Result of Service

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 overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The Chemicals and Health Branch in UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, gathers, compiles and analyses state-of-the-art information and data, including through monitoring activities, inventories and assessments, to allow policymakers to make informed decisions on the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Branch also addresses issues of concern highlighted by governments, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), working to tackle the environmental drivers, sources and challenges of AMR through a One Health approach. The Montevideo Coordination and Delivery Unit in UNEP’s Law Division coordinates implementation of the Fifth Montevideo Programme on the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law (Montevideo Programme V). The Montevideo Programme V is a 10-year programme adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly at its fourth meeting in 2019 (UNEA Resolution 4/20). The Programme seeks to promote the environmental rule of law, strengthen related capacities in countries, and contribute to the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Programme commenced in January 2020 and is a flagship initiative of the Law Division. This consultancy will be administered by the Chemicals and Health Branch while the Montevideo Coordination and Delivery Unit will provide technical support and backstopping.

Work Location

Home-based / working remotely

Expected duration

4.5 months - Full time

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, and the direct supervision of the Team Lead, Chemicals and Health Branch, Industry and Economy Division, the Consultant will be responsible for the following duties: • Developing a legal guidance document to support countries in building robust regulatory frameworks to address the environmental dimensions of AMR, including alignment with relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and the Global Framework on Chemicals. • Analysing the Quadripartite One Health Legislative Assessment Tool on AMR (OHLAT) and suggesting how to strengthen the document, particularly the multisectoral and environmental related sections. • Drafting a set of recommendations on how to encourage countries to integrate measures for preventing and reducing the release of AMR and antimicrobials into the environment from a legal perspective. • Contributing to documents jointly developed by the Quadripartite organizations such as the guidance to strengthen legislation for AMR governance and the rapid-assessment survey based on OHLAT. • Participating in the mainstreaming of OHLAT implementation and expert capacity building activities, and other capacity development of countries and strategic outreach interventions undertaken by the Quadripartite organizations. • Providing technical support to the Secretariat of the Regulatory Agencies Network against AMR (RAGNA). • Providing technical support to the legal work carried out by the Quadripartite organizations. • Providing technical legal input to relevant documents including project proposals, reports, concept notes, briefings, speaking points, communication assets. • Identifying opportunities or interventions, including Quadripartite sector-specific initiatives such as WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, and planning the work on AMR and the environment legal and regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, international law, or closely related fields. Two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least five years of relevant experience in a field related to international law, particularly environmental law is required. Experience in the environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste, or One Health and antimicrobial resistance is desirable. A comprehensive understanding of and experience in conducting legal research on topics related to environmental legislation, or AMR is desirable. Experience in interdisciplinary development law work, including work on different locations and exposure to different legal systems is desirable. Demonstrated capacity to work with different stakeholders and participate in international projects employing a multidisciplinary approach is required. Experience of the United Nations system in particular UNEP is an asset. Special skills/knowledge: Excellent communications skills (written and oral), fluent command of English and ability to craft and deliver messages in an articulated manner. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to build robust relationships with key strategic partners, including other United Nations organizations.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in oral and written English is a requirement. Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset.

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.