Environmental Law and Governance Specialist

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system. This role sits within UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, collaborating with the Law Division, and specifically the Mining Unit. The Unit focuses on responsible mining and sustainable resource use, including efficiency and circularity, supporting global initiatives like the UN Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

Job Purpose

This consultancy supports the "Building Environmentally Responsible Investment Readiness in Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM)" project, implemented by UNEP and UNECA. The role focuses on assessing and enhancing Mozambique's policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks to attract responsible investment in CETM. The consultant will conduct research, analyze existing regulations, develop recommendations for reform, and facilitate stakeholder consultations to align frameworks with international best practices. The ultimate goal is to strengthen global cooperation on CETM by improving investment readiness and promoting sustainable and equitable mineral value chains, contributing to sustainable development.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a gap and needs assessment of Mozambique's policies, legislative, and institutional frameworks related to investment readiness in critical energy transition minerals. This involves desk research and analysis of existing regulations. Based on this assessment, the consultant will develop concrete recommendations for reforming these frameworks to align with international good practices. Key responsibilities include facilitating stakeholder consultations and validation workshops to gather feedback and validate findings. The consultant will also integrate outcomes from these consultations into final recommendations and prepare a report on enhancing the policy package. Regular progress updates to UNEP and UNECA are required, along with performing any other assigned project tasks.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in the mining sector, environmental management, policy, regulatory frameworks, or natural resource governance is required. Experience with the environmental and social aspects of mining in Africa, including research and policy analysis, is also required. Experience in reviewing or developing environmental and mining legislation is desirable.

Skills

Research and analysis, policy analysis, regulatory review, stakeholder consultation, report writing, environmental law, mining policy, natural resource governance, sustainable development, project management, communication (Portuguese and English).

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