1. Contracting Authority
Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment (MHSE)
2. Background
Malta’s small geographic size, high population density, and strategic location in the central Mediterranean make it particularly exposed to sudden, large-scale arrivals of irregular migrants and high volumes of asylum applications.
The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) plays a critical role in Malta’s asylum system. Established under the International Protection Act (Chapter 420 of the Laws of Malta), IPAT is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals lodged by individuals seeking international protection.
3. Scope of Services
The purpose of this Call is to support the work of IPAT through the provision of professional legal and analytical services, particularly in relation to:
- The International Protection Act (Cap. 420); and
- The Dublin III Regulation (EU) No. 604/2013.
The Legal Rapporteur shall work a minimum of 8 hours but a maximum of 10 hours per week.
4. Location
Services shall be provided at the premises of the IPAT, 15, First Floor, City Gate Buildings, Ordnance Street, Valletta,
5. Specific Activities
The Legal Rapporteur shall deliver expert, unbiased legal research, analysis, and drafting support to the Tribunal, which shall at the minimum include:
- Assisting in the judicial process and participating in proceedings pending before the Tribunal at the request of the Tribunal;
- Conducting thorough legal research on points of law, precedent, and relevant legislation and regulations applicable to appeals before the Tribunal;
- Preparing detailed reports for Tribunal Members summarising facts, identifying legal issues, presenting the applicable legal framework, and suggesting possible legal conclusions;
- Assisting in the preparation and drafting of decisions as instructed by the Tribunal;
- Verifying citations, references, and sources to ensure legal accuracy and reliability;
- Liaising with Tribunal staff and with other stakeholders, including the International Protection Agency and appellants’ legal counsel, as directed by the Tribunal.
Remuneration:
- €20.00 per hour (exclusive of VAT) and an additional €15.00 (exclusive of VAT) per case
decided by the Tribunal.
6. Selection Criteria
Applicants must:
- Submit an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- Provide a copy of certification in Law with a minimum of MQF level 6 (60 ECTS) from the University of Malta;
- Provide a police conduct certificate issued within the past 6 months.
- Provide a written statement of availability confirming the ability to support the Tribunal for a minimum of 8 hours and up to a maximum of 10 hours per week – attached Form.
- Submit a declaration confirming the absence of any conflict of interest using the attached Form.
7. Award Criteria
Eligible applicants who express interest within the established deadline will be invited for an interview. Evaluation will focus on:
- Previous experience, particularly in legal research and drafting;
- Familiarity with asylum and migration law.
8. Contractual Conditions
The selected Legal Rapporteur must:
- Attend all required training and briefing sessions;
- Uphold confidentiality, impartiality, and ethical standards at all times;
- Declare the absence of any conflict of interest through the attached Declaration Form;
- Acknowledge that MHSE reserves the right to terminate the contract immediately in case of non-performance of duties or breach of confidentiality, impartiality and ethical standards.
9. Contract Execution
The contract shall commence upon signature and remain valid for two (2) years with the possibility of two (2) extensions of six (6) months each or until reaching the contract limit.
One month prior to the termination of service under this Contract, the Legal Rapporteur shall give notice in writing whether he/she desires to renew this contract and MHSE shall thereupon determine whether it will extend this engagement for a further period.
On the expiry or earlier termination of this Contract, the Legal Rapporteur shall promptly withdraw and return to MHSE all documentation, information and any other asset/s whatsoever which the Legal Rapporteur may have in his/her possession or under his/her control directly through his/her service with MHSE.
If MHSE offers the Legal Rapporteur an extension, this shall be on such terms and for such periods as may be mutually agreed upon.
MHSE may, without fault or liability and at any time, terminate this contract forthwith at no costs additional to those due in respect of rendered services.
The Legal Rapporteur may, at any time after expiration of one month from the commencement of the Contract date, terminate his/her engagement by giving one month’s advance notice in writing
10. Operational Assumptions
In the event of a decline in the number of appeals, the Tribunal may require fewer hours of service than those stipulated in the Selection Criteria.
11. Management and Reporting Structure
The Legal Rapporteur shall operate under the direct supervision of the Chairperson of IPAT. The Legal Rapporteur may also be requested to liaise with the Administration of MHSE on administrative matters as required.
12. Reporting Requirements
Monthly timesheets, duly signed by both the Legal Rapporteur and the Chairperson of IPAT, indicating the number of hours performed and the appeal decisions worked upon need to be submitted to the Administration of MHSE.
13. Terms of Service
This Expression of Interest does not constitute public employment and does not confer any employment or tenure rights with the Government of Malta.
14. Submission of interest
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, together with their CV, the certifications and declaration as indicated in point (6), to [email protected] by no later than 17 December 2025 at noon.