Legislation Specialist

UNDP supports strategic capacity development initiatives to promote inclusive growth and sustainable human development. Together with national, regional and local authorities, civil societies, private sector, UNDP strives to support Ukraine in its efforts to eliminate poverty, develop people’s capacity, achieve equitable results, sustain the environment, and advance democratic governance. UNDP is in line with 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to achieve national strategic capacity development.

To ensure that Ukraine, represented by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, prepares and submits proposals for classifying categories of damage and losses to the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the “Register”), founded by the Resolution CM/Res(2023)3 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe dated 12 May 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 1256 dated 01 December 2023, “On Amendments to the Resolution No. 326 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 20 March 2022”. In the future, the above measures should ensure the consistency of actions by Ukrainian state authorities in preparing and submitting applications and necessary documentation for compensation of damages caused to Ukraine, individuals, and legal entities as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, aligning with the activities of the Register, in particular in terms of identifying responsible entities and categories of damages eligible for compensation within a special international compensation mechanism designed around a victim-centric approach, ensuring that the system priorities the victim and their losses and damages.

The purpose of the Environmental Damage Assessment project is to enable the State Environmental Inspectorate to effectively fulfil its responsibilities in calculating the damage, losses, and harm caused to the environment and state natural resources within its jurisdiction, as a result of accidents, emergencies, military aggression, terrorism, or other criminal acts, particularly since the onset of martial law. The project involves creation of an Interactive Environmental Damage Register Platform as an information and analytical subsystem integrated into the State Inspectorate’s existing electronic document circulation system, and platform will facilitate and accurately document activities related to calculating the damage, losses, and harm caused to the natural environment and state natural resources within the Inspectorate’s jurisdiction, due to accidents, emergencies, military aggression, terrorism, or other criminal acts, particularly since the onset of the martial law. Additionally, the upcoming module of the integrated information and analytical subsystem will equip state inspectors of Ukraine in environmental protection with the necessary information support, facilitate the preparation, approval, and processing of documents, and aid in the implementation of environmental measures to enhance control over environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources, and radiation safety.

The Legislation Specialist will assist the project "Mitigating the risks of long-term environmental disasters in Ukraine through the establishment of a Coordination Centre on Environmental Damage Assessment" in conducting research and developing relevant legislation in the field of environmental protection, with particular focus on environmental damages caused by the military invasion. The Volunteer will also support the project in identifying the best solutions regarding the reliability and admissibility of evidence, as well as interaction with law enforcement agencies and courts in the process of preparing and reviewing cases related to environmental damage.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Legistation Specialist will be responsible for providing legal assistance to the project "Mitigating the risks of long-term environmental disasters in Ukraine through the establishment of a Coordination Centre on Environmental Damage Assessment" in the area of environmental damage. The Legislation Specialist will be responsible for conducting the following activities:

• Assist the project in conducting research and developing relevant legislation in the field of environmental protection, with particular focus on environmental damages caused by the military invasion;
• Support the project in identifying the best solutions regarding the reliability and admissibility of evidence, as well as interaction with law enforcement agencies and courts in the process of preparing and reviewing cases related to environmental damage;
• Analyse the existing international experience and recommend best practices, including court/case practice for environmental damages/liability for state authorities in environmental damage assessment;
• Provide legal advice and guidance to environmental law development and environmental damage assessment, environmental protection as defined by the State Environmental Inspectorate or Project Manager;
• Perform various legal aid activities for the State Environmental Inspectorate and the Project Manager;
• Prepare analytical papers if requested;
• Assist in organizing meetings, conferences, and trainings for project stakeholders, and participate in such events if required by the State Environmental Inspectorate and/or Project Manager;
• Work closely with other team members and partner organizations to ensure effective exchange of structured information and consistent delivery of project activities;
• Ensure that all project’s needs are met through the timely provision of legal services support under the supervision of the Project Manager;
• Perform other duties as may be required by UNDP management.

The Legistation Specialist will report to the Project Manager of the project “Mitigating the risks of long-term environmental disasters in Ukraine through the establishment of a Coordination Centre on Environmental Damage Assessment”. The Legistation Specialist will provide written monthly reports on the progress of activities and the key challenges and opportunities, and deliverables reports as required.