LEGAL OFFICER

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. Its Industry and Economy Division supports decision-makers in government, industry, and finance to adopt sustainable practices. The Law Division leads UNEP's work in environmental law and governance. This Legal Officer role is within the Plastics Unit of the Industry and Economy Division in Nairobi, collaborating with the Law Division.

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer will administer legal technical assistance and capacity-building programs focused on plastic pollution for individual countries. This involves supporting the development of laws and regulations, and assisting enforcement networks. The role requires conducting extensive legal research and analysis at the country level to address plastic pollution, preparing studies, reports, and correspondence to guide UNEP's activities. The incumbent will review legal documents, interpret and apply plastic pollution-related laws nationally, regionally, and internationally, and contribute to the environmental rule of law. Additionally, the role involves preparing drafts of legal texts, background papers, and teaching materials, analyzing data for trends, providing legal opinions, and assisting in the preparation of agreements and contracts. Guidance to junior staff is also a key function.

Responsibilities

Administer legal technical assistance and capacity-building programs for countries to develop laws and regulations on plastic pollution, supporting enforcement networks. Conduct extensive legal research and analysis on environmental law to address plastic pollution, preparing studies, reports, and correspondence. Review legal documents and instruments related to the plastics value chain, identifying key issues. Interpret and apply plastic pollution laws at national, regional, and international levels, including the environmental rule of law. Prepare drafts of background papers, studies, reports, legislative texts, and commentaries. Collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for planning and decision-making. Prepare legal opinions and advice on plastic pollution issues and UNEA resolutions. Assist in preparing agreements and contracts with governments and other entities, and in negotiating national law matters. Provide guidance to junior staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in drafting national law, particularly related to plastic pollution solutions across the plastics lifecycle, including legal analysis and research. Two years of experience within a government legal office addressing plastic manufacturing or pollution issues is required. Experience advising governments or companies on plastic pollution is desirable. Two years of experience in data analytics is also desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, legal principles and procedures, legal research and analysis, knowledge of civil/common law systems, legislative interpretation and application, data analysis and interpretation, communication, planning and organizing.

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