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 conservation. UNEP collaborates with governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote sustainable practices and policies that protect the environment and enhance human well-being. The organization is committed to fostering international cooperation and providing technical support to countries in their efforts to implement environmental laws and governance frameworks.

Job Overview:
The law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Environmental Law and Governance Specialist position is designed to support the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in assessing and enhancing Uganda's environmental legal, policy, and institutional readiness for responsible investment in critical energy transition minerals (CETMs). The consultant will conduct a comprehensive Country Readiness Assessment Report that evaluates Uganda's compliance with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Principles on CETM. This role involves assessing the strengths, gaps, and priority actions necessary for strengthening environmental governance and responsible mining practices in Uganda. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer and the Legal Officer, engaging with various stakeholders to validate findings and develop actionable recommendations for improving Uganda's policy and institutional frameworks related to CETMs. The position requires a deep understanding of environmental law, governance, and sustainable development, particularly in the context of mining and natural resource management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks: conducting a comprehensive assessment of Uganda’s policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks related to CETMs; preparing a Country Readiness Assessment Report; developing actionable recommendations for strengthening Uganda’s frameworks to support environmentally responsible development of CETMs; facilitating stakeholder consultations and validation workshops; and preparing a report containing recommendations for enhancing UNEP’s CETM Policy Package based on lessons learned from Uganda’s assessment. Specific duties include evaluating Uganda’s readiness for environmentally responsible investment, assessing legal and institutional gaps, identifying barriers to investment, and validating recommendations for strengthening environmental governance. The consultant will also prepare presentations, provide technical inputs to workshop agendas, and incorporate stakeholder feedback into final reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Law, Environmental Policy, Natural Resources Law, Mining Law, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, Mining Engineering, Natural Resources Governance, Environmental Governance, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in one of the above fields may be accepted. Additionally, at least five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental law, governance, mining law, natural resources management, or sustainable development is required. Demonstrated expertise in environmental regulation of the mining sector, environmental impact assessment, compliance and enforcement, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable mineral governance in Africa is highly desirable. Experience assessing legal frameworks against international standards and previous work with UNEP or other UN entities is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental Law, Environmental Policy, Natural Resources Law, Mining Law, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, Mining Engineering, or Environmental Governance. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complex legal and institutional frameworks governing environmental issues and mining practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to environmental law, governance, mining law, natural resources management, or sustainable development. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in environmental regulation, compliance, and governance, particularly in the context of the mining sector. Familiarity with international environmental standards and frameworks, as well as previous experience working with UNEP or similar organizations, is highly desirable. Experience working in Uganda or similar contexts is considered an advantage.

Languages:
A strong command of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for engaging with stakeholders, preparing reports, and facilitating consultations.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is six months, and the position is part-time. The consultant will work closely with UNEP, UNECA, and national stakeholders throughout the assignment, providing regular progress updates and undertaking any additional tasks required under the project. The position is focused on international cooperation and responsible investment in critical energy transition minerals, with an emphasis on environmental governance and sustainable development. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding bank accounts.