Result of Service

The consultant will support the delivery of Outputs. This will focus on supporting UNEP’s Law Division work on just transition and environmental rule of law.

Work Location

Home-Based

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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 Law Division leads the development and implementation of the UNEP Environmental Governance subprogramme, which includes the promotion of streamlined and coherent environmental governance at the international level, the promotion of progressive development and implementation of environmental law, support to international environmental agreements (known as multilateral environmental agreements – MEAs), and promotion of mainstreaming of environmental objectives in the development sector. 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. Countries around the world are increasingly committing themselves to major societal, industrial and economic transitions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate, biodiversity and pollution. The concept of ensuring a “just transition” has featured strongly in many of these contexts, historically with a focus on the need to protect fundamental workers’ rights and mitigate job losses in sectors such as coal and heavy industry. Ensuring an effective “just transition” requires countries to navigate broader environmental governance considerations to ensure there is a social license for the changes being made, and that these changes are sustainable. In response to the need for developing a common understanding of just transition in the environmental context and the urgency to provide guidance to states and stakeholders, UNEP is set to release a publication on just transition using the framework of environmental rule of law. This publication will provide insights and actionable guidance for states and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of integrating environmental rule of law within just transitions to secure a fair, equitable, and sustainable future for all. UNEP wishes to engage the services of a consultant to assist UNEP with research, drafting, and analysis for the production of a spotlight report on just transition and environmental rule of law. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Acting Head of Unit or Legal Officer of Law Division’s Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit, the consultant will produce: 1. Research paper on just transitions in the environmental context. 2. Research paper on environmental rule of law as a catalyst for just transition. 3. Research paper on the application of environmental rule of law in achieving a just transition. 4. Analysis of case studies.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced level law degree from a university or institution of equivalent status with specialization in environmental law, including natural resources management, environmental assessment, environmental policy, or environmental justice is required. A minimum of ten years of experience working on environmental law, including on the intersection with environmental policy, rule of law and environmental justice is required. Of these 10 years, at least five years of experience in conducting research related to environmental law and in the drafting of legal, policy or academic documents is required. Prior experience with international or regional organizations is required. Excellent research, analytical skills, writing, communications skills, results-focused, clear and concise communication are required. Demonstrated capacity to work in a consultative manner, good networking and good interpersonal skills are desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

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.