National Consultant, Environmental Law and Policy Specialist

Result of ServiceCarry out a policy, legal and institutional review of the environment and energy sectors in Malawi and assess the readiness of its governance structures to promote climate resilience and sustainable renewable energy development. Work LocationMalawi – Home Based Expected duration6 months (Sept 2025 -Feb 2026) Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. UNEP’s Disasters and Conflicts Branch, under the Ecosystems Division, works to reduce the environmental causes and consequences of disasters and conflicts and promotes environmental security and resilience to reduce disaster and conflict risks. UNEP supports countries in strengthening legal, policy and institutional frameworks and builds capacity to address environmental dimensions of crises and fragile situations. The Government of Norway's Energy for Development Knowledge Programme and UNEP have established collaboration to strengthen environmental governance and reduce climate and disaster risks in the context of the energy transition and promotion of renewable energy development, in EfD partners countries which include Mozambique, Malawi, Nepal, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria. UNEP is a technical and implementing partner for this programme. Project components include environmental legal and policy reviews, institutional capacity needs assessments, development and delivery of trainings, and targeted technical assistance. The Project targets government institutions, including planners and regulators, to enhance environmental due diligence, reduce ecosystem degradation and strengthen environmental resilience. UNEP Disasters and Conflicts Branch is collaborating with UNEP’s Law Division which works with countries around the world to develop, implement and promote legal and institutional frameworks and enhance environmental rule of law and governance for sustainable development. Under the UNEP-EfD collaboration, UNEP is supporting the Government of Malawi to undertake a comprehensive review of its environmental policy, regulatory and institutional framework (LPR) to ensure its readiness and responsiveness to facilitate climate resilience and sustainable renewable energy development. This LPR review will assist Malawi in strengthening environmental compliance, encouraging policy coherence and effectiveness in policy implementation. Work Assignments & Outputs 1. Conduct a comprehensive desk review of relevant laws, policies and regulations to develop an Inception Report for the LPR Process 2. Organise remaining stakeholder bilateral consultations and develop a Draft Assessment Report with key findings, challenges and recommendations included. 3. Participate at a National Validation Workshop to present the Draft Assessment Report and incorporate comments received from stakeholders 4. Finalize Report and create a guidance document summary to present to the Government of Malawi and incorporate final comments received. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental law, environmental policy, or international law is recommended. A first level (undergraduate) degree in law alongside relevant experience in environmental law, environmental policy, or international law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: • Experience working with international development organizations and multi-lateral entities • Excellent legal research and drafting skills. • Strong communication skills with proficiency in report writing. • Strong analytical skills. • Ability to express complex legal information and technical jargon in an accessible manner • Demonstrated capacity to work in a consultative manner • Direct working experience in environmental law or environmental policy. • Ability to meet the required deadlines Experience: • A minimum of 15 years’ experience and familiarity with legal analysis, research, legislative drafting, policy review and development within the national context is required. • Demonstrated work experience in a developing country context and a proven track record of having conducted similar legal reviews and institutional strengthening briefs is required. • Professional and practical experience as a legal counsel within a reputable law firm, or in-house experience within the legal division of an international organization, corporate or government institution are desirable. • Strong command of legal concepts such as environmental rule of law and familiarity with the established principles of international environmental law. • Knowledge and familiarity with the energy sector, with a general understanding of the environmental and energy challenges faced in Malawi. Familiarity with international environmental agreements (e.g., UNFCCC, CBD, Paris Agreement) and international best practices related to the environment and energy will be an asset. • Experience conducting, reviewing and overseeing technical process like Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic Environmental Assessment is desirable. • Experience working with government institutions and demonstrated competence in developing and/or facilitating government institutional capacity and coordination is an advantage. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.