The consultant will support UNEP Law Division’s work on chemicals and waste, in particular related to the GFC. The consultant, under the supervision of the Head of the Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit, will carry out the activities as per the ToR.

Home-Based

12 months

Background: 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. The UNEP Law Division is the lead Division charged with carrying out the functions of UNEP in the field of environmental law, governance, and related policy issues, including those related to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). To fulfil its mandate, the work of the Law Division focuses on: leading the international community in the progressive development of environmental law; supporting States in the development and implementation of legal, institutional and policy measures that address emerging and important environmental challenges; facilitating cooperation and coordination among MEAs and between UNEP and those agreements; working with MEA Secretariats to support Parties to the respective MEAs in implementing their treaty obligations; and facilitating policy dialogue among States on issues relating to international environmental law and governance. The activities of the Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit (FELU) in the Law Division are founded on the mission of UNEP to provide leadership and advice on matters related to international environmental law and emerging environmental law issues to governments and other stakeholders. The Unit is responsible for the progressive development of international environmental law and the promotion of environmental rule of law across the UN system. The Unit implements decisions from UNEP’s Governing Body – the United Nations Environment Assembly - where it is responsible and provides legal advice to programmes and activities of UNEP’s other substantive Divisions in the area of international environmental law. The Global Framework on Chemicals - For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste (GFC), adopted in September 2023, seeks to protect both the planet and human health, advocating for strong governance mechanisms and enforcing international standards. It is a comprehensive plan with five strategic objectives and 28 targets to guide countries and stakeholders in jointly addressing the lifecycle of chemicals, including products and waste. UNEP supports developing countries with emerging economies in their efforts to transition to effective, safe and sustainable chemicals and waste management systems, through policy and regulatory reforms and institutional strengthening, in line with the GFC. To that end, UNEP Law Division wishes to engage the services of a consultant to support the work of the Law Division and the Industry and Economy Division in that regard. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the guidance of the Head of the Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit and in consultation with the Industry and Economy Division, the consultant is expected to handle a range of chemicals- and waste-related legal issues, specifically aimed at supporting the implementation of the GFC through robust policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks. The work is intended to advance and validate regulatory approaches to chemicals, with a view to promoting green and sustainable chemistry, through innovative policy and legal approaches that include social & economic dimensions, business opportunities and job creation. Specifically, the consultant is expected to: (a) conduct extensive legal research and analysis on regulatory measures to assist countries to transition towards effective, safe and sustainable chemicals and waste management systems. (b) draft legal opinions/advice, as well as background papers, studies, briefs, reports, legislative texts, and correspondence on a range of environmental law matters, with a focus on chemicals- and waste-related legal issues. (c) provide expert support to the international environmental law seminars, conferences, or other fora, including the preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views of delegations, meeting outcome reports, etc. (d) provide substantive guidance to the delivery/implementation of the GFC with a focus on strategic objective 1.

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, international law, human rights or a related field. A first-level university degree in law in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of seven (7) years of working experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing, with at least five (5) years of experience with a focus on legislation relating to chemicals and waste is required. Prior experience working on international and/or national environmental law relating to chemicals and waste issues is required. Prior experience working with the UN or similar international organizations is required. Excellent writing and communications skills; Clear and concise communication are desirable. Excellent research and analytical skills, in particular in legal analysis, and expertise in independent research and review is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, (both oral and written) is required.

Not available.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.