Chemicals Legal Specialist (Consultant)

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a consultant to support its Law Division on chemicals and waste issues, particularly the implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) in Latin America and the Caribbean. The role will be home‑based and will report to the Head of the Pollution Section.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and select at least three pilot countries in the region for testing UNEP’s “leapfrogging” guidance on chemicals regulation.
• Conduct mapping and gap‑analysis of each country’s regulatory, legal and institutional frameworks for chemicals and waste.
• Develop country‑specific reform action plans based on the gap‑analysis findings.
• Present gap‑analysis reports and reform plans to government counterparts and relevant stakeholders.
• Draft legal provisions and legislative recommendations to address identified gaps and support implementation of reform plans.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental law, international law, human rights or a related field (or a first‑level law degree plus 2 additional qualifying years).
• Minimum seven years of legal work experience, with at least five years focused on legislation related to chemicals and waste.
• Experience in international or national environmental law concerning chemicals and waste; UN or similar organization experience is desirable.
• Excellent legal research, analysis and writing skills.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (both oral and written); working knowledge of French is an asset.