Legal Consultant for COP15

Job Posting Organization:
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. The CMS Secretariat, located in Bonn, Germany, supports various intergovernmental instruments related to migratory species conservation. The organization operates in multiple countries and collaborates with regional agreements such as the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serves as the designated entity for addressing environmental issues globally, coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community. The CMS Secretariat is responsible for the administrative functions of CMS, AEWA, and EUROBATS, and is committed to promoting biodiversity conservation through international cooperation and legal frameworks.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Consultant is crucial for the successful organization and execution of the 15th meeting of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. The consultant will work remotely but will be required to travel to Campo Grande, Brazil, for the meeting scheduled from March 23 to March 29, 202

• The consultant will operate under the direct supervision of the Legal Officer and Head of Conference Services, as well as the overall supervision of the CMS Executive Secretary. The role involves providing legal, procedural, and administrative support in the lead-up to the meeting, during the meeting itself, and in the post-meeting phase. This includes developing legal advice, conducting research, drafting documents, and assisting with the organization of the meeting. The consultant will play a vital role in ensuring that the legal and procedural aspects of the meeting are adequately addressed, contributing to the overall success of COP15.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Consultant include:

• Assisting with preparations for COP15 by providing legal advice on various legal and procedural questions, including the interpretation and application of relevant provisions and procedural matters.
• Conducting legal and procedural research and analysis, contributing to the drafting of documents, briefs, reports, and correspondence related to COP1
• Preparing or contributing to scripts for the Chairs of the Plenary and Committee of the Whole (COW).
• Supporting the organization of COP15 and related events.
• Providing support during COP15 by assisting the podium and chairs during plenary sessions, developing legal and procedural advice on substantive and procedural questions that arise during the meeting, and preparing in-session documents, schedules, and meeting reports.
• Assisting with the preparation of the meeting report and other post-COP requirements after the conclusion of COP15.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, public administration, social sciences with specialized knowledge in international environmental law, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of 2 years of work experience in legal analysis and drafting is required, along with excellent legal analysis and drafting skills, organizational skills, and proficiency in computer applications, particularly MS Office. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work effectively within a diverse team of international professionals and manage tight deadlines. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, public administration, social sciences with specialized knowledge in international environmental law, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by two additional years of relevant work experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complex legal and procedural issues that will arise in the context of COP15.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in legal analysis and drafting. Previous experience in servicing international meetings is essential, as the consultant will be required to assist with various legal and procedural aspects during COP1

• Experience working with Rules of Procedure for UN meetings is considered an advantage, as is familiarity with the UN system, the Convention on Migratory Species, and issues related to biodiversity conservation.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of the CMS Secretariat. Proficiency in any of the other working languages, which include French and Spanish, would be advantageous and enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based with a contract duration of 4 months, from January to April 2026, coinciding with the preparations and execution of COP1

• The role is full-time, and the consultant will be required to travel to the meeting venue in Campo Grande, Brazil. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.