Legal Specialist Consultant

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 to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP works with a wide range of partners, including other United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and civil society. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, collaborates closely with 33 countries in the region and integrates its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP Mexico’s Country Office supports the Mexican and Guatemalan governments in various areas, including low carbon growth, resource efficiency, and environmental governance, contributing to the transition to a low carbon and green economy. UNEP-IETC focuses on implementing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, particularly in waste management, and serves as a global center of excellence on environmentally sound technologies. Under the Medium-Term Strategy 2022–2025, UNEP has developed a waste management programme aimed at achieving zero waste, including initiatives for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Job Overview:
The Legal Specialist Consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening Mexico’s legal and regulatory framework for e-waste management and circular economy practices as part of the Circularity in the Electronics Sector project. The consultant will conduct legal analysis, provide policy recommendations, and engage with stakeholders to enhance enforcement mechanisms, regulatory guidelines, and industry compliance with sustainability standards. The position requires collaboration with UNEP LACO, UNEP IETC, government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and legal experts to ensure that Mexico’s legal framework aligns with international best practices. The consultant will work full-time at UNEP Mexico’s Office in Mexico City, contributing to better e-waste management, increased industry accountability, and strengthened environmental governance, ensuring Mexico’s alignment with global sustainability standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive legal and policy assessment for e-waste management, identifying legal gaps and inconsistencies, and proposing legal amendments and policy reforms to enhance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. The consultant will engage with stakeholders, organize multi-stakeholder consultations, and facilitate legal advisory discussions to gather insights on legal barriers and opportunities for policy reforms. Additionally, the consultant will develop training sessions for policymakers and regulatory authorities, prepare a Legal Assessment Report, and deliver a Final Report consolidating legal assessments, policy recommendations, and stakeholder feedback. The consultant will ensure that regulations address informal waste sector inclusion, fair labor practices, and environmental protection, contributing to the overall goal of bolstering sustainability and circular economy principles in Mexico.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Environmental Law, Public Policy, or a closely related field, with a Master’s degree being desirable. A minimum of five years of experience in legal research, environmental law, waste management regulations, or policy development is required. Proven expertise in analyzing, drafting, or implementing environmental laws and regulatory frameworks is desirable, along with experience in policy advisory work with government institutions or international organizations. Familiarity with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, circular economy regulations, and e-waste governance frameworks is also desirable, as is knowledge of international environmental agreements such as the Basel Convention and OECD guidelines. Experience in stakeholder engagement, legal advocacy, and regulatory compliance mechanisms is essential.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Environmental Law, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required for this position. A Master’s degree in the same fields is considered desirable and would enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in legal research, environmental law, waste management regulations, or policy development. Candidates should have a proven track record of analyzing, drafting, or implementing environmental laws and regulatory frameworks, as well as experience in policy advisory work with government institutions or international organizations. Familiarity with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and circular economy regulations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to policy discussions and legal analyses.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for six months, with the consultant working full-time, 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday. The position is based in Mexico City, Mexico, and involves close collaboration with UNEP and national stakeholders to ensure that Mexico’s e-waste regulations evolve to bolster sustainability and circular economy principles. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that the organization does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.