Environmental Law and Governance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment 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 a recognized advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices worldwide.

Job Overview:
The law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Environmental Law and Governance Specialist position is crucial for supporting UNEP's mission, particularly within the Division of Industry and Economy. This role involves conducting assessments of national preparedness regarding investment in critical minerals for energy transition (MCTE) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The specialist will be responsible for drafting reports that identify gaps and needs in policies, legislative frameworks, and institutional arrangements related to MCTE investment. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to facilitate consultations and validation workshops, ensuring that the recommendations align with international best practices. The specialist will also integrate feedback from these consultations into final recommendations and provide regular updates to UNEP and other partners involved in the project.

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

• Drafting a comprehensive report on the gaps and needs in the DRC's policies, legislative frameworks, and institutional arrangements concerning MCTE investment, based on developed indicators.
• Conducting field studies and interviews in the fourth quarter of 2026, along with supplementary documentary research.
• Developing recommendations for reforming policies, legislative frameworks, and institutional arrangements related to MCTE investment.
• Facilitating consultations with stakeholders and validation workshops with national and local actors, scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, to assess the impact of existing frameworks on good governance of MCTE and identify necessary adjustments.
• Validating conclusions and recommendations through stakeholder engagement.
• Integrating consultation results into final recommendations and preparing detailed reports that include specific policy improvement suggestions based on national assessments and stakeholder feedback.
• Collaborating closely with UNEP, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and other stakeholders, providing regular updates and executing additional project-related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in environmental law, natural resources law, mining law, public law, regulatory governance, or a related field is required.
• A bachelor's degree in law, combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience in environmental law, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental law and/or policy in the DRC is required.
• Experience in research, analysis, or legal and strategic advisory roles in the fields of environment, natural resources, or mining sectors is an asset.
• Professional experience within international organizations, particularly UN agencies, or academic institutions in research and analysis activities, especially legal analysis, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in environmental law, natural resources law, mining law, public law, regulatory governance, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in law along with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address the complex legal and governance issues related to environmental law and policy.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of environmental law and/or policy, specifically within the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Candidates should have a proven track record of working at various levels of responsibility, demonstrating their ability to handle complex legal and policy issues effectively. Experience in conducting research, analysis, and providing legal and strategic advice in the areas of environment, natural resources, and mining is highly valued. Additionally, experience working with international organizations, particularly within the UN system, is considered an asset.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both French and English are required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for drafting reports, conducting consultations, and engaging with stakeholders effectively. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and expected to last for six months. It is based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, but allows for remote work within the work location. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.