National Environmental Law Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization focuses on various aspects of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, governance, and policy issues, particularly those related to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). UNEP's Law Division is responsible for leading the international community in the progressive development of environmental law and supporting states in the implementation of legal, institutional, and policy measures to address significant environmental challenges. The organization operates globally, engaging with numerous countries to facilitate cooperation and coordination among MEAs and to support parties in fulfilling their treaty obligations. UNEP's strategic direction is guided by resolutions adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), with a focus on promoting environmental rule of law and contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position of National Environmental Law Expert is designed to support the implementation of the project aimed at strengthening decision-making governance within the ministry to implement the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and developing climate-smart and resilient legislation. This role involves providing technical legal assistance to review existing laws and policies related to climate change and agriculture in Seychelles. The expert will be responsible for drafting policies and legislative proposals, as well as providing training and resources to government staff on the new policies and legislation. The consultancy is expected to last for six months and will require the expert to engage closely with the Government of Seychelles and UNEP to ensure effective implementation of the project objectives. The expert will work under the supervision of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of the Law Division or their designated representatives, contributing to the overall goal of enhancing environmental governance and legal frameworks in Seychelles.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive baseline mapping and analysis of the policy, legislative, and institutional framework governing climate change in Seychelles, focusing on national priority sectors and identifying strengths, gaps, and challenges. This includes assessing legislative provisions for subnational governance structures and their roles in local climate action and risk management.
• Develop a detailed report outlining key findings and recommendations for strengthening legislative and institutional frameworks for climate change, in collaboration with UNEP and the Government of Seychelles.
• Provide technical legal support to the Government of Seychelles in organizing and executing stakeholder consultations, integrating feedback into the final report as necessary.
• Prepare draft legislative provisions based on the report's recommendations, working closely with relevant government stakeholders and UNEP.
• Design and conduct tailored training workshops for targeted government agencies on national climate change responsibilities and best practices for governance.
• Participate in regular meetings with the Government of Seychelles to discuss project activities and progress, contributing insights as requested.
• Maintain periodic communication with UNEP focal points to provide updates on project milestones and progress.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, environmental law, or administrative law, with a focus on climate change and agriculture. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental law and climate change is required, along with proven experience in reviewing legal and policy frameworks and drafting recommendations. Experience working in Seychelles or similar African Small Island Developing States (SIDS) contexts is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills in both English and French, as well as strong analytical and policy drafting skills, particularly in the climate change and agriculture sectors. Collaborative work with government institutions and stakeholders is crucial, and experience in legislative drafting and climate change policy development is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, environmental law, or administrative law is required, preferably with a focus on climate change and agriculture. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional relevant experience.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental law and climate change is required. Candidates should have proven experience in reviewing legal and policy frameworks and drafting recommendations, as well as experience working in Seychelles or comparable SIDS contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is mandatory. Fluency in French is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a bilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and expected to last for six months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.