Legal Assistant - CITES

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) hosts the CITES Secretariat in Geneva. CITES is an international agreement promoting sustainable international trade in wild fauna and flora. This role supports the CITES Secretariat's programme of work, assisting Parties in developing and implementing national legislation and compliance measures.

Job Purpose

This role supports the CITES Secretariat's mission to ensure international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The Legal Assistant will assist Parties in developing and implementing national legislation and compliance strategies. Key contributions include supporting the implementation of Conference of the Parties decisions, responding to queries from Management Authorities, and assisting with the servicing of the Standing Committee meetings and follow-up actions. The role is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of CITES implementation globally and ensuring the conservation of endangered species through robust legal frameworks and international cooperation.

Responsibilities

The Legal Assistant will coordinate the National Legislation Project, reviewing and preparing analyses of national legislation for CITES implementation. This includes providing legislative advice and guidance to Parties upon request and assisting in the preparation of regional workshops on CITES implementation, particularly concerning national fisheries legal frameworks. The role involves supporting activities related to Legal Acquisition Findings (LAF), simplified procedures, compliance, livelihoods, and demand reduction. Additionally, the Legal Assistant will prepare draft documents and information documents for CITES Standing Committee meetings, assist in servicing these meetings and relevant working groups, and organize side events. Follow-up actions based on meeting outcomes and responding to queries from Parties and stakeholders are also key duties. The position requires undertaking other tasks as assigned to support the Secretariat's work.

Work Experience

Required experience includes producing and editing legal documents in English. Desirable experience includes working with MS Office applications, database/content management, office technology, international organizations, and an affinity for conservation. Experience in preparing draft presentations, briefing notes, and legislative analyses is also desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, Communication, strong writing skills, document production and editing, discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, tact, good judgment, liaison and coordination, autonomy, initiative, resourcefulness, ability to work independently, information management, client-orientation, interpersonal skills, partnership building, adaptability, problem-solving, ability to work under pressure, ability to manage large volumes of work, ability to establish priorities, ability to communicate and empathize with diverse groups.

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