Legal Specialist
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. The UNEP Law Division focuses on environmental law, governance, and policy, including multilateral environmental agreements. The Pollution Section supports legislative and regulatory reforms in priority sectors like chemicals and waste, contributing to sustainable economies and pollution reduction.
Job Purpose
This role supports the UNEP Law Division's pollution-related work, with a specific focus on chemicals and waste management. The individual contractor will provide technical legal assistance and capacity-building to developing countries and economies in transition, aiding in policy, regulatory, and institutional reforms. This support is crucial for implementing frameworks like the Global Framework on Chemicals and advancing sustainable lifecycle management of chemicals and waste, contributing to a planet free from harm.
Responsibilities
The Legal Specialist will conduct legal research and analysis to support policy and regulatory outcomes in pollution control, particularly concerning chemicals and waste. Responsibilities include developing knowledge products and tools for technical legal assistance, providing legal support for policy and regulatory reforms in developing countries, and assisting with programme planning, implementation, and reporting. The role also involves supporting the development of project proposals, contributing to training programs for stakeholders on environmental law best practices, and reviewing legal documents and instruments related to pollution and environmental law.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Prior experience in international or national environmental law related to pollution issues is essential. Experience with the UN or similar international organizations is desirable, as is at least two years of experience in data analytics.
Skills
Excellent research and analytical skills (especially in legal analysis), independent research and review expertise, excellent writing and communication skills, experience in international/national environmental law (pollution focus), and data analytics experience.