Environmental Law and Governance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as a recognized advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to operate in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental issues. The organization focuses on various areas including climate change, sustainable development, and the management of natural resources, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote sustainable practices and policies.

Job Overview:
The law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Environmental Law and Governance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting UNEP's mission by conducting assessments of national preparedness regarding critical minerals for energy transition (MCTE) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This position involves drafting comprehensive reports that identify gaps and needs in the legislative and institutional frameworks related to investment preparedness in MCTE. The specialist will also be responsible for developing policy recommendations, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and validating findings with national and local actors. The role requires close collaboration with UNEP's divisions, particularly the Division of Industry and Economy, which aims to provide innovative policy options and promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. The specialist will contribute to the overarching goal of enhancing environmental governance and ensuring that the exploitation of critical minerals aligns with sustainable development principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Environmental Law and Governance Specialist include:

• Conducting a thorough assessment of the current legislative and institutional frameworks in the DRC related to MCTE investment preparedness, based on established indicators.
• Drafting a detailed report that outlines the findings of the assessment, including field studies and interviews conducted in the third quarter of 202
• Developing actionable recommendations for reforming policies and frameworks to enhance investment preparedness in MCTE.
• Facilitating consultations and validation workshops with stakeholders to evaluate the impact of existing frameworks on governance and identify necessary adjustments to align with international best practices.
• Integrating feedback from consultations into final recommendations and preparing comprehensive reports on the outcomes of meetings and stakeholder engagements.
• Collaborating closely with UNEP, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and other stakeholders, providing regular updates and executing additional project-related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a higher university degree (master's or equivalent) in environmental law, environmental policy, mining policy, or sustainable development. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant experience in environmental law may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree. A minimum of five years of experience in environmental law and policy, particularly in regulatory frameworks and mining activities in Africa, is required. Experience working with international organizations, especially within the United Nations system, or in academic institutions focusing on research and analysis, particularly legal analysis, is highly desirable. Proven expertise in independent research and review processes will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a higher university degree (master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environmental law, environmental policy, mining policy, or sustainable development. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in these fields may be considered if they have two additional years of relevant experience in environmental law. This educational background is essential to ensure that the specialist has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively analyze and develop policies related to environmental governance and critical minerals.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of professional experience in environmental law and policy, with a strong focus on regulatory frameworks and mining activities in Africa. This experience should include conducting research and analysis related to environmental governance and investment preparedness. Familiarity with the workings of international organizations, particularly the United Nations, and experience in legal analysis and independent research are highly valued. The candidate should demonstrate a proven track record of engaging with stakeholders and contributing to policy development in the environmental sector.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both French and English are required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for drafting reports, facilitating consultations, and engaging with diverse stakeholders effectively. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and expected to last for six months. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders in the DRC and may require travel for consultations and workshops. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates.