Associate Legal Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Associate Legal Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Kenya Job Details

About the Role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recruiting an Associate Legal Officer for its Law Division in Nairobi. This is a full-time position focused on environmental law, governance, and the implementation of the Montevideo Programme V. The role reports directly to the Special Assistant of the Law Division and involves a mix of legal research, document review, administrative support, and communications work within one of the UN system’s key environmental bodies.

UNEP sets the global environmental agenda and coordinates the environmental dimension of sustainable development across the United Nations. This Associate Legal Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) position offers direct exposure to international environmental law, policy implementation, and the mechanisms that shape global environmental governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in performing UNEP’s functions as Secretariat under Montevideo Programme V, including servicing meetings, preparing background documents, and compiling meeting reports
• Conduct legal research on environmental law issues including environmental rule of law, human rights and the environment, emerging topics such as rights of nature, and environmental crime
• Review legal documents, instruments, and materials related to environmental law and allied fields under the Montevideo Programme V framework
• Support the Special Assistant in delivering administrative services that enable the Law Division to carry out its mandate and operational functions
• Enhance the Law Division’s digital and knowledge platforms to improve information accessibility and usability
• Manage communications for the Law Division, including updates to UNEP’s website, InforMEA, and the UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform (UNEP-LEAP)
• Contribute to the Division’s reporting obligations and documentation requirements
• Perform additional relevant duties as directed by management

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, with specialization in environmental law and governance
• Minimum three years of progressively responsible experience in environmental law and governance, including legal analysis, research, and writing
• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and produce written analysis on complex environmental topics
• Prior work experience at the international level is highly desired
• Prior experience in communications and content management is desired
• Familiarity with environmental law instruments, multilateral environmental agreements, and policy frameworks

What to Expect

• Work within a multinational UN environment, collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and countries on global environmental challenges
• Exposure to cutting-edge environmental governance issues including emerging topics and evolving legal frameworks
• Participation in UN Volunteer programmes, including reflection activities, International Volunteer Day events, and mentorship opportunities
• This Associate Legal Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) position in Nairobi is open to qualified candidates. Click Apply below to submit your application.