Legal Consultant

Result of ServiceThe Consultant will support UNEP’s EcoAdvance project team in consolidating the institutionalization of the Environmental Alliance of America (AAA) in Colombia by providing legal and governance expertise to strengthen its statutes, fiscal framework, and operating regulations. Through this work, the Consultant will enable AAA members to operate on a robust and compliant institutional foundation, positioning the Alliance as a credible, participatory, and sustainable regional initiative that contributes to the objectives of the EcoAdvance project and the transition toward more circular and resource-efficient economies in Latin America. Work Locationremote Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesAs the UN's leading environmental entity, UNEP, tackles environmental problems at global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental political consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and informing governments and the international community of emerging issues for their action. The mid-term strategy (MTS) 2022-2025 highlights unsustainable consumption and production as the main drivers of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution – the three planetary crises. To combat these interconnected issues, advocacy for a holistic approach that promotes a shift towards a resource-efficient and circular economy is needed. This consultancy is part of the project “Greening supply and demand: Promoting Ecolabels and Sustainable Public Procurement for climate and biodiversity protection (Eco-Advance).” The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV), through the International Climate Initiative. One of the objectives of the project is to assist the regional environmental labeling program called the Environmental Alliance of America (referred to as Alianza Ambiental de América or \"the Alliance\"), a regional initiative of Latin American countries that strives to create a regional ecolabel known as the Environmental Label of America. The initiative aims to develop harmonized sustainability criteria across the region, strengthen cooperation among countries, and increase recognition and use of sustainable products and services. At this stage, a central challenge for the AAA lies in advancing its institutionalization in Colombia, the country where it is founded, and consolidating the legal and financial frameworks that will sustain its long-term operations. While progress has been made in establishing governance structures and statutes, further reforms are needed to expand participation, strengthen decision-making processes, and ensure compliance with national obligations. Similarly, the admission of new members, the updating of operating regulations, and the proper documentation of assemblies and board meetings are areas that require specialized legal and governance support. This consultancy will therefore contribute to reinforcing the AAA’s institutional development and positioning. By providing legal and governance expertise, it will support the Alliance in aligning its operations with Colombian law and international best practices. In doing so, the consultancy will help the members of the Alliance advance toward making it a more credible, participatory, and sustainable regional initiative, contributing to the objectives of the EcoAdvance project and to the broader transition toward circular and resource-efficient economies in Latin America. The consultant will work in close coordination with the AAA Steering Committee, Board of Directors, and UNEP’s Consumer information, . The tasks include: 1. Conduct a study and support the process of adding new members to the AAA. - Review membership applications and ensure compliance with statutes. - Draft and validate admission documentation. 2. Analyze and evaluate the statute reform to include viable mechanisms for the participation of ministries, as well as the addition of participating organizations to the AAA. - Draft proposed amendments. - Provide legal justification for reforms. 3. Review and update the operating regulations for the AAA and its Board of Directors. - Ensure alignment with the revised statutes. - Clarify roles, responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms. 4. Prepare and register minutes in the minute book for the Board of Directors and assemblies. - Draft, review, and authenticate minutes. - Support official book registration as required by law. 5. Analyze the AAA’s obligations at the end of 2025 and for 2026. - Prepare a compliance report identifying upcoming legal, fiscal, and administrative obligations. - Recommend actions to ensure continuity. 6. Provide legal support for the granting of the Sello Ambiental de América trademark and related contracts. - Assist in the registration and protection of the Seal as a trademark in Colombia. - Draft and review contracts with accredited certification bodies that will award the Seal. - Prepare model agreements and legal guidance for contracts with companies that obtain the Seal, ensuring clear conditions of use. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced University Degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with at least 2 (two) years of qualified and relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated professional competence in legal affairs, including general corporate law or non-profit organization law Experience in creating legal entities is desirable, in particular international or regional organizations, non-profit organizations or associations. Work experience in Colombia is an advantage. Ability to work independently, using independent judgment to plan, prioritize and organize a diverse workload in a fast-paced environment. LanguagesFor the advertised position, oral and written command of Spanish and English is required. Knowledge of other official languages in the United Nations System will be an advantage. 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.