Consultant in the Legal Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established to serve as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, UNEP plays a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable practices across the globe. The organization operates in numerous countries, engaging with various stakeholders to implement its mission effectively. UNEP's Corporate Services Division (CSD) is responsible for safeguarding UNEP's corporate interests, mitigating risks, and providing management tools and capacity-building initiatives to support the organization’s objectives. The Legal Unit within CSD is tasked with ensuring legal compliance and providing legal support across UNEP's operations.

Job Overview:
The Consultant in the Legal Unit will play a vital role in strengthening the operational capacity and effectiveness of the Legal Unit by providing high-quality legal and administrative support. This position involves contributing to timely legal reviews, enhancing knowledge management initiatives, and improving agreement tracking and document management systems. The Consultant will work closely with the Head of the Legal Unit and Legal Officers, providing essential support during critical periods, particularly in administrative coordination. The role requires a proactive approach to legal research, document review, and the maintenance of filing and tracking systems, ensuring that the Legal Unit operates efficiently and effectively in fulfilling its mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development, refinement, and organization of legal templates, standard operating procedures, and internal guidance materials to enhance operational efficiency.
• Maintain and update legal databases, case management systems, and document repositories, ensuring proper version control and tagging for easy access and retrieval.
• Assist in the development of knowledge management initiatives and products, including creating legal resources for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support by organizing legal meetings and workshops, assisting with legal training, preparing agendas, and drafting meeting minutes to ensure effective communication and documentation.
• Prepare meeting summaries, assist with legal correspondence, and coordinate follow-up actions from legal meetings to maintain continuity in legal operations.
• Conduct thorough legal and policy research relevant to UNEP’s mandate, including administrative law and institutional legal frameworks, and present findings in concise memos for decision-making.
• Assist Legal Officers in reviewing agreements and legal documents, preparing summaries, and tracking key legal issues to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
• Draft background notes, legal memos, and templates under the guidance of Legal Officers to support legal processes.
• Act as a backup to the Legal Assistant during periods of absence or increased workload, supporting legal filing, docketing, and assignment of requests for legal support, as well as agreement tracking and meeting preparation. 1
• Assist in onboarding and knowledge-sharing for new staff, including interns, to foster a collaborative work environment. 1
• Perform any other tasks as requested by the Head of the Legal Unit to support efficient legal service delivery and contribute to the overall success of the Legal Unit.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a first-level university degree in law, with a practicing certificate being desirable. Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in legal research, practice, or advisory services. Experience in database management and drafting legal advice is essential, while experience in an international context is considered an advantage. The role demands a strong understanding of legal principles and the ability to apply them effectively in a dynamic environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a first-level university degree in law. A practicing certificate is desirable, indicating that the candidate has met the necessary qualifications to practice law in their jurisdiction. This educational background is crucial for understanding the legal frameworks and principles that will be applied in the role.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in legal research, practice, or advisory services is required for this position. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in legal environments, demonstrating their ability to conduct thorough legal research, provide sound legal advice, and manage legal documentation effectively. Experience in an international context is desirable, as it indicates familiarity with diverse legal systems and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in all four areas of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication capabilities within the international context of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants’ bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.