Environmental Law and Governance Specialist

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority within the UN system. This role sits within the Industry and Economy Division, collaborating with the Law Division, and focuses on promoting responsible mining and sustainable mineral resource use, particularly critical minerals for energy transition (CMEs).

Job Purpose

This consultancy supports UNEP and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in strengthening environmental and social safeguards for responsible investment in critical minerals for energy transition (CMEs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The role involves conducting research, assessing national preparedness, and engaging stakeholders to develop and refine policies, legislative frameworks, and institutional capacities. The ultimate goal is to improve the governance of CMEs, align with international best practices, and attract responsible investments, contributing to sustainable development.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct research to identify policy, legislative, and institutional gaps in the DRC related to CME investment preparedness, based on integrated policy indicators. This includes field studies, interviews, and complementary documentary research. The consultant will develop recommendations for reforming these frameworks and facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops to assess the impact of existing governance, identify necessary adjustments, and validate findings. Responsibilities also include integrating consultation results into final recommendations, providing feedback on meeting logistics and reports, and preparing and presenting the work undertaken. Collaboration with UNEP, ECA, and stakeholders, providing regular updates, and executing other project-related tasks are also key.

Work Experience

At least five years of experience in environmental law and policy, with proven experience in environmental regulation and mining activities in Africa, including research and analysis, is required. Professional experience with international organizations, particularly within the UN system, or academic institutions in research and analysis, especially legal analysis, is an asset.

Skills

Environmental law and policy expertise, mining regulation and activities in Africa, research and analysis, legal analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy reform, international organizations experience (UN system preferred).

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