladesh’s legal and regulatory framework governing media, ICT, and human rights.

• Demonstrated experience providing legal aid/advice and managing or contributing to rights-based helpdesks or legal clinics.

• Strong facilitation, training, and report-writing skills (in English and Bangla).

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with CSOs, government bodies, and international organizations.

• The Legal Specialist must adhere to BLAST’s safeguarding, inclusion, confidentiality, and data protection policies, ensuring all beneficiaries are treated with respect and fairness, with particular attention to gender and social inclusion principles.

• Women are encouraged to apply.

Job Context: The FREED project, co-implemented by BBC Media Action and BLAST, is funded by the European Commission and aims to safeguard freedom of expression in Bangladesh by empowering civil society organizations (CSOs), human rights defenders (HRDs), and independent media practitioners. The project addresses barriers to freedom of expression, particularly within digital space, while fostering inclusive debate and discussion with policymakers on rights-based issues. BLAST, as co-applicant, will lead on legal analysis, rights protection, and policy advocacy components, including the establishment of a legal helpdesk, training on laws related to freedom of expression, and engagement with policymakers on legal and regulatory reforms.

Position Description: The Legal Specialist will provide technical expertise on legal and policy issues related to freedom of expression, media freedom, and digital rights. The role includes leading legal research, advising project partners and beneficiaries on relevant laws and rights protection, managing the legal helpdesk, and supporting advocacy and policy engagement activities. Perform all other tasks as and when required by the BLAST management.      

Duties & Responsibilities:

A. Legal Analysis and Research:

• Contribute to Research Team with legal and policy analysis on laws, regulations, and judicial practices affecting freedom of expression and media freedom in Bangladesh (e.g. Draft Data Protection Ordinance, 2025, Draft National Media Commission Ordinance, 2025, Draft Journalists Protection Ordinance, 2025, Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2025, Telecommunications Networks and Licensing Policy, 2025, Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006, and Right to Information Act 2009).

• Support the development of a Freedom of Expression Legal Framework Handbook and contribute to the design and drafting of policy briefs and research publications.

• Monitor ongoing legal and policy developments relevant to digital rights, freedom of expression, and civic space, and proactively initiate to submit recommendations and statements on such developments.

B. Legal Helpdesk Management:

• Establish the project’s Legal Helpdesk to provide legal advice, guidance, and referrals to CSOs, HRDs, journalists, and marginalized communities facing restrictions, threats, or violation related to expression and information rights.

• Monitor and track documentation of cases, inquiries, and legal support provided, ensuring confidentiality and ethical compliance.

• Coordinate with BLAST’s existing legal aid services and referral networks for case follow-up.

C. Capacity Strengthening and Mentorship:

• Assist with the design and delivery of training sessions and mentoring for CSOs, HRDs, media practitioners, and youth fellows on:

• Rights-based approaches to freedom of expression and information;

• Legal and policy frameworks affecting media and digital rights;

• Safe and responsible communication in restrictive environments.

• Contribute to training materials and resource development in collaboration with project partners.

D. Policy Engagement and Advocacy Support:

• Provide support to BBC Media Action with establishing criteria for the establishment of multi-stakeholder policy dialogue groups and Civic Voice and Rights Protection Networks, and monitor action and follow up on decisions taken at the Network’s quarterly meetings.

• Support Consultants with the development of policy recommendations and advocacy briefs for reforms to promote an enabling legal environment for freedom of expression.

• Engage, in consultation with BBC Media Action, with government and policymaking bodies (e.g., Ministry of Law, National Human Rights Commission, Media Houses, ICT Division, and Law Commission) to share findings and promote constructive dialogue.

E. Coordination and Reporting:

• Coordinate closely with the BLAST project team, BBC Media Action technical specialists, and other consortium partners.

• Contribute to project planning, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring integration of legal perspectives in project activities and outputs.

• Participate in stakeholder consultations, workshops, and evaluation missions.

• T/A,Mobile bill,Tour allowance,Weekly 2 holidays
• Salary Review: Yearly
• Lunch Facilities: Partially Subsidize
• Festival Bonus: 2

• Costs of any field work will be borne by the organization.