Legal Affairs Consultant at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Legal Unit, the consultant will:

• Conduct legal research and analysis on complex issues of international, institutional, administrative, and commercial law to support UNEP’s operations.
• Review, draft, and negotiate legal instruments—including MOUs, PCAs, donor agreements, and consultancy contracts—ensuring clarity, consistency, and compliance with UN rules and UNEP policies.
• Prepare clear, well-reasoned legal opinions, memoranda, and background papers on issues including privacy and data protection, implementation arrangements, and institutional law.
• Identify and advise on potential legal and compliance risks, particularly in third-party arrangements, to support sound risk management.
• Provide legal advice on administrative and procedural matters, including support for management evaluation or tribunal proceedings as required.
• Contribute to the servicing of the work of committees, task forces, and working groups by providing legal input and preparing related documentation.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of legal templates, guidance materials, and knowledge management tools.
• Contribute to internal capacity-building efforts and ensure that legal advice is practical and accessible to non-legal staff.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (LL.M.) in international law, public law, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree plus two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably within the UN system or a similar international organization is required. Experience in international institutional law, administrative law, and/or commercial contracts is required. Legal analysis, research and writing experience is required.
• 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable Familiarity with UN legal frameworks, including implementation arrangements and partnerships, is desirable.
• Skills and Competencies: Strong legal analytical and drafting skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.