Legal Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on sustainable development through law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law and governance. The organization is committed to promoting the environmental dimension of sustainable development through law and policy, particularly in relation to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).

Job Overview:
The Legal Consultant position is integral to the effective functioning of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The consultant will provide high-quality legal and procedural advisory services that support UNEP's governance and decision-making processes. This role involves rigorous legal analysis, strategic advice, and expert support to intergovernmental bodies and treaty negotiation processes. The consultant will be based at the INC Secretariat in Nairobi and will work under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary of the INC Secretariat, with additional reporting to the Principal Legal Adviser in the Law Division. The position is expected to last for a duration of eight months, during which the consultant will engage in various legal and procedural tasks to facilitate the development of the instrument on plastic pollution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Providing legal and procedural support to the INC in developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
• Conducting research into substantive and procedural legal questions.
• Contributing to the preparation of in-session documents addressing legal questions, including drafting texts of the legal instrument.
• Offering authoritative legal and strategic advisory services on UNEP's mandate, international legal status, and governance framework.
• Conducting in-depth legal research and complex analysis to develop evidence-based legal opinions, policy guidance, position papers, studies, briefs, and reports.
• Handling a wide range of multidiscipline and complex legal matters involving international public law.
• Attending meetings and servicing diplomatic conferences, treaty body meetings, and other intergovernmental processes, including preparing background materials and meeting reports.
• Advising presiding officers and coordinating teams of junior officers, including United Nations Volunteers.
• Reviewing draft decisions of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR), UNEA, and the Conference of the Parties of treaty bodies or intergovernmental platforms, as well as draft decisions to be adopted by the INC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in law is required, including legal analysis, research, and writing. At least two (2) years of this experience must be with the legal office of a government department or ministry or with the secretariat of an international organization, specializing in international law and governance procedures. Experience in professional legal work related to the rules of procedure and institutional questions of intergovernmental bodies administered by the United Nations, particularly those focusing on environmental issues, is also required. Furthermore, candidates should have experience addressing legal matters related to plastics manufacturing or plastic pollution, as well as experience supporting meetings, consultations, or multistakeholder processes.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law. A first-level university degree in law may be accepted if accompanied by qualifying experience. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary legal knowledge and analytical skills to effectively contribute to the development of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of law, which includes legal analysis, research, and writing. This experience must encompass at least two (2) years of service within the legal office of a government department or ministry or within the secretariat of an international organization, with a focus on international law and governance procedures. Additionally, candidates should have experience in professional legal work related to environmental issues, particularly those concerning plastic pollution, and should be adept at supporting meetings and consultations involving multiple stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to fulfill the requirements of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for eight months, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.