The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment/UNEP) 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, Legal Affairs Consultant, supports UNEP’s mission by providing expert legal advice and services, operating under the direct supervision of the Head of the Legal Unit. The Consultant ensures clarity, consistency, and compliance with UN rules and UNEP policies across various institutional operations.
Responsibilities
The consultant will undertake the following key duties:
- Conduct legal research and analysis on complex issues of international, institutional, administrative, and commercial law to support UNEP’s operations.
- Review, draft, and negotiate legal instruments—including Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Programme Cooperation Agreements (PCAs), donor agreements, and consultancy contracts—ensuring clarity, consistency, and compliance with UN rules and UNEP policies.
- Prepare clear, well-reasoned legal opinions, memoranda, and background papers on issues including privacy and data protection, implementation arrangements, and institutional law.
- Identify and advise on potential legal and compliance risks, particularly in third-party arrangements, to support sound risk management.
- Provide legal advice on administrative and procedural matters, including support for management evaluation or tribunal proceedings as required.
- Contribute to the servicing of the work of committees, task forces, and working groups by providing legal input and preparing related documentation.
- Contribute to the development and improvement of legal templates, guidance materials, and knowledge management tools.
- Contribute to internal capacity-building efforts and ensure that legal advice is practical and accessible to non-legal staff.
Qualifications and Special Skills
Education
- An advanced university degree (LL.M.) in international law, public law, or a related field is required.
- A first-level university degree plus two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably within the UN system or a similar international organization, is required.
- Experience in international institutional law, administrative law, and/or commercial contracts is required. Legal analysis, research, and writing experience is also required.
- Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.
- Familiarity with UN legal frameworks, including implementation arrangements and partnerships, is desirable.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong legal analytical and drafting skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
