Legal Officer – Plastic Pollution

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a Legal Officer to join its Industry and Economy Division, Plastics Unit, in Nairobi. The incumbent will support the development and implementation of legal frameworks to combat plastic pollution across countries.

Key responsibilities

• Administer legal technical assistance and capacity‑building programmes on plastic pollution for individual countries.
• Conduct legal research and analysis at country level, preparing studies, comparative analyses, briefs, reports and correspondence.
• Review legal documents, instruments and other materials relevant to the plastics value chain, identifying key issues, similarities and inconsistencies.
• Handle interpretation and application of plastic‑pollution‑related law at national, regional and international levels, in consultation with senior legal officers.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of legal guidance, policy recommendations and training materials.

Required profile

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work within a leading global environmental authority.
• Collaboration with senior experts in environmental law and policy.
• Contribution to high‑impact initiatives addressing plastic pollution worldwide.