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 and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 150 countries, collaborating with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing environmental challenges. UNEP's mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The organization focuses on various areas, including climate change, ecosystems, and resource efficiency, and aims to foster partnerships and promote innovative solutions to environmental issues.

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 initiatives related to investment readiness in critical energy transition minerals (CETM) in Mozambique. This position involves conducting comprehensive assessments of the country's policies, legislative frameworks, and institutional capacities to identify gaps and needs that hinder investment readiness. The consultant will draft detailed reports based on field studies and desk research, develop actionable recommendations for policy reforms, and facilitate stakeholder consultations to validate findings and recommendations. The role requires close collaboration with UNEP, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and various national stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes align with international best practices and contribute to sustainable development goals. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing presentations and providing regular updates on project progress, ensuring effective communication and engagement with all relevant parties.

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 critical energy transition minerals, incorporating findings from field studies and desk research.
• Developing recommendations for reforming Mozambique’s policy, legislative, and institutional 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 good governance for investment readiness, identify necessary adjustments, and validate findings and recommendations.
• Integrating the outcomes of consultations and workshops into final recommendations and providing feedback on agendas, stakeholders’ lists, and meeting reports.
• 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 activities, and carrying out any additional tasks assigned under the project.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, natural resources law, mining law, public law, regulatory governance, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in environmental law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental law and policy in Mozambique is required.
• Experience in legal and policy research, analysis, or advisory work related to the environment and natural resources in the mining sector is advantageous.
• Working experience with international organizations, particularly within the United Nations system, or with academic institutions in research and analysis, especially in legal analysis, is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environmental law, natural resources law, mining law, public law, or regulatory governance. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in environmental law, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the legal frameworks governing environmental issues and resource management.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of environmental law and policy, specifically within the context of Mozambique. Candidates should have a strong background in legal and policy research, analysis, or advisory work related to environmental issues, particularly in the mining sector. Experience working with international organizations, including those in the United Nations system, or with academic institutions in research and analysis, especially in legal analysis, is highly desirable. This level of experience is crucial for effectively navigating the complexities of environmental governance and providing informed recommendations for policy reforms.

Languages:
Excellent writing and oral skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly Portuguese, would be advantageous, given the context of the work in Mozambique and the need for effective communication with local stakeholders. Strong language skills are essential for drafting reports, facilitating consultations, and engaging with diverse audiences in both formal and informal settings.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for six months and will be part-time. The position is remote within the work location of Maputo, Mozambique. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.