Environmental Law and Governance Specialist, Paris, France

About Us

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system. This crucial consultancy is situated within UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division (Mining Unit) in close collaboration with the Law Division. Together, we work to promote responsible mining practices, resource efficiency, and robust environmental law frameworks worldwide.

To support the global transition toward sustainable energy, UNEP and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) are spearheading the project: "Building Environmentally Responsible Investment Readiness in Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM)". This initiative empowers mineral-producing developing countries to strengthen environmental and social safeguards and attract ethical investment. Learn more about our team and mission on the NGO Jobspot homepage.

Key Responsibilities

As the Environmental Law and Governance Specialist, you will support Outputs 1 and 2 of the CETM project specifically tailored to the country context of Mozambique. Your primary objectives include:

• Policy Gap & Needs Assessment: Draft a comprehensive report on the gaps, needs, and institutional frameworks of Mozambique regarding investment readiness in critical energy transition minerals.
• Evidence-Based Research: Incorporate desk research and field interview findings (scheduled for Q3 2026) to develop actionable reform recommendations.
• Stakeholder Consultation & Validation: Facilitate national validation workshops in Q4 2026 to assess framework impacts, align processes with international best practices, and integrate feedback into final policy recommendations.
• Strategic Reporting: Create a targeted report proposing enhancements to the integrated policy package based on the country-readiness pilots.
• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Work closely with UNEP, UNECA, and regional partners to provide timely progress reports and specialized technical guidance.

Requirements & Qualifications

To qualify for this impactful legal and environmental consultancy, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Law, Environmental Policy, Geology, Mining Engineering, Natural Resource Governance, Sustainable Development, or a closely related field.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in environmental law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience & Skills

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in the mining sector, environmental management, natural resource governance, or regulatory framework development.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing environmental and social aspects of mining operations in Africa.
• Proven track record of reviewing, developing, or applying mining-related legislation, policies, and institutional standards.
• Experience collaborating with governmental bodies, academic institutions, or international organizations (specifically the UN system) is highly desirable.
• Prior working experience within Mozambique is considered a strong advantage.

Language Proficiency

• Portuguese: Absolute fluency in written and spoken Portuguese is required.
• English: A strong working knowledge of professional English is required.

Salary & Benefits

• Contract Type: Part-time Individual Consultancy Contract.
• Duration: 6 Months.
• Compensation: Competitive, tax-exempt UN consultancy fees commensurate with experience and educational background.
• Note: The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, or training fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application, including a updated CV and a cover letter detailing their experience in African environmental policy and natural resource governance. Please apply directly through the official UN portal linked on our site.

Ensure your profile clearly outlines your experience with critical energy transition minerals (CETM) and your legal drafting capabilities in both Portuguese and English.

Quick Job FAQ

What is the main objective of this Environmental Law Specialist role?

This specialist will draft policy gap assessments and structural recommendations to improve Mozambique’s investment readiness in critical energy transition minerals (CETM), ensuring sustainable resource management.

What are the key qualifications needed for this role?

Candidates need a Master’s degree in environmental law, policy, geology, or mining engineering, alongside five years of professional experience in African mining policy, environmental regulations, or resource governance.

What languages are required for the Specialist position?

Fluency in written and spoken Portuguese is mandatory, along with a strong professional working knowledge of English to collaborate with international stakeholders effectively.

Where is this environmental governance job located?

The role is a part-time, six-month consultancy. It is associated with the UNEP office in Paris, France, with fieldwork and stakeholder engagement based in Maputo, Mozambique.