Environmental Lawyer/Natural Resource Lawyer

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. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Ecosystems Division engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. The organization is involved in various initiatives, including the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, which supports the development and implementation of ambitious National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

Job Overview:
The position of Environmental Lawyer/Natural Resource Lawyer involves providing legal expertise and support to the Government of Sierra Leone through its Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in drafting and facilitating the validation and finalization of access and benefit-sharing (ABS) regulations. The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive legislative framework that aligns with the Nagoya Protocol, ensuring that Sierra Leone can effectively implement its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, and local communities, to ensure that the regulations are comprehensive, inclusive, and effective in protecting biodiversity and community rights. The consultant will also be tasked with reviewing existing legal frameworks, identifying gaps, and proposing institutional arrangements for ABS implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Environmental Lawyer/Natural Resource Lawyer include:

• Reviewing existing national legal and institutional frameworks relevant to ABS, including environmental laws, forestry, fisheries, and wildlife laws, and identifying legal gaps and inconsistencies affecting ABS implementation.
• Aligning the draft regulations with the Nagoya Protocol by preparing a comprehensive draft covering access procedures, permitting systems, and compliance mechanisms.
• Integrating ABS provisions into the framework of the Environment Protection Agency Act and developing operational tools such as permit procedures and compliance monitoring tools.
• Developing detailed procedures, forms, and implementation guidelines, and reviewing ABS compliance frameworks from comparable jurisdictions in Africa.
• Providing technical inputs and presenting draft findings during stakeholder consultations and national validation workshops, ensuring stakeholder feedback is incorporated into the final draft regulations.
• Ensuring the protection of traditional knowledge and community rights, and finalizing the regulations for legal review and adoption.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include an advanced degree in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, development law, international development, natural resource management, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of five years of experience in legal drafting or environmental governance is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience with ABS frameworks and the Nagoya Protocol, as well as strong knowledge of biodiversity conservation, intellectual property rights, and community rights. Experience working on legal issues related to sustainable development and biodiversity is also essential, along with a strong understanding of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in environmental law, development law, international development, natural resource management, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complex legal and institutional frameworks that govern biodiversity and natural resource management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in legal drafting or environmental governance. Candidates should have demonstrable experience with access and benefit-sharing frameworks and the Nagoya Protocol, as well as a strong understanding of biodiversity conservation and related legal issues. Previous experience working with UNEP, UNDP, or similar international organizations is desirable, as it indicates familiarity with international environmental governance and policy frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language. Additionally, knowledge of local languages in Sierra Leone is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for three months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes its commitment to transparency and integrity in the recruitment process.