Environmental Law and Policy Specialist

The consultant should provide programmatic support for the delivery of the Division’s objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Law Division is the lead Division charged with carrying out the functions of UNEP in the field of environmental law, governance and related policy issues, including those related to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). To fulfil its mandate, the work of the Law Division focuses on: leading the international community in the progressive developmental of environmental law; supporting States in the development and implementation of legal, institutional and policy measures that address emerging and important environmental challenges; facilitating cooperation and coordination among MEAs and between UNEP and those agreements; working with MEA Secretariats to support Parties to the respective MEAs in implementing their treaty obligations; and facilitating policy dialogue among States on issues relating to international environmental law and governance. The Law Division requires an environmental law and policy specialist to provide strategic and policy support to the Office of the Director. The consultant will report to the Special Assistant to the Director.

Responsibilities: Provide support to the provision of substantive environmental law advice to the Division Director:

• Draft, review and analyse policy papers, reports and other documents on issues related to the work of the Division in particular, on environmental rule of law, MEAs, and emerging environmental law and policy issues, and prepare recommendations for consideration by the Director.
• Prepare substantive reports and briefing notes for the Director for use at conferences and meetings.
• Draft, review and finalize policy statements and speeches on environmental issues for use by the Director.
• Support coordination of the follow-up functions for the Director and ensure that the required actions are taken, deadlines are met, and quick responses are provided.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s, or higher degree ) in environmental law, environmental policy, environmental sciences, or related field is required. A minimum of 2 years of progressive working experience in environmental law, environmental policy, environmental sciences or a related field is required. Excellent research and drafting skills of environmental law and policy documents is required. Excellent organization and consultation management is required. Direct working experience in environmental law is required.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Source: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/233082?language=en