Result of Service

The consultant will support UNEP’s work on environmental rights in particular related to conservation funding. The consultant, under the supervision of the Legal Officer of Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit, Law Division, will carry out the activities as per the ToR.

Work Location

Home-Based

Expected duration

Six 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 sub-programme 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 in the Law Division are founded on the mission of UNEP to provide leadership and advice on matters related to international environmental law 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. UNEP has been working on human rights and the environment for almost two decades and engages with members States and other actors to promote, protect and respect human rights including the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Legal Officer of Law Division’s Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit, the consultant will: 1. Organize consultations for strategy development:  Coordinate the planning and logistics for consultations aimed at developing implementation strategies for UNEP’s Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Actors.  Engage with key stakeholders, including representatives from private conservation organizations, human rights experts, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to ensure an inclusive consultation process.  Document and synthesize feedback from consultations to inform strategy recommendations. 2. Support multistakeholder platform coordination:  Facilitate and coordinate the multistakeholder platform dedicated to implementing the Core Human Rights Principles, fostering cross-sector engagement.  Develop and maintain engagement materials to keep stakeholders informed.  Assist in scheduling, organizing, and documenting platform meetings, preparing agendas, and tracking action points to ensure smooth coordination. 3. Stakeholder engagement and outreach:  Conduct outreach and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders to strengthen buy-in for the Principles, focusing on the inclusion of rights holders, including Indigenous Peoples.  Collaborate with human rights experts and other stakeholders to gather insights and recommendations that will enhance the implementation strategies. 4. Reporting and documentation:  Prepare a detailed final report summarizing activities, outcomes, and recommendations based on consultations and platform engagements.  Provide periodic updates to the Law Division’s Frontiers in Environmental Law Unit on progress, challenges, and key milestones. 5. Other relevant assignments:  Undertake relevant additional tasks, as requested by the Legal Officer, including supporting fundraising efforts.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced level law degree from a university or institution of equivalent status with specialization in environmental law, or human rights law, including natural resources management, environmental assessment, environmental policy, or environmental justice. A minimum of ten years of experience, including working on the intersection between human rights law and environmental law is required. Prior experience working on conservation and human rights is required. Prior experience working on procedural rights and with intergovernmental bodies is required. Working experience in engaging and effective communications with diverse organizations and audiences interacting and coordinating large networks/groups is required. Excellent research, writing, analytical skills and communications skills are desirable. Results-focused, Clear and concise communication are desirable. 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 and Spanish as well as knowledge of French 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.