Consultant for Environmental Compliance

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 in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues and operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. The organization works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address pressing environmental challenges and foster sustainable practices worldwide.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in assisting the ministries of environment in Burkina Faso, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mauritania, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, and Syria. The primary function of this position is to provide guidance and substantive support in the implementation of compliance action plans as outlined in agreements signed with UNEP/Secretariat of the Basel Convention. The consultant will be responsible for delivering legal and policy inputs to enhance the countries' legal and institutional frameworks, ensuring they meet their obligations under the Basel Convention. This position requires a deep understanding of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks to facilitate compliance and promote sustainable environmental practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Providing substantive legal and policy inputs to the assessment reports of Mauritania and Syria’s legal and institutional frameworks, identifying gaps that hinder compliance with the Basel Convention.
• Developing and delivering presentations and supporting materials for inception meetings in Mauritania and Syria, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged.
• Assisting in the preparation of legal and institutional mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of compliance efforts in Mauritania and Syria.
• Contributing to awareness-raising and training workshops in Gabon, Mauritania, Niger, and Syria, aimed at enhancing understanding of compliance obligations.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to refine and finalize legal and institutional mechanisms developed by the participating countries, incorporating feedback from evaluation meetings.
• Ensuring that all outputs are aligned with the objectives of the Basel Convention and contribute to the overall goal of protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, environmental sciences, or engineering. Alternatively, a first-level degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of seven years of work experience in the field of environmental law is required, with demonstrable experience in the implementation and enforcement of multilateral environmental agreements, particularly the Basel Convention, being highly desirable. Strong analytical skills and the ability to provide clear legal and policy guidance are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in law, environmental sciences, or engineering. Candidates with a first-level degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of environmental law and the legal frameworks governing compliance with international agreements.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of relevant work experience in environmental law. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with multilateral environmental agreements, particularly in the context of compliance and enforcement. Experience in providing legal and policy advice to governmental bodies or international organizations is highly valued, as is familiarity with the specific challenges faced by the countries involved in this consultancy.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, including strong reading and writing skills. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication and collaboration with stakeholders from the participating countries.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of eight months. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. Candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.