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 Division focuses on innovative policy, multi-stakeholder dialogue, and sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNEP's project "Building Environmentally Responsible Investment Readiness in Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM)" in Uganda. The purpose is to assess and strengthen Uganda's policy, legal, and institutional frameworks to attract responsible investment in critical minerals. This involves evaluating alignment with global principles, identifying gaps, and recommending reforms to ensure mineral development contributes to sustainable development, environmental protection, and climate resilience, while managing associated environmental and social challenges.

Responsibilities

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of Uganda’s policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks related to critical energy transition minerals (CETMs), evaluating readiness for responsible investment and alignment with UN principles. Develop actionable recommendations to strengthen these frameworks, focusing on environmental governance, safeguards, compliance, sustainable practices, and responsible investment. Facilitate stakeholder consultations and validation workshops to gather input and validate findings. Prepare a report with recommendations for enhancing UNEP’s CETM Policy Package based on lessons learned from Uganda. Collaborate closely with UNEP, UNECA, and national stakeholders, providing progress updates.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental law, environmental governance, mining law, natural resources management, or sustainable development is required. Experience assessing legal frameworks against international standards or global governance principles, including environmental and social safeguards, is advantageous. Previous experience with UN entities or international environmental governance is desirable.

Skills

Strong analytical and legal research skills. Excellent knowledge of environmental governance and responsible mining. Strong understanding of environmental dimensions of the global energy transition and responsible mineral value chains. Ability to analyze complex issues and translate them into policy recommendations. Excellent report writing and presentation skills. Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

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