Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

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 development 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. The activities of the Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit (FELU) in the Law Division are founded on the mission of UNEP to provide leadership and advice on matters related to international environmental law and emerging environmental law issues to governments and other stakeholders. The Unit is responsible for the progressive development of international environmental law and the promotion of environmental rule of law across the UN system. The Unit implements decisions from UNEP’s Governing Body – the United Nations Environment Assembly - where it is responsible and provides legal advice to programmes and activities of UNEP’s other substantive Divisions in the area of international environmental law. UNEP has been working on creating enabling and empowering environments to accelerate the transition towards circular and sustainable economies, thereby reducing pollution. In this regard, the development and implementation of policies and legislation play a pivotal role to enable a just transition. UNEP Law Division wishes to engage the services of a consultant to support the Division’s legal work on pollution, particularly to build on its efforts in delivering technical support to countries in the development and implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, and to advance the policy/legal components of the UNEP Textiles and Plastics Initiatives.

Responsibilities or duties

Under the guidance of the Acting Head of the Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit and in consultation with the Industry and Economy Division, the consultant is expected to:

• (a) build on existing research and analysis to synthesize key insights and learnings on EPR design and implementation across sectors.
• (b) organize and assist in the organization of dialogues to facilitate the exchanges of experience and lessons learned among governments on EPR design and implementation.
• (c) document and support the dissemination of key findings from the EPR-related work.
• (d) support project proposals and knowledge products development on textile regulations and laws.
• (e) provide legal support for the scoping and development of textiles policies in targeted developing countries;
• (f) develop and deliver trainings for policymakers and other stakeholders on best practices and examples of textiles laws and regulations to support countries to transition towards a circular and sustainable economy.
• (g) undertake basic or extensive review of legal documents, instruments, and other materials on environmental law matters, with a focus on pollution-related legal issues; and
• (h) prepare or assist in the preparation of presentations, background papers, briefs, reports and correspondence on environmental law matters, with a focus on pollution-related legal issues.

Qualifications or requirements

Experience needed

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. Prior experience working on international and/or national environmental law relating to pollution issues is required. Prior experience working with the UN or similar international organizations is required. A minimum of two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

Work Location: Home Based

Expected duration: 12 months

• (a) build on existing research and analysis to synthesize key insights and learnings on EPR design and implementation across sectors.
• (b) organize and assist in the organization of dialogues to facilitate the exchanges of experience and lessons learned among governments on EPR design and implementation.
• (c) document and support the dissemination of key findings from the EPR-related work.
• (d) support project proposals and knowledge products development on textile regulations and laws.
• (e) provide legal support for the scoping and development of textiles policies in targeted developing countries;
• (f) develop and deliver trainings for policymakers and other stakeholders on best practices and examples of textiles laws and regulations to support countries to transition towards a circular and sustainable economy.
• (g) undertake basic or extensive review of legal documents, instruments, and other materials on environmental law matters, with a focus on pollution-related legal issues; and
• (h) prepare or assist in the preparation of presentations, background papers, briefs, reports and correspondence on environmental law matters, with a focus on pollution-related legal issues.

• Excellent writing and communications skills are desirable.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, in particular in legal analysis, and expertise in independent research and review are desirable.
• Clear and concise communication is desirable.

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, international law, human rights or a related field. A first-level university degree in law in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.