Environmental Law and Governance Specialist — UNEP (Paris, France)
About Us
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.
This consultancy is nested within UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, working in close collaboration with the Law Division and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Our current initiative focuses on "Strengthening Capacity for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Investment in Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETMs)." We help mineral-producing developing countries establish robust environmental and social safeguards to attract sustainable, responsible investment.
Key Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer (Industry and Economy Division) and the Legal Officer (Law Division), the Environmental Law and Governance Specialist will support UNEP in delivering national readiness assessments and policy recommendations for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Key duties include:
- Policy & Legislative Analysis: Draft a comprehensive gap and needs analysis report focusing on the DRC's legislative, policy, and institutional frameworks regarding readiness for Critical Energy Transition Minerals (MCTE/CETM) investments.
- Field Research: Conduct field studies, stakeholder interviews, and literature reviews during the third quarter of 2026 to gather localized data.
- Reform Recommendations: Develop concrete, actionable recommendations for institutional and legal reforms to align national mining frameworks with international best practices.
- Stakeholder Consultations: Facilitate national and local validation workshops and consultative meetings in Q4 2026 to evaluate the impact of current frameworks and validate project findings.
- Inter-Agency Collaboration: Work closely with UNEP, UNECA, and local authorities to integrate stakeholder feedback into final policy packages and reports.
Requirements & Qualifications
To succeed in this role, candidates must meet the following academic and professional criteria:
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in environmental law, environmental policy, mining policy, or sustainable development.
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor's) combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in environmental law and policy is required.
- Proven expertise in environmental regulations, natural resource governance, and mining activities within Africa.
- Prior professional experience with international organizations (specifically within the UN system) or academic research institutions focusing on legal analysis is highly desirable.
Language Requirements
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and French are strictly required to conduct field consultations and draft official UN reports.
Salary & Benefits
- Contract Type: International Consultancy (Part-time)
- Duration: 6 Months
- Compensation: Competitive daily/monthly rates commensurate with professional experience and UN consultant scales.
- Professional Growth: Gain direct exposure to high-level policy formulation in the critical minerals sector alongside UNEP, UNECA, and UNDP.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the requirements are invited to submit their applications, including a detailed CV and cover letter outlining their experience in African environmental law and mining policy.
Please note that the United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or training). Learn more about our team and mission on the NGO Jobspot homepage.
Quick Job FAQ
Who is the hiring organization for this specialist role?
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is hiring for this position within its Industry and Economy Division, in close collaboration with the Law Division.
Where is this environmental law consultancy located?
The role is based in Paris, France, with primary field operations, research, and stakeholder consultations focused in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
What are the primary languages required for this position?
Candidates must have professional fluency in both English and French to successfully conduct field research, facilitate consultations, and draft legal reports.
What is the contract duration and work schedule?
This is a part-time contract role with an expected duration of six months, focusing on critical energy transition mineral policies.