Environmental Law and Policy Specialist

Result of ServiceThe consultant will support delivery of technical legal assistance, capacity-building and information sharing activities of UNEP to implement the priority areas of chemicals and wastes and pollution prevention; under the Montevideo Programme V. Work LocationUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Expected duration10 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP is the United Nations system’s lead entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. UNEP’s Law Division works with countries around the world to develop, implement and promote legal and institutional frameworks for environmental management and sustainable development. Its strategic direction in this respect comes from the Fifth Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law (Montevideo Programme V) adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly under resolution 4/20 in March 2019, as an intergovernmental programme designed to promote the development and implementation of environmental rule of law, strengthen the related capacity in countries, and contribute to the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda. Through the Global Framework on Chemicals, Governments set targets that by 2030, Governments adopt, implement and enforce legal frameworks, and establish appropriate institutional capacity to prevent or, where prevention is not feasible, minimize adverse effects from chemicals and waste as appropriate for their national circumstances (Target A1). By 2030, intergovernmental stakeholders are mandated to develop guidelines to support the needs of interested Governments and relevant stakeholders to implement effective chemicals and waste management strategies, building on, among other things, updates of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals toolbox for decision-making in chemicals management (Target A2). Additionally, the First Global Meeting of the Montevideo Programme V prioritized waste management, pollution control, and the strengthening of national legal frameworks in line with global environmental agreements. In order to carry out the above mandate, the Law Division through the Montevideo Coordination and Delivery Unit (MCDU) seeks to engage a consultant to support the MCDU in undertaking the various tasks required in implementing technical legal assistance, capacity building and knowledge development on issues related to wastes, chemicals and pollution. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Head of the MCDU, the Consultant will support delivery of technical legal assistance, capacity-building and information sharing: Chemicals and waste management and pollution: (i) Conduct research, review and analysis of international and regional instruments and select national frameworks on compliance and enforcement approaches to prevent, control, and manage pollution. (ii) Draft guidance and model regulatory frameworks to prevent, control, and manage pollution (iii) Support with organization and conduct of a workshop on compliance and enforcement approaches to prevent, control, and manage pollution in Asia. (iv) Support with organization and conduct of a workshop on compliance and enforcement approaches to prevent, control, and manage pollution in Africa. Qualifications/special skillsA minimum of two (2) years of progressive experience in environmental law, environmental policy, international law, or sustainable development-related matters is required. An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, environmental policy, or international law is required. Experience in legal drafting and development of legal frameworks for environmental management is required. Experience in technical legal assistance to countries in support of legal drafting and development of legal frameworks for environmental management is required. Excellent legal research and drafting skills. Excellent writing and communication skills. Strong analytical skills. Demonstrated capacity to work in a consultative manner and drafting skills. Direct working experience in environmental law or environmental policy. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.