Legal 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's Law Division is responsible for carrying out UNEP's functions in the field of environmental law and governance. The Law Division promotes the contribution of environmental law to sustainable development through governance and policy issues, including those related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). UNEP's Law Division also leads the Fifth Montevideo Programme on the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law, a ten-year intergovernmental programme adopted by the UN Environment Assembly in March 2019, which aims to promote the environmental rule of law and strengthen capacities in countries to contribute to the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The programme commenced in January 2020 and is a flagship initiative of the Law Division.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is located in the Nature and Land Section of the Law Division in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Section and will be responsible for handling a range of issues related to environmental law, including environmental rule of law, the progressive development of international environmental law, human rights and the environment, and environmental crime, with a particular focus on biodiversity and nature-related law. The role involves conducting extensive legal research and analysis in the field of environmental law, preparing studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence, and reviewing legal documents to identify important issues and inconsistencies. The Legal Officer will also prepare drafts of background papers, legal opinions, and agreements, and provide legal advice on various international and national environmental law issues. The position requires the ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making and convey information effectively to management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Officer include: handling a range of issues related to environmental law; conducting extensive legal research and analysis; preparing studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence; reviewing legal documents and identifying important issues; preparing drafts of background papers, studies, reports, and legislative texts; providing legal opinions and advice on international and national environmental law issues; servicing diplomatic conferences and committees; preparing agreements and contracts; administering legal technical assistance programs; preparing environmental law seminars and symposia; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and providing guidance to junior staff. The incumbent will also perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Section.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in international law, preferably in environmental law or international environmental law, or related fields. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in law combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is an advantage. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and procedures in international and environmental law, as well as the ability to conduct legal research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in international law, preferably in environmental law or international environmental law, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in law, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted. Additional qualifications in data analytics or related fields are considered advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. At least two (2) years of experience working at the international level in environmental law is desirable. Experience in professional legal work relating to international environmental law, particularly biodiversity law, is also desirable. Candidates with experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations are preferred. Additionally, two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French or Spanish is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and candidates should be able to communicate effectively in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Environment Programme and is for an initial period of one (1) year, subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. External candidates selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity. The position is subject to a one-year probationary period. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.