- Position Title: Environmental Law Specialist (Consultant)
- Advert Reference: Job Opening ID: 270064
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Location: Home-based (Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya)
- Employment Type: Consultancy (4 months)
- Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
- Category/Department: Legal Affairs / Environmental Law / International Law
- Salary Expectation: Estimated KSh 600,000–900,000 gross monthly (consultancy equivalent). This estimate is based on prevailing UN consultancy remuneration benchmarks for CON-level international legal consultants with 5+ years’ experience, aligned with UN system consultancy rates and comparable international environmental law consultancies. Actual remuneration is determined by the United Nations and contractual terms and may vary; this is an independent approximation to guide expectations and negotiation – no legal implication intended.
Introduction
The Environmental Law Specialist consultancy presents a high-impact opportunity for an experienced international legal professional to contribute directly to global environmental governance. This Environmental Law Specialist role supports the implementation of outcomes of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) and provides critical legal advisory services to intergovernmental and subsidiary bodies within the UN environmental system.
This Environmental Law Specialist position is ideal for a senior legal expert with strong grounding in international environmental law, public international law, and UN institutional processes, who is motivated to shape legal frameworks addressing chemicals, waste, pollution, and broader environmental governance at the global level.
About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority that sets the international environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and supports Member States through legal, policy, and institutional frameworks addressing emerging environmental challenges. Its Law Division leads work on environmental law, governance, and multilateral environmental agreements, supporting States and international bodies in implementing treaty obligations and advancing the rule of law in environmental matters.
1. Environmental Law Specialist (Home-based – 1 Post)
Brief Overview:
The Environmental Law Specialist will provide legal advice and support related to UNEP’s mandate, UNEA-7 outcomes, subsidiary bodies, and the Intergovernmental Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), contributing to effective international environmental governance.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice on the mandate and international status of UNEP, its Governing Bodies, its rules of procedure and UN resolutions that are applicable to its work.
- Provide legal support to the secretariat to the Intergovernmental Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP).
- Provide legal support to UNEP Divisions and Offices concerning implementation of outcomes of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 7).
- Provide legal support to subsidiary processes of UNEA 7, including the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
- Conduct research into and provide advice on questions of public international law, international environmental law and related questions including provisions of the UN Charter, other UN organs, UN Conventions and Treaties and other international organizations.
Requirements for Appointment / Qualifications
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law, international environmental law, or a related field is required.
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive working experience in international law, environmental law, environmental policy, or a related field.
- Experience at the international level, including with United Nations system organizations or international science-policy bodies, is desirable.
- Experience in institutional legal matters related to managing legal processes of international organizations is desirable.
- Excellent research and drafting skills are desirable.
- Excellent organization and consultation management skills are desirable.
- Direct working experience in environmental law or environmental policy is desirable.
- Fluency in oral and written English is required.
Terms of Service
- Consultancy contract (CON level).
- Duration: Four (4) months.
- Work modality: Home-based.
Apply for Environmental Law Specialist at UNEP – Deadline 16 January 2026
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official United Nations Careers portal using the link provided above. Applications must be completed and submitted online before the stated deadline. The United Nations does not accept late applications.
Apply for Environmental Law Specialist at UNEP – Deadline 16 January 2026
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or training) and does not request any information related to bank accounts.
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