Environmental Law and Governance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority 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 an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since grown to encompass a diverse workforce of thousands of employees across various countries. The organization operates in over 150 countries, focusing on various environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and biodiversity. UNEP collaborates with governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote sustainable practices and policies that protect the environment and enhance the well-being of people worldwide. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Environmental Law and Governance Specialist position is a consultancy role that involves working under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer from the Industry and Economy Division and the Legal Officer from the Law Division. The primary focus of this role is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Mozambique's policies, legislative, and institutional frameworks related to investment readiness in critical energy transition minerals (CETM). The consultant will be responsible for drafting reports that identify gaps and needs in these frameworks, developing actionable recommendations for reform, and facilitating stakeholder consultations to validate findings. This position requires a deep understanding of environmental law and governance, particularly in the context of mining and natural resource management. The consultant will also be expected to collaborate closely with UNEP, UNECA, and various stakeholders, providing regular updates on progress and integrating feedback into final recommendations. The role is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing Mozambique's readiness for responsible investment in CETM, aligning with international best practices and promoting sustainable development.

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

• Drafting a comprehensive report on the gaps and needs of Mozambique’s policies, legislative, and institutional frameworks related to investment readiness in CETM, incorporating findings from field studies and desk research.
• Developing recommendations for reforming these frameworks based on the assessment report.
• Facilitating stakeholder consultations and validation workshops with national and local stakeholders to assess the impact of existing frameworks on CETM governance and identify necessary adjustments.
• Integrating outcomes from consultations and workshops into final recommendations and preparing presentations on the conducted work.
• Drafting a report on specific recommendations for enhancing the policy package based on the country readiness assessment and stakeholder feedback.
• Collaborating closely with UNEP, UNECA, and other stakeholders, providing regular updates on project progress, and undertaking any additional tasks assigned under the project.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Environmental Law and Governance Specialist position include:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as geology, mining engineering, environmental engineering, environmental law, environmental policy, mining policy, natural resource governance, sustainable development, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in environmental law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in the mining sector, environmental management, environmental or mining policy, regulatory frameworks, or natural resource governance.
• Experience with the environmental and/or social aspects of mining activities in Africa, including research, analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis, policy analysis, or regulatory review.
• Demonstrated experience in reviewing, developing, or applying environmental and mining-related legislation, regulations, policies, standards, or institutional frameworks is desirable.
• Experience working with government institutions, international organizations, or academic and research institutions is an advantage.
• Strong independent research, stakeholder consultation, analysis, and report writing skills are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as geology, mining engineering, environmental engineering, environmental law, environmental policy, mining policy, natural resource governance, or sustainable development. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in environmental law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental governance and the legal frameworks that govern mining and natural resource management.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Environmental Law and Governance Specialist position includes at least five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as the mining sector, environmental management, environmental or mining policy, regulatory frameworks, or natural resource governance. Candidates should have a strong background in the environmental and social aspects of mining activities, particularly in the African context. Experience in Mozambique is considered desirable, as is familiarity with working alongside government institutions, international organizations, and academic or research institutions. The ability to conduct independent research, engage in stakeholder consultations, and produce high-quality analytical reports is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Portuguese is required for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and the preparation of reports. Additionally, a good working knowledge of English is required, which will facilitate collaboration with international partners and the dissemination of findings to a broader audience. Proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to last for a duration of six months and is part-time. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders and requires a commitment to delivering high-quality outputs that align with UNEP's mission and objectives. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the selection process is fair and accessible to all qualified candidates.