Legal Specialist at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the Acting Head of the Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit and in consultation with the Industry and Economy Division, the consultant is expected to:

• build on existing research and analysis to synthesize key insights and learnings on EPR design and implementation across sectors.
• organize and assist in the organization of dialogues to facilitate the exchanges of experience and lessons learned among governments on EPR design and implementation.
• document and support the dissemination of key findings from the EPR-related work.
• support project proposals and knowledge products development on textile regulations and laws.
• provide legal support for the scoping and development of textiles policies in targeted developing countries;
• develop and deliver trainings for policymakers and other stakeholders on best practices and examples of textiles laws and regulations to support countries to transition towards a circular and sustainable economy.
• undertake basic or extensive review of legal documents, instruments, and other materials on environmental law matters, with a focus on pollution-related legal issues; and prepare or assist in the preparation of presentations, background papers, briefs, reports and correspondence on environmental law matters, with a focus on pollution-related legal issues.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, international law, human rights or a related field. A first-level university degree in law in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required.
• Prior experience working on international and/or national environmental law relating to pollution issues is required. Prior experience working with the UN or similar international organizations is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Excellent writing and communications skills are desirable.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, in particular in legal analysis, and expertise in independent research and review are desirable. Clear and concise communication is desirable.