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 (CBD). 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 the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This post is in the Secretariat of the CBD, within the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). Under the overall guidance of the Executive Secretary and the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

Responsibilities

A. Provides legal and technical support on internal administrative, financial and human resources related matters, and the implementation of the United Nations rules and regulations to ensure the legal integrity of each matter. B. Provides legal and technical support on corporate law matters, including the negotiation and conclusion of memoranda of understanding and other instruments, with UNEP, the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) and other key organizations, including private actors, on relations between the Secretariat and other UN offices, activities relating to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) as well as funding and human resources opportunities. C. Contributes to the development of the strategy of the Secretariat for supporting the KMGBF and related matters, and support in the planning and organization and servicing of intergovernmental meetings of the Conference of Parties (COP) and the Conference of Parties serving as Meeting of Parties (COP-MOPs), the subsidiary bodies and the COP Bureau. D. Contributes to the review and coordination of the preparation of documents relating to the implementation of the Convention, the KMGBF and the Protocols with a view to ensure consistency, quality and complementarity of these documents including draft decisions. E. Undertakes research, identifies and monitors trends in international law and international environmental processes, particularly those under multilateral environmental agreements, and identifies good practices that would be relevant to the implementation of the KMGBF, relevant CBD governing bodies decisions and other relevant biodiversity matters/themes. F. Establishes working relationships with the representatives and officials of national competent authorities, appropriate staff of the secretariats of relevant multilateral environmental agreements, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including UNEP and UNON, other international organizations and private actors that participate in and contribute to the intergovernmental processes for the implementation of the KMGBF. G. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. H. Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Legal Officer and the Executive Secretary.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts, procedures and terminology for review within the intergovernmental processes under the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Protocols and the provision of legal advice on administrative, financial and human resources related matters. The 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from client’s point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the client’s environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects, Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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.

Education

Advanced University degree (masters or equivalent) in law preferably with specialization in international environmental law and governance is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental law and governance, three of which should be at international level is required. Experience with the United Nations or similar international organizations’ processes, and familiarity with the processes of environmental treaty bodies, the Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements, is desirable. Experience with analyzing environmental legal and governance regimes is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

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. External candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of “internal candidate” in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position subject to limitation will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent…