Legal Officer – Environmental Law

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) seeks a Legal Officer to join its Law Division in Nairobi. The role focuses on environmental law, especially biodiversity and nature‑related issues, supporting UNEP’s mandate and the Montevideo Programme V.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis on international and national environmental law, preparing studies, briefs, reports and legislative drafts.
• Provide legal advice on the interpretation and application of MEAs, UNEA resolutions and other environmental instruments.
• Support diplomatic conferences, task forces and expert groups by preparing background material and meeting reports.
• Administer legal technical assistance programmes and contribute to capacity‑building activities for enforcement networks.
• Collect, analyse and visualise data to identify trends and support decision‑making.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in international or environmental law (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum five years of progressive legal experience, including at least two years in international environmental law.
• Experience within the United Nations system or similar international organisations is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of civil and common law systems and ability to draft clear legal documents under pressure.

Required skills

• Legal research and analysis
• Drafting of legal opinions, legislative texts and background papers
• Data analytics and data‑visualisation techniques