The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world's environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the environment.
This role is for an Environmental Law Specialist, operating as a consultant under the supervision of the Head of the International Rules and Procedures Unit and Chief of the Environmental Rule of Law Branch.
Duties and Responsibilities
The consultant will undertake the following key responsibilities:
- Provide legal advice on the mandate and international status of UNEP, its Governing Bodies, its rules of procedure, and UN resolutions that are applicable to its work.
- Provide legal support to the secretariat to the Intergovernmental Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP).
- Provide legal support to UNEP Divisions and Offices concerning implementation of outcomes of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 7).
- Provide legal support to subsidiary processes of UNEA 7, including the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
- Conduct research into and provide advice on questions of public international law, international environmental law, and related questions including provisions of the UN Charter, other UN organs, UN Conventions and Treaties, and other international organizations.
Qualifications and Special Skills
Education and Qualifications
- An advanced university degree (master’s degree, or equivalent) in international law, international environmental law, or a related field is required.
- A first-level degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
- A minimum of five years of progressive working experience in international law, environmental law, environmental policy, or a related field is required.
- Experience at the international level, including with United Nations system organizations, or with international science-policy making bodies is desirable.
- Experience in institutional legal matters related to managing legal processes of international organizations is desirable.
- Direct working experience in environmental law or environmental policy is desirable.
Key Skills and Competencies (Desirable)
- Excellent research and drafting skills are desirable.
- Excellent organization and consultation management is desirable.