Technical Legal Expert

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a diverse workforce of thousands of employees across various countries, working to address pressing environmental issues. UNEP operates in over 150 countries, collaborating with governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a strategic partnership between the United Nations and over 450 banks, insurers, and investors, shaping the international sustainable finance agenda for over 28 years. UNEP FI sets global standards and fosters a network of leading financial institutions to promote sustainable finance and align the financial industry with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to support the regulation of the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy and the climate-related financial risk framework in Costa Rica and Panama. The Technical Legal Expert will be responsible for delivering technical-legal analysis, criteria, and proposed draft text for the competent authorities to develop the applicable regulatory framework. This role is crucial for ensuring that the financial superintendencies in both countries can effectively regulate sustainable finance and climate-related financial risks, transitioning from a voluntary to a regulated framework. The consultant will work closely with national authorities and the UNEP FI Coordination Unit, providing robust technical-legal inputs and facilitating the development of regulatory proposals that align with international practices and the specific needs of each country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Legal Expert will perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: preparing the legal framework and criteria for the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy; conducting technical-legal analyses and comparative-law studies; preparing proposed draft regulatory texts; engaging with legal areas of financial superintendencies; and ensuring that the regulatory proposals are consistent with international practices. The consultant will also be responsible for developing deliverables such as legal opinions on regulatory authority, technical-legal criteria, and final drafts of regulatory proposals for both Costa Rica and Panama. The role requires close coordination with the Project Coordination Units and the UNEP FI LAC Policy Lead, ensuring that all deliverables meet the established timelines and quality standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in laws, public policy, political science, international relations, or closely related fields. A minimum of seven years of demonstrated work experience in advising projects or initiatives in the public or private sector in Costa Rica or Panama is required. This includes experience in regulatory processes involving financial supervisory authorities, as well as at least two years of experience in environmental regulation. Profound knowledge of the legal frameworks applicable in both countries is essential, along with experience engaging with high-level stakeholders and facilitating government-led stakeholder participation in projects.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in laws, public policy, political science, international relations, or closely related studies is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complex legal and regulatory frameworks that govern sustainable finance and climate-related risks in Costa Rica and Panama.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience in relevant fields, particularly in advising on laws and regulations in Costa Rica or Panama. Candidates should have a strong background in regulatory processes involving financial supervisory authorities and experience in environmental regulation. Previous work in the LAC region and with government agencies is desirable, as is experience in facilitating stakeholder engagement in regulatory projects.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is essential for engaging with stakeholders and producing regulatory documents that are accessible and understandable to a diverse audience.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for six months and will be conducted remotely. The consultant will report to the Head of UNEP FI and the Programme Management Officer, ensuring close coordination with the Project Coordination Units in Costa Rica and Panama. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to manage their time effectively while meeting the deliverable schedule. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.