SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER

Org. Setting and Reporting

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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. A key agreement opened for signature at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal, Canada and is administered by UNEP. This post is located in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). Under the supervision of the Executive Secretary, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

Responsibilities

A. Coordinating the Legal and Intergovernmental Affairs Unit: a) Coordinates and oversees the work programme, activities and resources of the Legal and Intergovernmental Affairs Unit. b) Prepares and implements annual and long-term objectives and plans towards ensuring the provision of high-quality legal advice and support to Parties and the Secretariat. c) Provides guidance for staff involved, either directly or horizontally, in carrying out the functions of the Unit. B. Development and implementation of legal regimes: a) Advises on and provides technical support for the development and implementation of legal regimes under the Convention. b) Advises on and provides technical support for the development of legal regimes under the Protocols; the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, and the Nagoya- Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress. c) Reviews or updates documents on national legislation and policies in the field of biological diversity and biosafety, including the preparation of model legislation and guidelines and the compilation of case studies and best practices, with a view to enhance their consistency with the requirements of the Convention and the Protocols. d) Coordinates the review of previous decisions of the Conference of the Parties to support the follow up of their status of implementation. C. Monitor trends and review developments in international law and processes: a) Monitors trends in international law and developments in relevant international processes and identifies their implications for the Convention and the Protocols b) Undertakes reviews of existing international and regional legal frameworks of relevance to the Convention and the Protocols. c) Liaises with relevant convention secretariats, the United Nations Office for Legal Affairs, the United Nations Environment Programme and other relevant international organizations on key legal issues of relevance to the Convention and the Protocols. D. General Legal Counsel: a) Provides legal advice to the Office of the Executive Secretary, Convention and Protocols’ bodies, and other Divisions and Units of the Secretariat on intergovernmental affairs and administrative matters. b) Advises on the implementation of the Host Government Agreement with the Government of Canada and the Entente with the Government of Quebec. c) Reviews and provides advice on the management and consolidation of the decisions of the Conference of the Parties and decisions of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the parties to the Protocols. d) Monitors and advises on procedural matters regarding the conduct of meetings of the Conference of the Parties and the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol, and their subsidiary bodies. e) Liaises with the United Nations Office for Legal Affairs on matters relating to the ratification of and accession to the Convention and the Protocols, and other matters related to treaty processes, the United Nations rules, procedures and practices. f) Provides legal advice on the drafting and signing of contracts, memorandums of cooperation, memorandum of understanding, funding agreements and other similar legal instruments between the Secretariat and other entities, as well as host government agreements for meetings held outside headquarters. E. Meetings and documentation: a) Organizes and/or services meetings under the Convention and the Protocols. Supports the Deputy Executive Secretary and Secretaries of the intergovernmental bodies in the preparation and review of draft decisions and recommendations. b) Prepares and/or contributes to the preparation of background documentation for meetings under the Convention and the Protocols. F. Other functions: a) Leads the work of the legal unit of the Secretariat. b) Assigns, reviews and supervises, as appropriate, the work of relevant staff, including programme assistants, consultants, independent contractors and interns. c) Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. d) Performs any other duties as assigned by the Executive Secretary.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, including the privileges and immunities of international organizations, in particular the United Nations. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal briefs, opinions, or legal submissions/motions, and a variety of legal instruments and related documents. Thorough understanding of treaty processes – how treaties are negotiated, adopted, enter into force and their governance system works is desirable. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and of UN system, organization and interrelationships. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, international law or other relevant discipline, preferably with specialization in legal issues is required. A first level university degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degrees in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience working in the field of environmental law, international law or other relevant discipline is required. Six (6) years of working experience in an international legal context with a focus on environmental law is required. Experience of preparing, coordinating and delivering training on international law, including UN regulations and rules or from similar international organization is required. Experience in the United Nations Common System or a similar international organization is desirable. Experience in capacity development through training programmes, the development of e-learning modules in the field of international environmental law is desirable. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable. NOTE: Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “knowledge of” equals a rating of “confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Contact Us” link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.