Environmental Law Specialist

We are seeking an accomplished Environmental Law specialist who is highly motivated to apply their legal and policy expertise to global efforts to conserve, manage and restore biodiversity. Expertise in biodiversity-related conventions and agreements, as well as wider regulatory frameworks aiming at reducing overexploitation of nature and transitioning to deforestation-free supply chains are particularly relevant to this role. The focus of this post will be to contribute environmental law expertise, insights and analysis to the delivery of UNEP-WCMC’s suite of projects providing biodiversity knowledge to decision-makers.

In this role, you will lead on project components and make substantial contributions to projects by contributing your legal expertise to policy-relevant outputs and advice provided to governments and other decision-makers. For instance, you may be asked to provide legal assessment / advice as part of UNEP-WCMC’s efforts to support the implementation of nature positive policies and to inform policies on deforestation-free supply chains and other strategic areas. Using your excellent writing, strong analytical and critical thinking skills, you will research legislation and policy-related topics to then synthesise this in accurate, relevant and succinct outputs for policy-makers. Working both independently and within a team, you will also put both your project implementation and editorial skills to good use as you will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of policy reports and analyses, ensuring that outputs are consistently delivered on time, within budget, and to the high quality reflective of UNEP-WCMC’s standard. Where appropriate, you will also represent UNEP-WCMC at expert meetings, for example in relation to our work on the EU Timber Regulation and FLEGT Regulation.

A strong focus of this role will be on supporting international frameworks and legislative responses that were put in place to combat illegal logging and to ensure international trade in deforestation-related commodities is sustainable. You will hold a relevant degree in international environmental law/policy and have relevant professional experience that includes the provision of legal advice and analysis. Sound working knowledge of global policy processes related to biodiversity, as well as the interlinkages between trade and environment, are essential prerequisites for this role. You will also have demonstrated experience at working in the field of international biodiversity governance, forest policy and/or trade policy, and be pro-active in keeping up to date with new developments. A high level of accuracy and a meticulous approach to quality control is essential for this role. Furthermore, you will be organised, a good team-player, an excellent communicator and able to prioritise multiple competing deadlines. 

WCMC attaches great importance to addressing safeguarding and ethical considerations in all activities carried out by its staff, including where partner organisations or individuals are part of the delivery of our work. This includes children and vulnerable adults in the community who may be vulnerable to abuse. WCMC act with integrity, are transparent and expect applicants to share the same values.

WCMC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity; religion; faith or belief. We shortlist without using the personal information that you provide as part of the recruitment process. Therefore, please do not include a photograph in your cv or we may automatically reject your application.

We will provide you with the challenge of working on high profile projects, where your work feeds into international policy processes which really make a difference to the field of conservation, sustainable development and efforts to combat deforestation. In addition to training and development opportunities, we offer a competetive benefits package, including generous pension contributions.

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging post where your excellent legal analysis skills, technical knowledge and expertise in the international environmental policy context contribute to efforts to combat deforestation and safeguard global biodiversity, we want to hear from you. Please complete our application form, personal details form and send it together with your CV and a short covering letter through the link below by 22nd July 2021. 

Please note that this is a position with WCMC the UK-registered charity and is not a position working for the United Nations. It is a UK based role and the successful applicant will be expected to reside within commuting distance of Cambridge and within the UK. Some of our roles are eligible for visa sponsorship, providing the relevant sponsorship criteria are met.

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