Background

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global 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 global environment. The UNEP Law Division is the lead Division charged with carrying out the functions of UNEP in the field of environmental law, governance, and related policy issues, including those related to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). To fulfil its mandate, the work of the Law Division focuses on: leading the international community in the progressive developmental of environmental law; supporting States in the development and implementation of legal, institutional and policy measures that address emerging and important environmental challenges; facilitating cooperation and coordination among MEAs and between UNEP and those agreements; working with MEA Secretariats to support Parties to the respective MEAs in implementing their treaty obligations; and facilitating policy dialogue among States on issues relating to international environmental law and governance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of the International Rules and Procedures Unit and Chief of the Environmental Rule of Law Branch, the consultant will:

• (i) 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.
• (ii) Provide legal support to the secretariat to the Intergovernmental Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP).
• (iii) Provide legal support to UNEP Divisions and Offices concerning implementation of outcomes of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 7).
• (iv) Provide legal support to subsidiary processes of UNEA 7, including the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
• (v) 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/special skills

An advanced university degree (master’s degree, or equivalent) in international law, international environmental law, or 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. 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. Excellent research and drafting skills are desirable. Excellent organization and consultation management is desirable. Direct working experience in environmental law or environmental policy is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Additional Information

• 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.

• Excellent research and drafting skills
• Excellent organization and consultation management

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree, or equivalent) in international law, international environmental law, or 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.
• 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.