Legal and Risk Officer

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 operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff dedicated to environmental issues and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Legal and Risk Officer position is located in the Executive Office of UNEP in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent will report to the Chief of Staff and will work closely with various offices to fulfill responsibilities related to conduct and discipline, risk management, and grievance redress. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and the ability to apply them in various contexts, particularly in relation to misconduct, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. The officer will be responsible for conducting awareness initiatives, providing legal advice, supporting risk management frameworks, and ensuring compliance with UNEP's policies and procedures. This position is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accountability of UNEP's operations and ensuring that all personnel understand their obligations regarding conduct and discipline.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct and Discipline: Coordinate awareness initiatives and training to ensure personnel understand conduct obligations, serve as a point of contact for misconduct concerns, maintain confidential records, provide legal advice to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director, and liaise with relevant UN entities.
• Risk Management: Support the Chief Risk Officer in implementing UNEP’s Enterprise Risk Management framework, prepare documentation for ERM Committee meetings, update risk-management tools, and promote a risk-aware culture through training and engagement activities.
• Grievance Redress: Monitor and receive complaints, conduct eligibility screenings, provide analysis on protective measures, maintain a roster of experts for compliance reviews, and prepare reports on findings and recommendations.
• Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data to identify trends, provide insights through data visualization methods, and contribute to annual reporting on stakeholder complaints.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as required, ensuring compliance with UNEP's policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Academic or professional training in administrative law, environmental and social safeguards, conduct and discipline, enterprise risk management, grievance redress, dispute resolution, or compliance is desirable. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of legal principles and the ability to apply them effectively in various contexts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, indicating a strong analytical background that complements the legal expertise required for the position.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, advisory services, compliance, administration, programme management, or a related field is required. Candidates should have experience in conduct and discipline, enterprise risk management, grievance redress, or accountability mechanisms. Experience in gathering and analyzing information, preparing legal or policy advice, drafting reports, and supporting the resolution of complex matters is desirable. Familiarity with stakeholder grievance mechanisms and experience working in a multicultural setting are also advantageous.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Desirable languages include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, Spanish, or French, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for these languages as well. Proficiency in additional languages can enhance a candidate's profile and may be beneficial in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is limited to UNEP and is for an initial period of one year, subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is classified as a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, and external candidates will be subject to an initial probationary period of one year. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.